The present invention provides methods for treating, preventing or ameliorating skin infections, including bacterial and viral infections. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods to reduce skin infection in a patient with atopic dermatitis (AD). Also provided are methods for improving skin barrier function, and methods for reducing the risk of inflammation due to microbial infection in a patient in need thereof. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antagonist such as an anti-IL-4R antibody.