Bacterial & Fungal

Skin Infections

can Generally Improve
within 2-3 Days

Skin Infections

Your skin is the barrier that helps to protect you from germs and other harmful pathogens in the environment, but sometimes it can get infected. The treatment of these infections depends on the cause of the infection. If your skin becomes infected, you need to see a dermatologist for the correct diagnosis and treatment. The three categories of skin infections are bacterial, fungal, and viral. Below is a categorized list of the different types and their descriptions.

Bacterial Infections

  • Leprosy: a chronic bacterial disease of the skin and nerves in the hands and feet and, in some cases, the lining of the nose.
  • Carbuncle: an infection that forms a lump, which occurs deep in the skin and may be red, swollen or contain pus.
  • Staph and Cellulitis: a common and potentially serious infection caused by bacteria that infect the deep layers of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness are typical signs of cellulitis. A common site in adults is the lower leg, while children tend to develop the infection on the face or neck.
  • Impetigo: a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas.
  • Boil: a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland.
  • Pilonidal Cyst: occurs at the bottom of the tailbone and can become infected and filled with pus.

Fungal Infections

  • Ringworm: caused by microscopic fungi and does not have any relation to worms, but is called “ringworm” because the infection can produce ring-shaped patches on the skin that have red, worm-like edges.
  • Athlete’s Foot: a common infection of the feet caused by a fungus that may last for a long time and could come back after treatment. The medical term is tinea pedis.
  • Candidiasis (yeast infection):an infection caused by a group of yeast.
  • Sporotrichosis:a chronic infection caused by the soil fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This is more common among gardeners who work with roses, moss, hay, or soil.
  • Fungal Nail Infections: occur when a fungus attacks a toenail, a fingernail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed.

Viral Infections

  • Molluscum Contagiosum:a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like nodules on the skin.
  • Shingles: a painful, contagious viral infection characterized by a unilateral blistering rash. This infection is caused by the chickenpox virus.
  • Chickenpox: one of the most commonly reported childhood diseases, this is a highly contagious viral infection in which a person develops extremely itchy blisters all over the body.

Concerned About Skin Infections?

Request an appointment with one of our dermatologists if you believe that you have a skin infection that needs treatment.

Request an Appointment