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.

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