What are skin infections?
The largest organ of our body is the skin. The skin has a variety of different functions, such as covering and protecting our bodies. Which helps keep germs out. But sometimes due to some reason germs become the cause of skin infection. Often this happens when there is a cut or wound on our skin. Apart from this, it can also happen when our immune system is weakened due to some other disease or medical treatment.
Some skin infections cover a small area on the top of our skin. Other infections go deep into our skin or spread over a large area.
What causes skin infections?
Skin infections are caused by a variety of germs. Like,
The bacteria cause cellulitis, impetigo and staphylococcal (staph) infections.
The fungus causes athlete's foot and yeast infections.
Viruses cause herpes, warts and herpes simplex.
Parasites cause body lice, head lice and scabies.
Who is at risk of skin infection?
At higher risk for skin infections such as:
If you have poor circulation,
if you have diabetes,
older people,
Immune system disease, such as HIV/AIDS
have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or other drugs that suppress your immune system
staying in one position for a long time, such as if you are sick and have to lie in bed for a long time or you are paralyzed
are malnourished
have excessive skinfolds, which occurs when one is obese.
What are the symptoms of skin infection?
Symptoms depend on the type of infection. There are some common symptoms for many skin infections, such as rashes, swelling, pain, redness, pus and itching.
How are skin infections diagnosed?
To diagnose a skin infection, your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms.
You may have lab tests, such as a skin culture. A skin culture is a test using a sample from your skin to identify what type of skin infection you have. Your health care provider may take a sample by scraping or wiping your skin, or by removing a small piece of skin (biopsy). Sometimes health care providers also use other tests, such as blood tests.
How are skin infections treated?
Treatment depends on the type of infection and how severe it is. Some infections go away on their own. If you need treatment, there are lotions or creams used to apply to your skin. Other possible treatments include medications and procedures to drain the pus.