Infections

Why should I be concerned about skin infections?

Your skin protects your body from germs. If you experience a cut or wound, germs can infiltrate your body and cause an infection.

A mild infection on the surface of your skin often clears up quickly with antibiotics. But others can penetrate deep below your skin’s surface or spread to other areas of your body.

While most skin infections are successfully treated at Coastal Dermatology & Medspa, some can become severe when not addressed immediately.

If you notice symptoms of an infection, contact the office right away. Early treatment gives you the best chance of a fast, effective recovery.

What are some common skin infections?

Common skin infections treated at Coastal Dermatology & Medspa include:

Boils

Boils are pus-filled lesions caused by staphylococcus bacteria found naturally on your skin. Boils develop when a cut or scrape allows the bacteria to enter a hair follicle or oil gland.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. It can be particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing skin conditions or a weak immune system. Erysipelas is cellulitis affecting the upper skin layers.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox causes small red blisters on the affected person’s body. The disease is highly contagious. The varicella-zoster vaccine prevents infection. See a dermatologist early in your infection to prevent complications. 

Shingles

Shingles are also caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It appears as strips of blotches of red, bumpy sores and causes severe pain. Early diagnosis and treatment help you avoid complications. (A vaccine is available to prevent shingles infections.)

Folliculitis

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become infected and inflamed. White-head pimples or pustules develop as a result.

Herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex virus causes canker and cold sores around your lips and inside your mouth. Usually, these sores disappear on their own within seven to 10 days.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a cluster of red sores around the nose or mouth that burst after a time, creating a light crust. Impetigo is highly contagious.

Intertrigo

When two folds of skin rub together, like at the armpits or thighs, it can cause an irritating rash. This is especially true in areas that experience little air circulation and a lot of sweat.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium entering the body through the bite of an infected tick. In addition to a skin rash, you can also develop a headache, fever, and fatigue.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that usually causes a circular, red, itchy blotch. The infection develops when you come into contact with the fungus from another person, a surface, or an animal.

Scabies

Sarcoptes scabiei are microscopic burrowing mites, often called itch mites, that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and grayish or skin-toned lines. The rash, called scabies (pronounced skay-beez), is spread by skin-to-skin contact.

How are skin infections treated?

Skin infections usually clear up with oral or topical antibiotics. Some infections, like abscesses or boils, require draining to relieve the pain and inflammation. 

Call Coastal Dermatology & Medspa or use this website to book an appointment if you have a skin infection.