Are you experiencing any itch or discomfort on your skin? Perhaps you’ve noticed an abnormality. At Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, we want to help you learn more about the common types of skin infections and the treatments necessary to cure them. Skin infections often occur as either bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus usually cause bacterial skin infections. The most common types of bacterial skin infections include:
- Boils: Deep skin infections that come in the form of firm, red, tender bumps and that start in the hair follicles, leading to an accumulation of pus underneath the skin.
- Cellulitis: Painful and usually warm infections that appear mostly on the legs but can also sprout in other parts of the body.
- Folliculitis: Red, swollen bumps that also start in the hair follicles and that resemble pimples.
- Impetigo: Either bullous (large blisters) or non-bullous (yellow, crusted sores) that usually affect children.
Viral Skin Infections
Often appearing in the form of rashes, here are some common types of viral skin infections:
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1): Commonly known as cold sores and shared through kissing or sharing food/drink with an infected person.
- Molluscum contagiosum: Affects mostly children between one and 10 years old, and appears as small, flesh-colored bumps that disappear typically within six to 12 months.
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV): Causes chickenpox and shingles, which causes symptoms including high fever, fatigue, and itchy, oozing blisters.
Fungal Skin Infections
Fungal skin infections usually come in the form of red, itchy and peeling rashes on the skin. The most common types of fungal skin infections are:
- Candidiasis: Sore, itchy patches on the skin caused by a type of yeast called candida that usually lives in the mouth, throat, and genitals but may greatly spread.
- Ringworms: One of the most common types of fungal skin infections affecting the body, scalp, feet, or groin, and may appear as a red and itchy ring-shaped rash.
- Tinea versicolor: Usually affects people with oily skin, exposed to too much heat, who sweat a lot, or who have a weak immune system; and appears mostly on the neck, chest, back, and arms.
Common Skin Infection Treatments
The different types of skin infections require different treatments. Here are the common treatments for skin infections:
Bacterial Skin Infections
- Boils: For mild infections, you can use a warm compress or soak the boil to draw the pus to the surface of the skin. Repeat this daily for 10 days or until the redness and pain decreases. For severe infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- Cellulitis: Aside from antibiotics, a doctor may consider drainage as a treatment option.
- Folliculitis: Antibiotic creams, gels, or shampoos may be prescribed by a doctor. It is rare that a patient will have to take pills to treat folliculitis. However, severe infections may require minor surgery or possibly laser hair removal.
- Impetigo: Antibiotic ointments and creams may be used to treat mild cases, but pills may be prescribed for severe infections.
Viral Skin Infections
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1): Over-the-counter creams are available for cold sores. You can also use aloe vera gel.
- Molluscum contagiosum: If this skin infection doesn’t disappear on its own after six to 12 months, common treatments include cryotherapy and curettage. Chemicals and medicines may also be prescribed.
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV): Oral acyclovir is usually prescribed by a doctor to treat VZV.
Fungal Skin Infections
- Candidiasis: Candidiasis can appear in many forms, so you need to consult a doctor to know the proper type of treatment for you.
- Ringworms: Topical antifungal creams, ointments, and gels are often used to treat ringworms.
- Tinea versicolor: Over-the-counter medications for tinea versicolor are available as prescribed by a doctor.
If you find yourself suffering from any of the skin conditions listed, reach out to us at Westover Hills Dermatology, located in San Antonio, TX, and schedule your consultation today!