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Skin Infections

Our skin is a remarkably good barrier to protect our body, however, sometimes it may get infected. The skin infections happen when the skin is trying to protect the body from the invading foreign microbes but the immune system fails to assist. 

These skin infections can be categorized into: 

1. Bacterial Skin Infections

2. Viral Skin Infections

3. Fungal Skin Infections

Bacterial Skin Infections 

Though a very common type of skin infection, these can range from subtle to alarming conditions. 

Types of bacterial skin infections are:

 

1. Cellulitis 

It is potentially serious in nature and appears to be red, swollen, warm and painful. It usually appears on lower legs, face or arms. The severe forms of cellulitis can be deadly, hence, early medical intervention is advised. 

 

2. Impetigo 

Impetigo appears as red sores that further burst and form brownish crusts. This is a common and contagious infection that occurs mostly in children on their nose, mouth, hands, and feet.

 

3. Boils 

These are pus-filled painful bumps on the skin. These occur when the hair follicles are infected and usually appear on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. A stye is also a form of boil that appears on the eyelids.

 

4. Leprosy

Also known as Hansen's disease, this chronic infectious disease can cause skin lesions and even nerve damage. It can affect people of any age. Dr. Satish Titoria recommends the use of multi-drug therapy to cure this condition.

Viral Skin Infections

As the name suggests, these infections occur due to viral attack leading to the formation of rashes on the skin.

Types of viral skin infections are:

 

1. Shingles 

Also known as zoster or herpes zoster, these are painful rashes with blisters in a localized area. These are caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Elderly people with a poor immune system are more prone to this kind of infection. It can be prevented by vaccination and early intervention like antiviral therapy.

 

2. Chickenpox 

Everyone is aware of chickenpox. It is a very contagious skin infection that appears as an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin and spreads throughout the body. It is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) and can be prevented through a vaccine and can affect any age group.

 

3. Molluscum Contagiosum

It is a contagious skin infection appearing as small white lesions with a dimple in the center. Caused by Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), it majorly affects children below 15 years of age. You need to maintain good hygiene habits to prevent the infection from spreading. The qualified dermatologists like Dr. Satish Titoria in Noida can provide you with some really effective safety measures.

 

4. Warts 

Warts look like small fleshy skin bumps. Many people assume that these are cancerous but that's not true. A combination of medication, cryotherapy, chemical cautery, minor surgery or lasers can be used to control the infection.

 

5. Measles 

The symptoms include high fever, dry cough, runny nose along with red skin rashes and irritation. It occurs mostly among children but can be prevented easily by vaccination.

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infection develops in damp body areas, commonly on foot or armpit. These infections are contagious. The fungus can affect any area of skin or nail. Fungi are of two types, helpful and harmful. Once the harmful fungi invade the body, these are difficult to control.

Types of fungal skin infections are:

 

1. Tinea Pedis or Athlete's Foot 

This infection takes place between the toes. If you have itchy, white or red, sore and swollen patches between the toes or sole, you are suffering from athlete's foot. This will most definitely hurt you while walking. 

 

2. Tinea Cruris or Jock Itch

These fungi appear on very moist body areas such as the inner thighs, buttocks or groin. It is often circular in shape. In the infected area, you may find a red rash with raised edges or dry cracked skin. With proper consultation and guidance from an experienced skin specialist, you can find the right solution. 

 

3. Candidal vulvovaginitis or Yeast Infection

Women are at a higher risk to have a yeast infection. This infection usually appears on and near the vaginal area. One may feel a burning sensation during urination and intercourse. Yeast infections are also common on the toenail. 

 

4.Tinea or Ringworm

It is a fungal infection like jock itch and athlete's foot. As the name indicates, these appear in a ring shape that is red, raised or bumpy.

Skin infection if not treated may lead to serious consequences. Before it is too late, consult the highly skilled and experienced Dr. Satish Titoria at his clinic in Noida. He recommends not to use OTC products or home remedies for this.