Skin Infection Types, Causes, and Prevention

The largest organ of the body, the skin, prevents germs like bacteria and viruses from entering the body. Sometimes, however, these germs may break through the skin and cause a skin infection.

This article will explore the types and causes of skin infections and provide tips on preventing them.

What is Skin Infection?

A skin infection is a condition in which the skin gets infected by pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. Since the skin has several layers, the deeper an infection goes, the worse it gets.
While minor skin infections can be treated at home, severe infections may require a doctor’s visit.

What are the Types of Skin Infection?

Skin infections can be either:

1. Local, or
2. Systemic

Local skin infections affect a specific body area, whereas systemic skin infections can affect the whole body.

There are four types of skin infection:

1. Bacterial Skin Infections: Bacterial skin infections are caused when bacteria break into the skin through entry points such as wounds. They can cause both systemic and local symptoms.

Bacterial infections can be contagious or non-contagious. Contagious infections spread between people through direct skin contact, bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, food, and water. Bacterial skin infections include cellulitis, tuberculosis, and boils, among others.

2. Viral Skin Infections: Viral skin infections are caused when a virus infects the skin. They are often contagious and systemic. Viral infections include chickenpox, molluscum contagiosum, warts, measles, etc.

3. Fungal Skin Infections: Fungal skin infections, also known as mycosis, are caused by fungi. They usually develop in moist areas of the body and may even infect the urinary tract. Some types of fungal skin infections can be contagious.
Athlete’s foot, yeast infection, and ringworm are some examples of fungal skin infections.

4. Parasitic Skin Infections: Parasitic skin infections are caused by parasites living and reproducing inside the body. They can also spread to infect the blood and organs. Parasitic skin infections include conditions such as scabies and lice.

What are the Causes of Skin Infection?

Skin infection causes depend on the pathogen.

1. Bacterial Skin Infection: Bacterial infections are caused when a bacterium breaks through the skin and into the body via an entry point such as a wound or hair follicle.

Some common bacteria that cause skin infections are anthrax, which enters the skin from the environment, and staphylococcus, which is present on the skin.

2. Viral Skin Infection: Poxviruses (smallpox, Mpox, etc.), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes viruses are the groups of viruses which most commonly infect the skin.

3. Fungal Skin Infection: Fungal skin infections usually develop in damp areas of the body as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.

Sweaty feet, sweaty or wet clothes, excess skin folds, and sharing personal items with people with an infection can all cause a fungal infection. Dermatophytes, candida albicans, and aspergillus are common fungi that may cause an infection.

4. Parasitic Skin Infection: Parasites are small organisms that can burrow underneath the skin. They reproduce by laying eggs under the skin, causing a parasitic skin infection. Mites, lice, and hookworms are all parasites which cause skin infections.

What are the Risk Factors of Skin Infections

Several risk factors can lead to skin infections, such as:

1. Weakened immune system
2. Malnourishment
3. Excessive skin folds
4. Unclean wounds

What are the Symptoms of Skin Infection?

The symptoms of a skin infection depend on the type of infection and can include:

1. Itching
2. Rashes
3. Redness
4. Swelling
5. Yellowish crust on skin
6. Pain or swelling that gets worse
7. A wound that does not heal in ten days

How to Prevent Skin Infection?

The following tips can help in prevention of skin infection:

1. Wash hands and feet properly. Use soap and warm water and dry with a clean and dry towel.
2. Keep any cuts or breaks in the skin clean. Wash with warm water and soap, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a clean bandage.
3. Keep the body clean and dry, especially in areas prone to skin infections. Remove excess sweat using paper towels or napkins.
4. Shower and wash clothes after every rigorous physical activity, such as a gym workout.
5. Get vaccinated against diseases such as chickenpox.

In The End

Skin infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens. Most are highly treatable, but a weakened immune system may lead to more severe symptoms. Upon noticing signs of a skin infection, consult a healthcare professional and book a test at Dr. Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. When should a doctor be consulted for a skin infection?

A doctor should be consulted if the skin infection is causing symptoms such as pus-filled blisters, widespread swelling or inflammation, high fever, and recurring rashes.

2. How does a doctor test for skin infection?

Doctors test for skin infection by performing a skin test using a skin sample. They may also ask about any symptoms the individual is experiencing and examine bumps or rashes on the skin before diagnosing.