What are the most common types of skin infections. How are bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections treated. What are the symptoms of serious skin infections like cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. How can you prevent and manage conditions like folliculitis and boils.

Understanding the Layers of Skin and How Infections Develop

Our skin is composed of three main layers, each playing a crucial role in protecting our body and maintaining our health. The outermost layer, called the epidermis, is responsible for producing new skin cells and giving our skin its color. Beneath it lies the dermis, which produces oils to protect the skin and sweat to regulate body temperature. This layer also contains nerve endings that allow us to sense heat, cold, and pain. The innermost layer, known as subcutaneous fat, attaches the skin to muscles and bones while helping to control body temperature.

When the skin’s integrity is compromised, such as through cuts, injuries, or surgical incisions, it becomes more susceptible to infections. Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi can enter through these openings and cause various types of skin infections.

How do different microorganisms cause skin infections?

• Bacteria: Living organisms that are ubiquitous in our environment. While many are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause infections when they enter the skin.
• Viruses: Tiny particles that can only reproduce inside living cells. They can cause a range of skin infections, from common cold sores to more severe conditions.
• Fungi: Living organisms that derive nutrients from other living things. They can cause various skin infections, particularly in warm, moist environments.

Bacterial Skin Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Bacterial skin infections are among the most common types of skin infections. They can range from mild to severe and may require different treatment approaches depending on the causative bacteria and the extent of the infection.

Are antibiotics always effective against bacterial skin infections?

While many bacterial skin infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics, some bacteria have developed resistance to certain drugs, making them more challenging to eliminate. This phenomenon, known as antibiotic resistance, is a growing concern in the medical community and highlights the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.

What is MRSA and who is at risk?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a particularly concerning bacterial infection that has developed resistance to many common antibiotics. MRSA can cause abscesses, which are pockets of pus in the tissue. Treatment often involves draining the abscess rather than relying solely on antibiotics.

Individuals at higher risk of MRSA infection include:

• People who have been hospitalized or reside in long-term care facilities
• Those who engage in frequent skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestlers or childcare workers
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Cellulitis: A Serious Bacterial Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a severe bacterial skin infection that typically affects the lower leg but can occur anywhere on the body. This condition requires prompt medical attention, especially if it spreads to deeper tissues or enters the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

Common symptoms of cellulitis include:

• Swelling in the affected area
• Skin that feels hot to the touch
• Tenderness or pain in the infected region
• Red streaks on the skin
• Fever, chills, and body aches (in more severe cases)

If you experience these symptoms, particularly the last three, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Severe cases of cellulitis may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics administered through a needle in your hand or arm.

Impetigo: A Common Childhood Skin Infection

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that frequently affects preschool and school-age children. It’s characterized by blisters and sores that typically appear on the face, neck, hands, or diaper area.

How does impetigo develop and how is it treated?

Impetigo often occurs when the skin has been irritated by another condition, such as a cut, scrape, or rash. This creates an opportunity for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Treatment for impetigo usually involves antibiotics, which may be administered in the form of ointments, pills, or liquid medications, depending on the severity and extent of the infection.

Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Rare but Life-Threatening Skin Infection

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, is a severe and rapidly progressing infection that destroys the body’s soft tissues, including muscle, fat, and connective tissue.

Who is at risk for necrotizing fasciitis and how is it treated?

While necrotizing fasciitis is rare, certain factors can increase the risk of infection:

• Weakened immune system
• Chronic health conditions
• Open wounds or recent surgeries
• Poor hygiene

Treatment for necrotizing fasciitis is aggressive and typically involves:

1. Immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics
2. Surgical removal of infected tissue
3. Supportive care in an intensive care unit

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of survival and minimizing tissue damage.

Folliculitis: Inflammation of Hair Follicles

Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation of hair follicles, the tiny pouches in the skin that hold hair roots. This condition can cause red, itchy, and burning skin, as well as tenderness and pain in the affected areas.

What causes folliculitis and how can it be managed?

Folliculitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Bacterial infections (most common)
• Fungal infections
• Viral infections
• Ingrown hairs
• Friction from tight clothing

In many cases, folliculitis resolves on its own without treatment. However, if the condition persists or worsens, your healthcare provider may recommend:

1. Topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial folliculitis
2. Antifungal creams for fungal folliculitis
3. Warm compresses to soothe the affected area
4. Avoiding tight clothing and irritating skin care products

Boils and Carbuncles: Painful Skin Infections

Boils and carbuncles are painful skin infections that develop when bacteria infect one or more hair follicles, often entering through small cuts or insect bites.

How do boils differ from carbuncles?

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a single, localized infection that appears as a red, tender bump. As it fills with pus, it becomes more painful and eventually bursts. A carbuncle, on the other hand, is a cluster of boils that form under the skin, creating a more extensive and potentially more serious infection.

What are the treatment options for boils and carbuncles?

Treatment for boils and carbuncles may include:

• Applying warm compresses to ease pain and promote drainage
• Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
• Keeping the area clean and covered with a sterile bandage
• Surgical drainage for large or persistent boils
• Oral antibiotics for severe or recurrent infections

It’s important to avoid squeezing or attempting to drain boils at home, as this can spread the infection and lead to complications.

Viral Skin Infections: Herpes Simplex and Chickenpox

Viral skin infections are caused by viruses and can manifest in various ways, from localized outbreaks to widespread rashes. Two common viral skin infections are herpes simplex and chickenpox.

What are the different types of herpes simplex infections?

Herpes simplex infections are caused by two types of viruses:

1. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1): Typically causes cold sores on the lips or mouth
2. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2): Usually associated with genital herpes

Both types of herpes are contagious and can cause recurrent outbreaks throughout a person’s life. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help control outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.

How does chickenpox differ from shingles?

Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus, but they manifest differently:

• Chickenpox: A highly contagious infection that typically occurs in childhood, causing an itchy, widespread rash
• Shingles: A painful, localized rash that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in adulthood after a previous chickenpox infection

Vaccines are available to prevent both chickenpox and shingles, significantly reducing the risk of infection and associated complications.

Preventing and Managing Skin Infections

While it’s not always possible to prevent skin infections entirely, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage existing conditions effectively.

What are the best practices for preventing skin infections?

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and bathe or shower regularly
2. Keep skin clean and dry: Moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth
3. Avoid sharing personal items: This includes towels, razors, and clothing
4. Protect your skin: Wear appropriate protective gear during activities that may cause skin injuries
5. Maintain a healthy immune system: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep
6. Treat underlying conditions: Manage chronic health issues that may increase your risk of skin infections

When should you seek medical attention for a skin infection?

While many minor skin infections can be managed at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
• Severe pain or tenderness
• Pus or drainage from the affected area
• Red streaks extending from the infection site
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve with home treatment

Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment for more serious infections.

Advancements in Skin Infection Treatment and Research

The field of dermatology continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development of new treatments for skin infections. These advancements aim to improve patient outcomes and address challenges such as antibiotic resistance.

What are some promising areas of research in skin infection treatment?

• Novel antimicrobial agents: Researchers are exploring new classes of antibiotics and alternative antimicrobial compounds to combat resistant bacteria
• Immunomodulatory therapies: These treatments aim to enhance the body’s natural immune response to fight skin infections more effectively
• Topical probiotics: Studies are investigating the potential of beneficial bacteria applied to the skin to prevent and treat infections
• Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles are being developed to deliver medications more effectively and target specific pathogens
• Photodynamic therapy: This approach uses light-activated compounds to destroy harmful microorganisms on the skin

As research progresses, these and other innovative approaches may lead to more effective treatments for various skin infections, potentially reducing the reliance on traditional antibiotics and improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat conditions.

How can patients stay informed about new treatments for skin infections?

To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in skin infection treatment:

1. Consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider regularly
2. Follow reputable medical news sources and organizations
3. Participate in patient support groups or forums
4. Consider enrolling in clinical trials for new treatments, if eligible
5. Attend educational seminars or webinars on dermatological topics

By staying informed and working closely with healthcare professionals, patients can benefit from the most current and effective treatments available for skin infections.

Pictures of Skin Infections

Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on February 22, 2023

Like an onion, your skin has layers. When it comes to infections, usually the deeper it is, the worse it can be. The first layer (epidermis) makes cells and gives you color. The second (dermis) makes oils to protect the skin and sweat to cool you. Its nerve endings help you feel heat, cold, and pain. The third layer (subcutaneous fat) attaches skin to muscles and bones, and helps control your temperature.

A cut in your skin — from an injury or surgery, for example — makes it easier for germs to get in, and that can lead to infection. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause them. Bacteria are living organisms that are all around you. Many are harmless or even good for you, but some can cause problems. Viruses are tiny particles that can only grow inside other living cells. Fungi are living organisms that feed off other living things.

Ones caused by bacteria usually can be cured with antibiotics, though some bacteria have become resistant to the drugs and are harder to kill. Medication or prescription creams can stop most fungal infections, and there are several ways to treat viruses. Your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines, or they might need to remove skin growths. In other cases, your symptoms may go away on their own.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial infection that antibiotics don’t always stop. It can cause an abscess — pus in your tissue. If you have one, your doctor may drain it and not give you medicine. People who’ve been in a hospital or other facility, like a nursing home, are most likely to get MRSA. Those who often have skin-to-skin contact with others, like wrestlers or child care workers, can get it, too.

This is a serious bacterial skin infection that happens most often on your lower leg, but it can be anywhere on your skin. The area may get swollen, hot, and tender. It can be very serious if it’s in deeper tissue and gets in your bloodstream. If you have red streaks on your skin, fever, chills, and aches, see your doctor right away. In serious cases, you’ll need IV antibiotics — a needle in your hand or arm that puts medicine into a vein.

This is a bacterial infection that’s common in preschool and school-age children. It can cause blisters and sores on the face, neck, hands, or diaper area. It often happens after the skin has been irritated by another problem like a cut, scrape, or rash. It can be cleared up with antibiotics (in ointment, pill, or liquid form).

Also known as flesh-eating bacteria, this is a life-threatening infection that spreads quickly and kills your body’s soft tissue (muscle, fat, and other tissue that connects muscles to bones). If you’re healthy, have a strong immune system, and bathe or shower often, you’re not likely to get it. If you do have it, you’ll need antibiotics put directly into one of your veins, and a surgeon will remove the infected tissue. 

This happens when follicles — tiny pouches of skin that hold the roots of your hair — get inflamed and cause red, itchy, burning skin, tenderness, and pain. It’s usually brought on by bacteria, but fungi and viruses can cause it, too. Folliculitis often goes away on its own, but if it doesn’t, your doctor may give you an antibiotic or antifungal cream.

A boil is a sore that starts as a red, tender bump, gets more painful as it fills with pus, and finally bursts. It happens when bacteria infect one or more hair follicles, often getting in through a cut or insect bite. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils under your skin. A warm washcloth on the area is usually enough to ease pain and help boils drain, but if it’s large, your doctor may make a small cut to let the fluid out.

This is typically linked to sores in the genital area in both men and women, caused by a form of the herpes virus (type 2). Once you’re infected, the virus stays in your body, but it doesn’t always cause sores. Your doctor can give you medicine to control outbreaks. It’s contagious, so you shouldn’t have sex when you have an outbreak. If you do, tell your partner, and use a condom so you’re less likely to pass it on.

The type 1 herpes virus causes these on your lips or mouth, and they can be painful and embarrassing. Most people get the virus as children from contact with people who have it. The virus stays in your body, and sores may break out when you’re sick, anxious, or overtired. They usually go away on their own, but prescription drugs can help control outbreaks.

This virus affects your whole body and is mainly known for its itchy rash. Most of the time, it goes away within a week. It’s very contagious, so if you have it, stay home and rest until it’s gone. Once you’ve had chickenpox, you won’t get it again, but you may have an outbreak of shingles later in life — a painful, itchy rash. Vaccines can make you less likely to get chickenpox and shingles, or make you less sick if you do get one of them.

This virus causes smooth, firm, mounds of skin with a dimple in the center, and you get it from contact with people who have it or things they’ve touched. The itchy, painful sores can show up almost anywhere on your body — as small as a pinhead or as big as a pencil eraser. They usually disappear in 6 to 12 months, but your doctor may give you a cream or suggest office treatments that freeze or scrape the nodules away.

This fungal infection causes red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes on the top layer of your skin. It can show up anywhere on your body, and it’s very contagious. Many types of fungi can cause it, and they’re all around you. They can live on your skin as well as on floors, countertops, clothing, towels, and bedsheets. A number of antifungal creams, sprays, and pills can get rid of the infection, but it sometimes comes back in problem areas.

The same types of fungi that cause ringworm can cause this, too. It often shows up on the bottom of your feet and between your toes, where it’s dark and moist. It can make them itchy, dry, and cracked, and can sometimes cause bleeding. Many locker room floors are covered in it, so use rubber flip-flops at the gym — and clean them often. Keep your feet clean and dry to keep it from coming back.

Tiny creatures can burrow into your skin and feed or lay eggs, which can cause red, irritated, itchy skin. Lice are common parasites, especially in children. They affect the scalp and pass easily from person to person. Other skin parasites are mites (scabies) and hookworm, called “creeping eruption.” Special creams, lotions, or shampoos can get rid of them, and they don’t often cause long-term problems.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) ttsz / Thinkstock

2) PobladuraFCG / Thinkstock

3) rank600 / Thinkstock

4) Eraxion / Thinkstock

5) SPL / Science Source

6) SCOTT CAMAZINE / Getty Images

7) Dr. Kenneth Greer / Thinkstock

8) Allan Harris / Medical Images

9) Watney Collection / Medical Images

10) Luis  M. de la Maza / Medical Images

11) dabjola / Thinkstock

12) abdone / Thinkstock

13) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

14) alejandrophotography / Getty Images

15) Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

16) Eye of Science / Science Source

SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: “The layers of your skin,” “Scabies. ”

CDC: “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet,” “Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Rare Disease, Especially for the Healthy,” “Ringworm.”

John Hopkins Medicine: “Parasitic Infections of the Skin.”

Mayo Clinic: “Molluscum Contagiosum,” “Cellulitis,” “Folliculitis,” “Boils and carbuncles,” “Shingles.”

Nemours Foundation: “Impetigo,” “Chickenpox,” “Ringworm.”

Stanford: “Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Inpatient Setting.”

© 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

Rosacea, Hives, Psoriasis, and More

Medically Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on February 25, 2023

These red welts usually itch. They can be a sign of an allergic reaction, but stress or an illness can cause them, too. A hive will usually go away within a day, but a new one could pop up in its place. You may only get a few, or you could have a bunch that connect and spread across your body. If they get worse or don’t go away, see your doctor for treatment. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, get medical help ASAP.

This prickly red rash, which may be bumpy and is usually itchy, happens in hot, humid weather. It tends to show up in places where your skin rubs together, like your armpits and groin. It’s common in babies but can also happen to adults who get sweaty and overheated. It usually goes away on its own in 3-4 days. If it doesn’t, or if it starts to swell or ooze, call your doctor.

This happens when your skin reacts to something it touches. Sometimes it’s an allergic reaction (such as to poison ivy), and sometimes it’s irritation (from perfumes in soap, for example). Contact dermatitis can be a rash, hives, dry skin, or blisters. Your skin can turn thick or flaky, and it may darken or crack. Sometimes it takes time to figure out what’s caused it. Work with a dermatologist, especially if it gets worse.

There are a few types of this disease, but the most common, plaque psoriasis, shows up as raised red patches with a scaly layer of dead skin cells on top. You’ll usually see it on your scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back, but the blotches can appear anywhere on the body. Most people first notice it between the ages of 15 and 35, but the disease can crop up at any time.

The condition causes patches of very dry, itchy skin. Over time, these areas can thicken and turn lighter or darker than the rest of your body. Most people who have eczema first get it before age 5, and about half will outgrow it by the time they’re adults. But it’s not uncommon for adults to start having symptoms.

If you notice blotches or flushing across your cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, you might have this skin condition. Sometimes, small pimple-like bumps form and blood vessels get more visible. Usually, it starts after age 30, then gets redder and more constant. Many things can trigger rosacea or make it worse, including drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods, stress, and menopause. There’s no cure, but treatments can control the symptoms.

This painful rash with blisters usually shows up as a single stripe on one side of the body. (You might have tingling or itching a few days before you see it.) It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — the virus stays in your body and, even decades later, can flare up and cause shingles. It’s most common in people over 60. It should clear up in 2-4 weeks, but see your doctor to get medicine to prevent lasting nerve pain.

Also called broken capillaries, these are tiny blood vessels, located close to the surface of the skin, that get larger and more visible. The result is blotchiness and uneven skin tone on areas like the legs and face. Spider veins have many causes and are twice as common in women.  They’re not harmful, but you can have them treated if you don’t like how they look.

These brown or gray-brown patches on the face come from sun exposure, hormone changes, or both. Melasma is much more common in women — pregnancy or birth control pills are common triggers. The patches usually show up on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks, chin, and nose. They can fade on their own after pregnancy or once you stop taking the pill, but treatments can help, too. A broad-spectrum sunscreen and strict sun avoidance will keep them from getting darker.

With this condition, patches of your skin lose color and appear lighter. Sometimes it happens on only a few parts of the body, but vitiligo can cover large areas (even the hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth). It happens when the cells that give skin and hair their color, called melanocytes, die. Vitiligo affects men and women of all races. A few different treatments may restore your skin.

This fungal infection, which is especially common in tropical climates, makes white, pink, red, or brown spots form on the skin. They can show up anywhere on the body, and sometimes they’re dry, scaly, and itchy. Tinea versicolor is most common in teens and young adults with oily skin. A doctor can prescribe medicine, cleansers, or pills to treat it.

When you drink, especially if you have one too many, your face can flush and look blotchy. And if you have a hangover the next day, the dehydration will make any redness worse. If your skin gets very red when you imbibe, you may have alcohol flush syndrome, which is caused by an enzyme problem (it’s common in people of East Asian descent). Or you could have rosacea, and alcohol triggers your symptoms.

Whether it’s with a chemical peel or a scrub, exfoliation removes dead skin cells and leaves your skin looking brighter and refreshed. But doing it too often or too aggressively can make your face redder, make skin problems worse, and cause dark spots to show up. Ask a dermatologist about the best way to exfoliate your skin type.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) Thinkstock

2) Getty

3) Getty

4) Thinkstock

5) Thinkstock

6) Thinkstock

7) Thinkstock

8) Thinkstock

9) Dermnet

10) Getty

11) Getty

12) Getty

13) Thinkstock

SOURCES:

National Psoriasis Foundation: “About Psoriasis.”

American Academy of Dermatology: “Psoriasis,” “Atopic dermatitis,” “Hives,” “Contact dermatitis,” “Melasma,” “Vitiligo,” “Tinea versicolor,” “Evaluate before you exfoliate. ”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Heat Rash,” “Exercise-induced Urticaria.”

National Rosacea Society: “All About Rosacea,” “Factors That May Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups,” “Tips for Controlling Alcohol Flare-Ups.”

CDC: “About Shingles (Herpes Zoster).”

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Spider Veins.”

Stanford Health Care: “Telangiectasia.”

Alcohol Health & Research World: “Alcohol Hangover: Mechanisms and Mediators.”

International Rosacea Foundation: “Rosacea Symptoms.”

National Institutes of Health: “Alcohol Flush Signals Increased Cancer Risk among East Asians.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Flushing.”

Inflammation & Allergy – Drug Targets: “Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation and Skin Aging.”

© 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

Skin infections – health articles

11/10/2022

Skin infections are divided into bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic. These include diseases such as scabies, warts, herpes, fungal diseases, lichen, etc.

For the development of the disease is not enough only the causative agent of infection. For its vigorous activity and reproduction, certain conditions are necessary, for example, a weakening of the immune system. If a person has strong immunity, the disease may not be.

Causes

Infection is one of the leading causes of skin diseases. The infection multiplies, causing an inflammatory response. In addition, any infection releases toxins into the body, which disrupt the filter organs. Toxins released by infections are primary and aggressive allergens. The presence of infections in the body significantly increases the allergic component. The organs responsible for detoxification (liver, kidneys, lymphatic system) with a huge amount of toxins will no longer cope with their work, fully perform their functions. In fact, skin diseases are a pathological way of percutaneous elimination of toxins from the body.

Types of skin infections and their symptoms

Scabies – a characteristic symptom is itching at night, which prevents sleep and is very annoying. Also, scabies can be recognized by small itchy pimples and a gray line extending from them – this is the course of the tick.

Warts. In fact, they are a benign tumor caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several types of warts: common, genital warts, plantar, flat and senile. This disease is very common. They are skin neoplasms, often small. Although sometimes they can merge and grow to impressive sizes.

Herpes. In this case, we are talking about herpes type 1. There are also other types of herpes viruses, but they no longer belong to skin diseases, but more affect the internal organs.

So, herpes simplex virus type 1 (or herpes simplex virus) is an infection that lives in almost all of us. According to statistics, 9 out of 10 people on earth are infected with herpes. The first symptoms: small sores can be seen on the lips or near the nose. In the first hours, the skin begins to swell and hurt a little, causing discomfort. Symptoms of an exacerbated herpes virus, in addition to skin manifestations, may resemble a common cold – weakness, fever, etc.

Fungal diseases. Fungi, which, getting on the skin, hair and nails of a person, cause their change, a huge amount. You can get a fungal infection, like other skin diseases, through contact with a carrier (including animals), when using common hygiene items, shoes, as well as in baths and pools, that is, where it is warm and damp, especially if there are mechanical damage to the skin.

Symptoms of fungal diseases can be: itching, burning, redness, peeling, weeping, cracks, peeling of scales, formation of round plaques with a scaly raised rim, changes in the color and texture of the nail, the appearance of well-defined foci on the hairy surface of the skin, in which the hair becomes dull, brittle and eventually falls out, the appearance of black spots, severe seborrhea or dandruff.

Lichen. These are diseases that can also be caused by viral microorganisms and fungi. Infectious varieties include ringworm, pink, multi-colored (or pityriasis). A common symptom of these diseases is a rash in the form of scaly plaques of a changed color and completely different size, causing itching.

Erythema multiforme exudative. Infectious disease with an acute course. The seasonal form develops more often in spring or autumn. It is caused by an infection against the background of cold factors.

The toxic-allergic form occurs due to intoxication of the body with drugs or after vaccination (more often in children).

Both forms are characterized by skin rashes in the form of pinkish spots or slightly raised papules. Bubbles filled with serous and sometimes bloody contents may appear in their middle. The disease is also accompanied by general malaise, fever. Often there is pain in the throat and joints.

Ostiofolliculitis or staphylococcal impetigo. The causative agent is often Staphylococcus aureus. The main cause of the disease is a violation of the rules of hygiene, excessive sweating. It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of small semicircular rashes filled with purulent contents. They are about the size of a pinhead. In the center of the abscess is a hair.

Accompanied by painful sensations in the area of ​​rash dislocation. In the absence of adequate treatment, the infection can spread deep into the epidermis, provoking the development of folliculitis, the appearance of boils.

Pyoderma. A wide group of pustular diseases, the causative agent of which are bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci and pathogenic fungi.
The main symptom is follicles that appear mainly on the skin of the face, back, chest, armpits and scalp. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, there is a high risk of developing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Actinomycosis. Chronic bacterial skin disease.
The main symptom is the appearance under the skin of a dense tuberous neoplasm (infiltrate), which consists of several nodules that have merged together. The skin in this area acquires a bluish-reddish tint. With the development of the disease, the infiltrate breaks through, forming fistulas from which purulent contents are released.

Thrush or yeast stomatitis – often diagnosed in newborns or debilitated children. It is characterized by the appearance of a white film (plaque) on the oral mucosa.

Diagnosis

In the diagnosis of skin diseases, it is especially important to detect latent infections that deprive the immune system of the ability to function normally. The condition of the internal organs, the disruption of which can cause skin diseases, is also assessed.

Therefore, examination for skin diseases consists of a carefully verified list of tests and examinations by doctors of other specializations (for example, a cosmetologist-dermatologist), which are designed not only to detect skin diseases (often this can be done with the naked eye), but to identify the true causes of all disorders present in the body. With such a systematic approach, the treatment carried out is enough to save the patient from skin disease for a long time, and often for life.

Treatment

Infectious diseases are treated in a complex manner. Conventionally, all treatment is divided into several stages, which depend on the established diagnosis and the individual characteristics of the organism of each patient.

Various methods of treatment are used: medications, including antibiotics of different groups. Homeopathic remedies, phyto and physiotherapy methods are also used. In certain cases, cryotherapy procedures are effective. Depending on the disease, ultraviolet blood irradiation may be needed. In addition, drugs are prescribed that improve the functioning of internal organs and strengthen the immune system.

Certain ointments, gels, mashes and creams are used externally. As an additional treatment, effective folk remedies are used.

Treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, although in especially severe cases, a referral to a hospital is indicated.

Viral diseases of the skin | NEO

Viral skin diseases are caused by exposure to certain types of viruses.

The most common diseases include:

1. Viral warts (warts, papillomas – viral infection)
2. Dermatitis (allergic, seborrheic, perioral, eczema)
3. Acne (acne, pimples, blackheads)
4. Herpetic infections 90 081
5. Herpes zoster

Viral warts is one of the most common skin diseases. It occurs when the papillomavirus invades human skin cells. At the site of introduction, growths in the form of nodules appear. The virus can get on the skin through close contact with a sick person (handshake) or through contact with objects that he used (dishes, gadgets, etc.). The incubation period lasts from 2 to 6 months.

Depending on the type of virus that caused the wart, it can have a different shape, color and placement on the body. There are several types of viral warts:

• Flat warts
• Plantar warts
• Warts vulgaris

Treatment of warts in the Medical Center “NEO”

Currently, the only radical method is the removal of existing growths with the help of drugs or physical impact. The following methods apply:

• Cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen applications)
• Electrocoagulation
• Laser coagulation
• Chemode Structure (drug applications)

All of the above methods can be used as monotherapy or in combination with each other.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin disease caused by one of the smallpox viruses. Most often, children aged from one to 10 years get sick. The route of infection with molluscum contagiosum is contact. The threat is not only an infected person, but also household items. In adults, the sexual route of infection is possible with the localization of rashes on the skin of the genital organs. The incubation period is from 2 weeks to 6 months.

radiotherapy

radio wave surgery

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Herpetic infection is a skin disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type I. Infection occurs by airborne droplets and household contact from infected patients and asymptomatic virus carriers. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 14 days. Most often, the oral mucosa, skin of the face, trunk and upper limbs are affected. Rashes appear in the form of vesicles with transparent contents, more often painful on palpation. The herpes simplex virus type I persists in the body throughout life. Under the influence of provoking factors (hypothermia, stress, chronic diseases, etc.), the disease can take a relapsing course.

Therapies:

• Antivirals
• Immunomodulators
• Herpetic vaccine

900 02 Herpes zoster is a skin disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus (family of herpes viruses). The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection comes from a person who has shingles or chickenpox.

At the first contact with the virus, more often in early childhood, the clinical picture of chickenpox develops. After recovery, the virus remains in the body, hiding from the nerve endings. Activation of the virus can occur after several decades, under the influence of provoking factors (drafts, hypothermia, stressful situations, etc.)

On the skin of the trunk or the skin of the face, along the innervation of this nerve, sharply painful grouped vesicles with transparent contents appear. Soreness can persist for a long time after the disappearance of the rash.

You get shingles, like chicken pox, once in a lifetime, there are no relapses.