Skin Infections

What Are the Symptoms of a Skin Infection?

In most cases, skin infections can be easily identified. Those who have bacterial infections can experience pus, red skin around the wound, a pimple or yellow crust on top of the infected area, or sores that look like blisters. In some cases, you may also experience pain and swelling if you have an infection that lasts for days. In an effort to combat the bacteria, your body may develop a fever that can be persistent until the proper medication is taken. In the case of a fungal infection, you may notice fungus on your body and experience itching as well as irritation.

What Causes Skin Infections?

Different skin infections are caused by different factors. Bacterial skin infections, for example, develop when bacteria enter through hair follicles or through small breaks in the skin that result from scrapes, punctures, surgery, burns, sunburn, animal or insect bites, wounds, and preexisting skin disorders. People can develop bacterial infections after participating in a variety of activities, for example, gardening in contaminated soil or swimming in a contaminated pond, lake, or ocean. Fungal infections occur when fungus grows on the skin. This can happen when a person experiences excessive sweating and/or wears damp clothing for long periods of the day. When the damp parts of the body don’t receive proper airflow or sunlight, it can result in the growth of mold or fungus on the body. The fungus usually grows on the tiny folds of the skin between toes and fingers, on the neck, under the armpits, behind the knees, and even near the genital areas near the thighs. They are more likely in people who have low immunity. So, children, people with diabetes, and cancer patients are highly-vulnerable to fungal skin infections. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, yeast infection, jock itch, and ringworm.