Skin Infections

A skin infection develops usually when germs such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites get through the skin and begin to spread. This then causes any number of symptoms such as pain, skin colour changes, inflammation and discomfort.

There are 4 types of skin infections:

1. Bacterial skin infections

These types of infections normally start as small, red bumps that gradually get bigger. Some infections are mild and treatable with topical antibiotics, but more severe cases may require oral antibiotics.

Examples of bacterial skin infections include:

• Boils.
• Carbuncles.
• Cellulitis.
• Furuncles.
• Impetigo.
• Leprosy.

2. Viral skin infections

Viral skin infections cover a wide range of conditions, and as the names suggest, are caused by a virus. They can either be caused due to a reaction to a virus present inside your body, or they can manifest because of an actual infection of your skin.

Viral skin infections range from mild to severe, with some being almost entirely harmless, and others being serious (but often non-life-threatening). Some of these types of infections can be contagious from touch, whilst others you can touch without catching it.

Examples of viral skin infections include:

• Chickenpox.
• Cold sores.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease.
• Measles.
• Molluscum contagiosum.
• Shingles (herpes zoster).
• Warts.

3. Fungal skin infections

Fungal skin infections can be itchy, annoying but are rarely life-threatening. They are caused by a fungus that thrive in moist, warm environments. Therefore, they develop often in sweaty, damper areas of the body such as the armpits, feet and groin.

Examples of fungal skin infections include:

• Athlete’s foot.
• Oral thrush.
• Jock itch.
• Nail infection.
• Ringworm.
• Yeast infection.

4. Parasitic skin infection

As the name suggests, these kind of infections are caused by a parasite, and can be spread through the skin and into the bloodstream and organs. Though not usually deadly, parasitic skin infections can be incredibly bothersome and you will likely want to treat it quickly to regain some comfort.

Examples of parasitic skin infections include:

• Bedbugs.
• Lice.
• Scabies.

The cause of your skin infection will depend on the type of infection you actually have.

Bacterial skin infection: This occurs when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin such as a cut. A scratch or cut won’t mean you’ll definitely get a skin infection, but it increases your risk, especially if your immune system is weak.

Viral skin infection: Typical viral skin infections emanate from one of 3 groups of viruses: herpes virus, poxvirus and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Fungal infection: Lifestyle or your body chemistry can affect the likelihood of developing a fungal infection as fungi usually thrives in moist and warm environments. For instance, runners may get athlete’s foot a lot as they usually sweat considerably. Wearing wet or sweat clothes will increase the chances of getting a fungal skin infection and a cut or break in the skin can cause bacteria from these to enter the skin.

Parasitic skin infection: These types of skin infections are caused by tiny organisms or insects that have burrowed under the skin and laid eggs.

The symptoms of a skin infection can vary somewhat depending on the type of infection you have.

However, some common signs that you may have a skin infection include:

• A fever.
• Blisters.
• Discoloured skin.
• Itchiness.
• Pain.
• Pus.
• Rashes.
• Redness.
• Swelling.

Medical Specialists® offer a wide range of medicines for skin infections available to buy online.

These include:

Bactroban Cream - 

• For the treatment of infections on your skin in small cuts, wounds or on scraped skin.
• To kill bacteria causing infections on your skin called ‘Staphylococcus aureus’ and ‘Streptococcus pyogens’.

Bactroban Ointment - 

• To treat skin infections on the skin such as infected hair follicles which form pimples containing pus (‘folliculitis’).
• To treat an infectious skin infection with blistering and crusting known as impetigo.
• To treat recurring boils (‘furunculosis’).
• To kill various bacteria which cause other skin infections including Staphylococci, Streptococci and coli.

Curanail – Treatment for mild fungal nail infections.

Daktarin Cream – Treatment for fungal infections of the skin and nails.

Fucibet Cream – Treatment for eczema or psoriasis symptoms where an infection is present.

Fucidin H Cream – Treatment for eczema or psoriasis symptoms where an infection is present.

Lyclear Dermal Cream – Treatment for lice or scabies.

Terbinafine Tablets (Generic Lamisil) – Treatment for fungal infections of the skin and nails.