Four Types of Skin Infections

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is no wonder that caring for it requires so much of our time. There are many things that irritate our skin including bug bites and skin infections. They are both bothersome and most can be itchy. Although bug bites can be a nuisance, they usually clear up pretty fast. Skin infections are a different story altogether.

Bacterial infections - These infections enter our body through breaks in our skin (cuts, abrasions, wounds, dry skin). They can affect a small spot on our skin or cover a large area of skin. They can be easily treated or a serious, even life-threatening condition.

Infections of the skin that are bacterial in nature are abscesses, boils, carbuncles, cellulitis, ecthyma, erysipelas, folliculitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

Individual who have diabetes are more likely to have bacterial infections because they generally have poor blood circulation, especially in their hands and feet and also because they have usually higher than normal blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can decrease the ability of white blood cells to fight infections like those of the skin.

People with AIDS and other immune disorder as well as those that are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer are at an increased risk for skin infections. Individuals that have damaged skin such as skin that is sunburned, irritated from scratching or that has been traumatized is more likely to become infected.

Fungal infections - These infections occur in moist areas of the body, like the toes, groin and under the breasts.

Usually these infections cover a small area and cause only a slight amount of irritation. Some fungal infections can penetrate deeper into the skin layers and cause blistering, itching, scaling, and swelling. Fungal infections can spread easily to other parts of the body by contact with the affected area.

Skin infections that are fungal are candidiasis (yeast infections), ringworm, and Tinea versicolor. People who are obese and those with diabetes are more prone to fungal skin infections.

Viral infections - There are three main viruses that cause the majority of skin infections that are viral in nature. They are herpes simplex virus, papillomavirus and poxvirus. Some of the more familiar viral skin infections are cold sores, herpes zoster (shingles), and warts.

Individuals at special risk for viral skin infections are those who participate in team sports, persons infected with HIV, individuals who have had prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, individuals who work with animals or who come in contact with contaminated soil like farmers and ranchers, breeders and zoo staff are also at risk and also those who work with infected meat like butchers and meat packers.

Parasitic infections - Small insects or worms that burrow into your skin and live there and also lay eggs are what is referred to as parasitic infections of the skin.

Three common parasitic infections are creeping eruption, lice and scabies. Individuals exposed to parasites are those who work with kids, travel a lot, are in nature like hikers and campers, those who drink untreated water supplies and individuals with immune deficiency conditions like HIV/AIDS and those undergoing chemotherapy.

• Viral Skin Infection A Cold Sore
  
  Viral Skin Infection A Cold Sore A Cold Sore or Fever blister is not part of the common cold. The herpes simplex virus causes a cold sore. They are very contagious. Cold sores are common. Although they cannot be prevented, you can reduce the frequency and duration of them.
• Canker sore
  
  Canker sores are not cold sores. Do not treat a canker sore as a fever blister. The causes are different and the treatment is different.
• What is Molluscum Contagiosum
  
  Common Viral Skin Infection Molluscum Contagiosum. common viral skin infection that affects mainly children. The virus that causes molluscum contatiosum is a member of the poxvirus family. It spreads by skin-to-skin contact from contaminated objects like toys, doorknobs, faucet handles and other objects.
• Warts are a Viral Skin Infection
  
  Warts are a Viral Skin Infection Warts are common. You can get them at any age, but they are prevalent in kid’s aged 12 through 16. They usually appear on the hands, or feet but can be seen on the...
• Parvovirus Skin Infection
  
  Parvovirus Skin Infection (fifth disease) There are many different disease names for this type of skin infection including slapped-cheek disease, and fifth disease. Doctors often call it parvoirus...
• Chickenpox
  
  Chickenpox Another Viral Skin Infection A disease caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus, which causes fever and an itchy rash.
• MRSA Skin Infection
  
  The fact that people can and do die from MRSA skin infections which are easily spread, alarms a lot of people including parents and school officials. The seriousness of the infection and the fact that it is resistant to most antibiotics is what scares people the most.
• The Dreaded Wart
• Contagious Skin Infection
  
  Contageous skin infection Approximately one in three healthy individuals carry this staphylococcus bacteria on the skin, or in their nose and also possibly in the back of their throat
• Understanding Impetigo
  
  Understanding What Impetigo Is There are two types of impetigo, non-bullous and bullous. The more common type is the non-bullous impetigo. This type is caused by both Staph and Strep. The individual...
• Athlete's Foot - Fungus strikes again
  
  Athlete's Foot - A Fungal Infection Most people have heard of athlete's foot, if not actually had it at some time or another. Did you know that it is actually a skin infection, fungal infection to be...
• Facts About Cellulitis
  
  Cellulitis is a skin infection that spreads. The symptoms of cellulitis are skin that is tender, involves swelling and redness of the skin. Untreated cellulitis can become septic - a life threatening condition.
• Tinea cruris - Jock Itch
  
  Tinea cruris - Jock Itch Tinea cruris is a common fungal infection. It causes a itch, red, perhaps ring-shaped rash to appear in warm areas
• Preventing Fungal ToeNail Infections
  
  Preventing Fungal ToeNail Infections No one likes sickly looking toenails. Fungal infections can be embarrassing. Yellow, deformed possibly oozing nails are not sexy.

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