Things You Should Know About Skin Infections

Human skin consists of many different layers that protect the skin and prevent any serious injury to the inner parts of the body.Skin also acts as your first line of defense against infection. All of the layers of skin tend to provide different types of protection.

The first layer, i.e., the epidermis, acts as the shield of your immune system, which contributes to protecting your body from the attack of infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites, yeasts, and viruses.

The second layer of skin is the dermis, which effectively supports your skin’s surface and provides nutrients, thereby making it more challenging.

The final layer of the skin, i.e., the subcutaneous zone, is a layer of fat that stores energy, keeps your body’s temperature steady, and works as a shock absorber. All of the skin layers work together to fight against any skin infections.

So, the infection can be worse if it occurs in the deeper layers of the skin.

Ways In Which Your Skin Get Infected

A small cut that occurred in your skin can often lead to infection. This can be either from surgery or an injury. Any cut makes the skin open and exposed to germs. As a result, germs can quickly get into the skin and thereby lead to infection.

Bacteria are known to be living organisms that are present in almost every place. Many of them are good bacteria, whereas a few others are also there, which are responsible for certain diseases and infections in the human body.

Similarly, viruses are microscopic particles that cannot reproduce or grow apart from a living cell. On the other hand, fungi are also considered living organisms that specifically feed off other living things.

Your skin becomes more vulnerable to infections when any breakage occurs in it due to any cuts or surgery. In some cases, infections can also occur without a break. This type of incident is most prevalent in an individual with a weakened immune system.

Best Ways To Treat Skin Infections

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat your condition if you are suffering from bacterial skin infections. But, nowadays, one of the significant problems experienced is the prevalence of antibacterial-resistant bacteria which has become very common in hospitals.

It is possible to treat fungal skin infections with the help of antifungal medicines. These medicines are also known to be antimycotic agents.

These include creams and pills. The doctor will prescribe you some of these medicines, whereas you can purchase others from any drug store, and there is no need for a prescription. Similarly, for viral infections, your doctor may prescribe you antiviral medicine.

In some cases, a skin infection goes away naturally without any medical intervention.

Different Types Of Skin Infections To Know About

·         MRSA

MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. The spread of this infection is difficult to stop with the help of antibiotics. In this case, there is the accumulation of pus in your tissue which causes an abscess.

If you develop such an infection, your doctor will remove the pus without prescribing any medicine.

Mainly, those working or visiting a hospital, nursing home, or other healthcare facility develop this type of bacterial infection. Skin-to-skin contact with others increases the chance of this type of infection.

·         Impetigo

This type of bacterial infection is more common in the case of preschool as well as school-age children. Also, it can result in sores as well as blisters on the hands, neck, face, or genital area.

It occurs primarily when the skin irritation occurs due to any other problem such as a cut, rash, or scrape. It is possible to treat this condition with the help of antibiotics in the form of a pill, ointment, or liquid.

·         Cellulitis

It is a severe skin infection caused by bacteria that mainly occurs in the lower leg area. But, other body parts are also vulnerable to this infection. The affected area will get hot, swollen, as well as tender. 

The issue can become more severe if the infection spreads in your bloodstream.

But, in case you see red streaks and experience fever, aches, along with chills, you need to consult a doctor immediately. In some severe cases, you will require IV antibiotics that involve administering antibiotics directly into your vein.

·         Folliculitis

When you suffer from this condition, your hair follicles get inflamed. It also causes itchy, red, tenderness, burning skin, and pain.

Bacteria mainly cause this type of infection. But, sometimes, it can be caused by viruses and fungi. Usually, folliculitis goes away on its own, but if it does not show any improvement, your doctor may give you an antifungal or antibiotic cream.

·         Necrotizing Fasciitis

It is also known to be flesh-eating bacteria. It is a dangerous infection that spreads fast as well as kills the soft tissue of your body. You are not likely to get this infection if you have a robust immune system and a healthy individual.

This type of infection requires direct administration of antibiotics in one of your veins. In this regard, the surgeon will focus on removing the infected tissue.

·         Chickenpox

This virus tends to affect your entire body, which is specifically known for its itchy rash. It takes a week to recover from this infection.

But, this is very contagious, so you should stay at home if you are suffering from this infection until you have recovered completely.

Once you have had chickenpox, you would not get it again. But, sometimes, later in life, you may experience an outbreak of shingles, an itchy and painful rash. Vaccines are there to reduce the severity of the infection.

Concluding Thoughts

These are some of the essential things that one should know about skin infections.

Other forms of infection include Necrotizing Fasciitis, Herpes, Boils and Carbuncles, Cold Sores, Ringworm, Athlete’s foot, Molluscum Contagiosum, Skin Parasites, etc.