236 Jul 24, 2022

Common Skin infections and How to Prevent Them

Common Skin infections and How to Prevent Them – Over the past few decades, skin infections have become more common, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems throughout the nation. While some skin infections aren’t dangerous, some do require medical attention and may even have life-threatening consequences. In this blog, we at Scot Derma have discussed Common Skin Infections and How to Prevent Them without any risks of side effects.

As per a recent survey, one in three individuals gets affected with common skin infections at any given time. These infections can be irritating and can also cause a lot of trouble for the person. If not addressed properly at the right time, they can further spread to other parts of the body. For such reasons, dermatologists recommend using quality and effective preventions to keep your skin protected from such harmful skin infections. Today, in this post, we will educate you about the most Common Skin infections and How to Prevent Them.

What are the Common Skin Infections?

There are usually four types of common skin infections; bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic. The infections may range from mild to severe. They are common and can be encountered by anyone irrespective of their age, gender or activity level.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Skin infections caused by bacteria frequently start as little red bumps that gradually become larger. While certain bacterial infections can be managed effectively with topical antibiotics, others necessitate the use of oral antibiotics. These infections occur when bacteria enter the body through a cut, scratch, or wound on the skin. Following are the different types of Bacterial Skin Infections:

1. Staph Bacteria (Boils)
2. Impetigo
3. Hansen’s Disease (leprosy)
4. Cellulitis

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal Skin Infections most frequently appear in moist or sweaty body regions like the armpits, groin feet, and folds of skin. Some fungal infections are not contagious and usually do not pose a serious threat to life. Following are the different types of Fungal Skin Infections:

1. Athlete’s Foot
2. Ringworm
3. Jock Itch
4. Nappy Rash
5. Oral Thrush
6. Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)
7. Yeast Infections

Viral Skin Infections

Viral Skin Infections are caused by a virus that can range from mild to severe to serious. They could either result from an infection of your skin or could be a reaction to a virus that is already present within your body. Following are the different types of Viral Skin Infections:

1. Chickenpox
2. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
3. Measles
4. Warts
5. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Parasitic Skin Infections

Parasitic Skin Infections are caused by an organism called a parasite that eats from the resources of its host and lives inside of it. These infections have the potential to invade internal organs and the bloodstream in addition to the skin. Although not fatal, a parasitic skin infection can be troublesome. Following are the different types of Parasitic skin infections:

1. Scabies
2. Pediculosis
3. Lice
4. Bedbugs
5. Cutaneous Larva Migrans (caused by multiple types of hookworms)

Signs and Symptoms of Common Skin Infections

The skin carries out 6 primary functions; sensation, protection, regulation, absorption, secretion, and excretion. However, what happens when the infection occurs in the skin itself? The signs and symptoms of a skin infection may vary depending on the skin type. While we are discussing Common Skin Infections and How to Prevent Them, the signs and symptoms of a skin infection must be in knowledge. Following are the symptoms by which you can detect if you have a skin infection:

1. Fever
2. Red or slightly dark skin around the injury
3. Excessive or worsening pain and swelling
4. Pimple or yellowish crust
5. Pus or fluid from the cut
6. Sore Throat
7. Unhealed Wound

If you experience any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, make sure to consult the doctor.

How to Prevent Common Skin Infections?

There are multiple steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of common skin infections. To make you fully aware of Common Skin Infections and How to Prevent Them, we have discussed certain preventions that are necessary for you to follow. Pay your attention to the prevention steps of common skin infections mentioned below:

1. Make sure to wash your hands as often as possible, especially after any outdoor activity.
2. Change your personal hygiene stuff regularly which includes a toothbrush, hairbrush, towel, undergarments, etc. Do not share them with other people, even with your family members.
3. Skin-to-skin contact with somebody who has a skin infection must be avoided.
4. Immediately wash any scrapes, wounds, cuts, or bug bites if you have any.
5. Never share a mobile phone, drinkware such as water bottles or other drinks, or anything else that comes in contact with the lips, mouth, or comes in contact with an infected skin region.
6. After every usage, wash any shared equipment that comes into touch with skin and let it air dry.

So, here we are at the end discussion of “Common Skin Infections and How to Prevent Them”. Skin Infections require adequate management and should never be taken lightly. By following the prevention steps, you can get fully rid of the troubled infections. However, if you encounter any severity in these infections, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.