Table of Contents
What are Skin Infections?
Skin infections are skin diseases caused by the attack of different types of germs, which cause a local reaction in which other cells and microorganisms present on the skin destroy.
The most common infections can classify according to their origin: bacterial, such as staphylococcus or impetigo, viral ones, such as warts, molluscum contagiosum, or herpes simplex.
Those causes by fungi, such as yeast infections; or those caused by skin parasites, such as scabies or lice.
What are the Causes of Skin Infections?
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are generally the culprits of skin infections. Like all harmful germs, they can be transmitted from person to person by skin contact and around the house by our hands, clothing, pets, food, and household objects.
There are several types of skin infections, and the type of infection depends on the microorganism that causes it. And also, some common types of skin infections are:
1. Boils
A painful, reddish lump on the skin, usually developing on the neck, face, armpits, or buttocks.
2. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin’s huge layer (dermis) and the layer of fatty and soft tissues (subcutaneous tissues) under the skin.
3. Tub
Ringworm is a fungal infection that normally affects the body’s exposed parts, such as the legs, arms, or face, and causes a red, ring-shaped rash.
4. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
It is a fungal infection that generally causes itching, burning, and peeling or breaking the skin between the toes.
What are the Symptoms of Skin Infections?
Symptoms differ turn on the kind of infection; however, some common symptoms are:
- Blisters
- Itch
- Irritation
- Pain and discomfort
- Burning
- Pus
- And also, Rashes
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as you may require a course of antibiotics (tablets or cream) to treat the skin infection previous to it becomes extra severe.
Types of Skin Infections
Skin infections can be mild, cured with home remedies, or severe, which requires the use of medications prescribed by the doctor. These can be:
1. Skin infection caused by Bacteria.
In this case, the bacteria proliferate on the skin and penetrate the deeper layers through cuts or scratches. Some examples are:
- Infectious cellulitis ;
- Impetigo ;
- Erysipelas ;
- And also, Carbuncle.
The treatment of mild bacterial infections does with antibiotic ointments. However, in many cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics in syrup or tablets.
2. Fungal Skin Infections
Fungi thrive in hot and humid places, so some areas of the body with these characteristics are more likely to develop fungi more easily. Some examples are:
- Athlete’s foot;
- Fungus on the skin or nails ;
- Balanitis ;
- And also, Candidiasis.
These can treat with antifungal ointments, which the pharmacist may indicate, as in the athlete’s foot and nail fungus. However, they always recommend consulting a doctor.
3. Skin infections caused by Viruses.
Skin diseases caused by viruses are more common in childhood when coming into contact with an infected person since they are usually contagious diseases. Some examples are:
- Herpes ;
- And also, Chickenpox;
- Measles ;
- Hand foot mouth syndrome;
- And also, Wart.
These skin infections can treat with ointments prescribed by the doctor, and in case of fever or pain, the intake of Dipyrone may indicate.
Prevention Tips for Skin Infections
1. Wash your Hands
It is highly contagious, so remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
2. Bathe Frequently
Infections can occur anywhere on your skin. Wash frequently and thoroughly to remove harmful germs and bacteria.
3. Do not Share
If someone in your home has a skin infection, thoroughly wash all items that a person has used — such as sheets, towels, glasses, and silverware — before using them. Or maybe keeping a separate towel for everyone would be a great option. Choose antibacterial towels to prevent any skin infection. Most of the infections occur due to the bacteria and using an antibacterial towel would help preventing it. Mizu antibacterial towel sets are perfect for you. Mizu towels are world’s best bacteria fighting towels and come with silver fibers that change color when dirt builds up. Based on the finest Japanese design, Mizu has been created to keep you and your loved ones safe.
4. Dry
Taking off wet or sweaty clothes and then drying off total can help reduce fungal infections. Also, remember to wear flip flops in locker rooms and shared showers.
5. First Aid
Germs can easily infect cuts and scrapes, so if you hurt yourself, clean the wound and apply an antiseptic to remove any germs, then cover it to keep dirt and other germs out.
Treatment for Skin Infections
- Keeping the skin clean and washing the wounds with soap and water are fundamental measures to avoid developing a skin infection or having complications with a previous injury.
- Treatment can be done with antibiotics in the ointment, in the case of an infection caused by bacteria, topical antifungals.
- And also, it is a fungal infection, and, in some cases, viral infections, such as herpes, ointments that reduce the viral action.
- In all cases, the doctor must indicate the treatment since using the wrong drug and not having the expected effect can aggravate the situation.
How are Skin Infections Diagnosed?
To diagnose a skin infection, health professionals do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Lab tests, such as a skin culture, may be done to identify what type of infection you have using a sample of your skin.
Your healthcare provider may take the sample with a swab or by scraping your skin, or by removing a small piece of skin ( biopsy ). And also, sometimes other tests are used, such as blood tests.
Conclusion
The prognosis for a skin infection differs depending on the cause. Most kinds of bacterial infections respond well to medications.
Certain strains of bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to common antibiotics and are challenging to treat.
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