About Skin Infections
Before we start to analyze and understand a skin infection, let’s first consider a few facts about skin. The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and like any organ, it is prone to disease and infection. Unfortunately, the skin is one of the few organs that is so heavily exposed to all kinds of risks, and this often leads to the development of a wide range of skin infection conditions.
For the most part, skin infection will be:
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Fungal or yeast
They are also going to be either very superficial (meaning at the uppermost surface) or all of the way into the subcutaneous fat. Regardless of where the infection may be established, it will need to be treated properly. For example, you may face a superficial infection such as impetigo, but this still need to be assessed and remedied by a professional.
The most common skin infections you may encounter are:
- Folliculitis – A superficial infection of the follicles;
- Impetigo – A superficial infection of staphylococcus or streptococcus;
- Ecthyma – A deep infection of the skin due to poor hygiene;
- Necrotizing fascitis – A subcutaneous infection that usually leads to the death of the tissue;
- Cutaneous candidiasis – A superficial yeast infection;
- Herpes simplex – A superficial infection characterized by vesicles;
- Shingles – A superficial infection from the chicken pox virus;
- Warts – These are caused by the HPV virus and are benign skin growths;
- Tinea – This is a superficial infection of the skin by a yeast; and
- Dermatophytosis – This is a fungal infection that hits the skin, nails, and hair.
If any of these things occur, you need to deal with them right away. A skin doctor will have your best solution with the creams, medications, or treatments you need to get things under control. If you have questions about skin infections contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a dermatologist.
