Overview

Skin infections are caused by a wide variety of germs, and symptoms can vary from mild to serious. 

Rarely, the infection can spread to a deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining.When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, and skin color changes. Other infections may penetrate deep into the skin or spread over a large area. 

What is a skin infection?

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It has many different functions, including covering and protecting your body. It helps keep germs out. But sometimes the germs can cause a skin infection. This often happens when there is a break, cut, or wound on your skin. It can also happen when your immune system is weakened, because of another disease or a medical treatment.

What are the types of skin infections?

Cellulitis is a common type of skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin. Cellulitis usually affects the skin of the lower legs, but can also occur on the face, arms, and other areas. 

Cellulitis or abscesses can occur if there is a cut or tear in the skin that allows bacteria to enter and cause an infection. A tear or cut in the skin can allow bacteria to enter deeper layers of the skin. However, if these bacteria enter the body through cuts, open wounds, or other skin breaks, they can cause skin infections.

Another type of skin infection is impetigo which  can be spread by touching the sores or mucus of an infected person. It is usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria, but can also be caused by streptococcal bacteria. It usually starts when bacteria get into the skin of an injury, such as a cut, scrape, or insect bite.

What are the symptoms of a skin infection?

The symptoms depend on the type of infection. Some symptoms that are common to many skin infections include rashes, swelling, redness, pain, pus, and itching.

What causes skin infections?

Some bacteria live on normal skin and cause no harm, such as some species of  Corynebacterium spp., Brevibacterium spp. and Acinetobacter. Some bacteria infect normal skin, damaged skin due to eczema/dermatitis, or a wound (causing a wound infection). 

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections . Staphylococcal Infections Staph is short for Staphylococcus, a type of bacterium. When the infection is bacterial rather than mechanical, it is more likely to be caused by staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus ("staphylococcus aureus") is a bacterium that is carried on the skin or nose in about 25-30% of healthy people without causing infection - this is called colonization.

Conditions such as eczema, athlete's foot, and shingles can cause breaks in the skin through which bacteria can enter. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococci and staphylococci, enter through cracks or tears in the skin. 

How are skin infections treated?

You can use creams to treat a  skin infection. If your condition doesn’t improve, ask your doctor about prescription of topical creams. In addition, you can apply medicated creams to your skin to treat parasitic skin infections. Your doctor may also recommend medications to reduce discomfort like anti-inflammatory drugs.

Takeaway

People with skin infections should take precautions and avoid physical contact until the symptoms are gone or their doctor clears them to do so. 

Skin infections occur when bacteria infect the skin and sometimes the deep tissue beneath the skin. But getting a cut or scratch doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a skin infection, but it does increase your risk if you have a weakened immune system. Either way, if your skin is damaged in some way, it's more susceptible to infection.

DISCLAIMER              

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.