Cutaneous infections

What are skin infections?

Skin infections are skin diseases caused by the attack of different types of germs, which provoke a local reaction in which different cells and microorganisms present on the skin are destroyed.

The most common infections can be classified according to their origin: bacterial, such as staphylococcus or impetigo; viral, such as warts, molluscum contagiosum or herpes simplex; fungal, such as Candida infections; or caused by skin parasites, such as scabies or lice.

What are the causes of skin infections?

There are many causes of skin infections, the most common being bacterial infections. The most common bacteria causing skin infections are staphylococci and streptococci.

What symptoms do skin infections cause?

Initially, the affected area becomes inflamed and reddish in appearance, with stinging and burning, symptoms that usually alert the patient that there is a problem.

If left untreated, the skin infection often leads to an abscess and a skin ulcer or even a fistula.

Can skin infections be prevented?

Although it is very difficult to detect the action of germs before they present symptoms on the skin, some of the infections have measures to repel parasites such as lice. Maintaining proper hygiene is also important to prevent many infections.

What is the treatment of skin diseases?

The treatment of skin infections depends on the cause that originates them, although in most cases it will be necessary to clean the lesion with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, and the prescription of topical or oral antibiotics, as determined by the specialist.