What is a skin infection?
The largest organ in your body is your skin. It protects your body against infection. Sometimes, an infection spreads to the skin itself. Many different types of microorganisms can cause skin infections, which can have moderate to serious symptoms. While some infections can be treated at home or with over-the-counter drugs, others may need to be treated by a doctor. To find out more about skin infections and what to do if you have one, continue reading.
What are the types of skin infections?
There are a four types of infection:
1. Bacterial skin infections :
Small, red pimples that gradually grow in size are a common symptom of bacterial skin infections. While some bacterial infections are minor and manageable with topical antibiotics, others call for an oral antibiotic. There are various bacterial skin infections, including:
- boils
- cellulitis
- impetigo
- Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
2. Viral skin infections
A virus is the source of viral skin illnesses. Mild to severe infections are present. There are various viral infections, including:
- measles
- chickenpox
- Molluscum contagiosum
- warts
- hand, foot, and mouth disease
- shingles (herpes zoster)
3. Fungal skin infections
These fungus-based skin illnesses are most likely to appear in moist body regions like the armpit or feet. The majority of fungal infections are not life-threatening, and some of them are not communicable.
Types of fungal infections:
- ringworm
- diaper rash
- athlete’s foot
- nail fungus
- oral thrush
- yeast infection
4. Parasitic skin infection
There is a parasite that causes these kinds of skin diseases. These infections can enter the circulation and organs after starting on the skin. Although not fatal, a parasite infection can be painful.
Types of parasitic skin infections include:
- scabies
- cutaneous larva migrans
- bedbugs
- lice
What are the symptoms of a skin infection?
Depending on the kind of skin infection, the symptoms also change. A rash and skin redness are typical signs. Other symptoms, including itchiness, soreness, and tenderness, could also be present.
If you have pus-filled blisters or a skin infection that doesn’t go away or grows worse over time, see a doctor. Skin infections have the potential to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, it may endanger lives.
Severe infection symptoms include:
- dark, necrotic-appearing skin, or skin that becomes discolored and painful
- skin sloughing, breakdown
- blisters
- pus
How is a skin infection treated?
The type and severity of the infection will determine how it is treated. Some viral skin infections may heal on their own in a matter of days or weeks.
Topical antibiotics applied directly to the skin or oral antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections. If the bacterial strain is difficult to treat, treating the illness can necessitate intravenous antibiotics given in a medical facility.
A fungus-related skin infection can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal sprays and lotions. Consult your doctor about prescription oral or topical medications if your issue doesn’t get better. Additionally, you can cure parasitic skin infections by putting therapeutic creams on your skin. Anti-inflammatory pills are only one type of medication your doctor could advise you to take to ease discomfort. If you have any type of skin infection you can take Ivermectol 12 mg and Iversun 12 mg from Woodstock family medicine.
Home care and alternative treatments
The symptoms of a skin infection can be managed at home. These are some examples of home care:
- To lessen itching, take over-the-counter antihistamines.
- To lessen itchiness and irritation, apply topical lotions and ointments.
- Use cold compresses on your skin many times each day to lessen inflammation and itching.