Staph Skin Infections in Babies
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines
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Staphylococcal (staph) skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, one of the most common bacteria found on human skin. While many people carry staph harmlessly on their skin or in their nose, it can cause a range of skin infections when it enters through a break in the skin. In babies and young children, staph causes boils (furuncles), folliculitis, wound infections, and is a primary cause of impetigo and cellulitis. Most staph skin infections are treatable with standard antibiotics.
Key takeaways
- Staphylococcal (staph) skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, one of the most common bacteria found on human skin.
- Duration: Minor staph skin infections like folliculitis resolve within 5-7 days with proper treatment. Impetigo typically clears within 7-10 days with antibiotics. Abscesses improve within 2-3 days after drainage. More extensive infections may take 10-14 days to fully resolve.
- Go to ER if: Skin infection in a baby under 3 months old
- No vaccine currently available
Symptoms
How It Presents by Age
0-3 months
Neonates are particularly vulnerable. Staph can infect the umbilical stump (omphalitis), circumcision site, or areas of skin breakdown. May also cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), with widespread reddening and peeling skin. Pustules in the diaper area are common.
Risk level: High — newborns have immature immune systems and infections can become invasive quickly
3-12 months
Often presents as infected diaper rash, folliculitis, small boils in skin folds, or impetigo around the nose and mouth. Skin-to-skin contact with colonized caregivers is a common source.
Risk level: Moderate to high
1-3 years
Common presentations include boils, impetigo, infected insect bites, and wound infections. Toddlers are prone to minor skin injuries that serve as entry points. Folliculitis may occur in areas of friction (diaper area, skin folds).
Risk level: Moderate
3-5 years
Impetigo and infected cuts or scrapes are the most frequent presentations. Daycare attendance increases exposure risk. Children with eczema are especially susceptible to staph superinfection of eczema patches.
Risk level: Low to moderate
Treatment
Topical antibiotics
Mupirocin (Bactroban) ointment is effective for minor superficial staph infections like small areas of impetigo or folliculitis. Applied 2-3 times daily for 5-7 days.
Oral antibiotics
Cephalexin (Keflex) or dicloxacillin for methicillin-sensitive staph infections. Typical course is 7-10 days. If MRSA is suspected, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or clindamycin may be prescribed instead.
Incision and drainage
Abscesses require drainage by a healthcare provider to remove the pus collection. This is the most important step in treating staph abscesses and is often sufficient without antibiotics for small, uncomplicated abscesses.
Wound care
Keep infected areas clean with gentle soap and water. Cover with clean, dry bandages. Change dressings at least once daily or when soiled.
Home Care
- Apply warm compresses to boils for 20 minutes, 3-4 times daily to promote drainage
- Keep all cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered with adhesive bandages
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching infected areas
- Bathe regularly and keep the skin clean
- Trim fingernails short to prevent scratching and further skin damage
- Use separate towels and washcloths for the infected child
- Wash bedding and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat
When to Worry
Go to the ER if:
- Skin infection in a baby under 3 months old
- High fever with a skin infection
- Rapidly spreading redness or red streaks from the infection
- Signs of sepsis — lethargy, poor feeding, mottled skin, rapid breathing
- Widespread blistering and peeling skin (possible staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome)
- Facial swelling or infection near the eye
- Child appears very sick or toxic-looking
Call your doctor if:
- Any skin infection that looks like it may contain pus (potential abscess)
- Skin infection not improving after 3 days of prescribed antibiotics
- Red, warm, spreading area of skin (possible cellulitis)
- Recurrent skin infections in the child or family members
- Infected eczema — worsening redness, oozing, or crusting in eczema patches
- Folliculitis that is widespread or not clearing with good hygiene
Keep an eye on:
- Infection is spreading despite 48 hours of antibiotic treatment
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pain around the infected area
- Child develops fever accompanying a skin infection
- A boil becomes large, firm, and increasingly painful
- New areas of infection develop
- Baby under 3 months has any sign of skin infection
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Clean and cover all cuts, scrapes, and insect bites promptly
- Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, or clothing
- Keep eczema well controlled with daily moisturizing and prescribed treatments
- Bathe regularly and maintain good skin hygiene
- Trim fingernails short to minimize skin damage from scratching
- Clean shared toys and surfaces regularly
- Treat skin conditions that compromise the skin barrier
Contagion & Incubation
Incubation
1-10 days after bacteria enter a break in the skin, though colonization may precede infection by weeks or months
Contagious for
Contagious as long as the infection is draining or active. Staph bacteria can also be transmitted from asymptomatic carriers. Proper wound coverage significantly reduces transmission.
Duration
Minor staph skin infections like folliculitis resolve within 5-7 days with proper treatment. Impetigo typically clears within 7-10 days with antibiotics. Abscesses improve within 2-3 days after drainage. More extensive infections may take 10-14 days to fully resolve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does staph skin infections last?
How does staphylococcal skin infection spread?
When should I take my baby to the ER?
Can staphylococcal skin infection be prevented?
When can my child return to daycare?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Illnesses
Bottom line
Staph Skin Infections is treatable with appropriate medical care. Seek emergency care if skin infection in a baby under 3 months old.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.