Skin infections are far more common than we might think, with millions of cases each and every year – in the US alone. The skin is our largest organ and is tasked with the important job of protecting our inner organs and soft tissue from environmental viruses, bacteria and other dirt, debris and more. This puts the skin in harm’s way, and while it can protect itself – cuts, sores and wounds can often cause infections and other issues to develop. Learn more about a few of the most common types of skin infections below.

Types of Skin Infections

• Bacterial Skin Infections
  They often begin as small, reddish bumps and slowly increase in size. Some of these bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with antibiotics. Often patients who are older, or suffer from certain illnesses like diabetes, cancer, or even HIV/AIDS, which compromise their immune systems are more susceptible to these types of issues. Common bacterial skin infections include cellulitis, impetigo, and warts/boils.
• Viral Skin Infections
  Infections caused by a virus, that are known to cause localized lesions and rashes. These can range from mild to severe, they are accompanied by a high fever, fatigue and general laziness. These infections easily spread and are highly contagious, some common viral infections include shingles, herpes zoster, chickenpox, molluscum contagiosum, warts, measles, and certain diseases of the mouth or hands.
• Fungal Skin Infections
  Skin infections caused by contact of a fungus, usually from being in contact with a fungus from a damp, dark area, or as a result of poor hygiene. Often times, if an individual were to wear, wet, sweaty socks, for a long period of time, especially under tight shoes, it would cause the production of fungus similar to athlete’s foot. These fungal issues are known to infect the skin and nails, causing red, bumpy, inflamed rashes. Other ways to contract a fungal infection is by walking barefoot, in an area used by a lot of people like a locker room, or communal shower. These infections include athlete’s foot, yeast infections, ringworm, hair/nail fungus, and diaper rashes.
• Parasitic Skin Infections
  Skin infections caused by a parasite, most commonly a small or even microscopic insect or worm-like organism, that may burrow into the skin, in order to live and lay its eggs to reproduce. These infections can easily spread to other organs and parts of the body through the blood, so they are quite dangerous. They can even be life threatening in severe cases. They include lice, bedbugs, scabies and different types of larva migrans.
  Other milder skin infections are abscesses, acne pimples, warts, and other bumps or irritations.

Treatment
Depending on the type of infection the skin is treated with different methods. Generally, we will recommend some combination of antibiotics, anti-fungal creams, topical creams or ointments, and certain antivirals. During your consultation, Dr. Lodha will carefully examine your skin infection in order to determine its specific cause and origin. Once we understand exactly the type of infection, we can create a precise treatment plan for you.

No matter what your skin infection issue, the team at Pura Dermatology is here for you. For more information on skin infections, or to schedule a consultation contact us today.