Skin infections are a common medical condition and they occur when bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. invade the initial layer of the skin and infect it. In severe cases, it can also infect the tissue deep beneath the skin. While most of the skin infections are treatable, some can be life-threatening. The symptoms noted here are swelling, pain, itching, etc.
So, proper diagnosis and treatment are required to stop the infection from spreading and promote healing. You can prevent skin infections by applying certain creams, following medications, or making lifestyle changes.
Types of Skin Infections
Here are some of the common skin infections:
1. Viral Skin Infections
Viral skin infections are caused by different viruses, as its name suggests. This affects the skin cells and leads to varied symptoms. Some of the common viral skin infections are:
- Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral skin infection that is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). It leads to fluid-filled blisters and rash all over the body. Fever, sore throat, headache, etc., are common symptoms.
- Measles: It is a respiratory illness and spreads via contact with the infected throat or nasal secretions. Symptoms of Measles include fever, distinctive rash, etc. If not treated on time, it can lead to encephalitis and pneumonia.
Other viral skin infections include Molluscum contagiosum, Shingles, etc. You can have these skin infections on your face.
2. Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial infection on skin develops when bacteria enter the skin through small breaks in the skin surface caused by surgery, scrapes, etc., or from the hair follicles. The infections caused by bacteria can be local or systemic.
Nevertheless, you can go for bacterial skin infection treatment at home. You can use aloe vera, honey, and turmeric paste on the infected area. You can also opt for cold compresses.
Some common bacterial skin infections include:
- Impetigo: It is one of the contagious bacterial skin infections that spreads even to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Symptoms include red sores; blisters on the face, legs, and arms; itching; etc.
- Folliculitis: In this, the hair follicles get inflamed. It is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus. Under this condition, hair follicles get inflamed or infected. It looks like a cluster of bumps that is filled with pus. The areas of infections can get sore and itchy.
MRSA, cellulitis, boils and carbuncles, Necrotizing fasciitis, Hansen’s disease, etc. are other common bacterial infections.
3. Fungal Skin Infections
Different fungus, when they grow on nails, hair, or skin, leads to fungal skin infections. Mentioned below are some of the fungal skin infections:
- Ringworm: This fungal infection results in ring-shaped rashes all over the body, and it affects the scalps and nails as well. Symptoms of ringworms are itchy skin, red and cracked skin, etc.
- Athlete’s foot: Also known as tinea pedis, this infection spreads from contaminated surfaces and it typically impacts the skin under your feet. Symptoms include peeling, flakiness, and redness of the feet’s skin.
| Do you know? Pityriasis Versicolor is a common fungal skin infection that affects the neck, trunk, and arms of your body. It is caused due to Malassezia, which is also referred to as Pityrosporum. It interferes with the normal production of pigment. |
4. Parasitic Skin Infections
Parasitic skin infections result from the parasites that live above or beneath the skin. Some parasitic skin infections include:
- Lice: Lice is caused by tiny wingless insects that feed on human blood and are found in the scalp. This is spread from head-to-head contact. It causes itching and irritation.
- Scabies: It is caused by the tiny burrowing mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Symptoms of scabies are sores, crusts, rash, constant itching, etc.
Conclusion
Skin infections are prevalent across different age groups. The symptoms of skin infections vary as per the types of infection one can get. Individuals with a weak immune system tend to develop skin infections faster than others. So, if you are infected, then it is ideal to consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as possible to avoid worsening it and spreading it further across your body and to others.
