The skin's normal bacterial flora prevents colonization by pathogenic organisms. A break in epidermal integrity by trauma, leg ulcers, fungal infections (e.g. athlete's foot) or abnormal scaling of the skin (e.g. in eczema) can allow infection. If reinfection occurs, this may be due to asymptomatic nasal carriage of bacteria or the presence of other infected close contacts.
If you use hypo allergenic makeup for your sensitive skin, remember to use hypo allergenic nail polish, too - you constantly touch your face with your hands and can easily trigger a reaction.
