The skin provides a barrier function for the body, but sometimes even the barrier itself can fall victim to infection. The list of possible bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that can impact the skin is long and includes tinea versicolor, staphylococcus, and ringworm. The Palm Beach-based team at Carroll Dermatology can examine a patient’s rash,infection, or unknown skin problem, run any necessary tests, provide an accurate diagnosis, and start the best course of treatment, from mitigating symptoms to clearing up the problem if possible.
It's important for patients with a skin infection to not try to diagnose the problem alone—or with help from the Internet. Many viruses and bacteria cause symptoms that can look like something else. That means starting a treatment without being sure of the actual infection could not help at all—and may even make things worse. Talk to the experienced team at Carroll Dermatology to work with skin-focused medical professionals who know what they are looking at, as well as what to do about it.
Skin infections are typically divided into three categories:viral, bacterial, and fungal. Each infection works in its own way and requires its own unique treatment. Some infections can be cured, while others will remain in the body, but may be manageable when it comes to symptoms.
Two of the most common viral infections that impact the skin are human papillomavirus (which causes warts) and molluscum contagiosum (which causes clusters of skin growths).Warts may be removed in a variety of ways, though the virus will often remain in the body for a couple years. Molluscum contagiosum tends to clear on its own within a year.
Another common infection is herpes, which can cause painful sores and ulcers to develop on the lips and around the mouth. Another form of this viral disease can cause lesions to develop on the genital area. There is no cure for herpes, but there are treatments available to help with the symptoms.
Other viruses that impact the skin include varicella(chickenpox and shingles), rubella (measles), and enteroviruses (hand, foot,and mouth, which can ultimately cause the nails to fall out).
Bacteria live in the environment all around us, including on our skin. Most of the time, these tiny organisms do not harm us, but they may enter the body through cuts, burns, and other wounds. Staphylococcus aureus is one example. When on the surface or in the nose, the bacteria do nothing to noticeably impact us. If the bacteria enter the skin, however, they can create inflammation, redness, bumps, abscesses, and even fevers and other symptoms.Like most bacterial infections, antibiotics can kill the staph and cure the problem.
Other common bacterial infections are cellulitis (an often painful and sometimes very serious, caused by staph or strep bacteria), impetigo (causing crusty sores and blisters), folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), carbuncles (clusters of boils, also caused by staph or strep), and furuncles (pus-filled abscesses that develop from follicles infected with staph).
Fungi are plant-like organisms that typically feed on decaying matter. In the skin, they are sustained by various organic compounds.One of the most common fungal infections is ringworm, which—despite the name—is not a worm at all, though it does tend to cause a ring-shaped rash. The fungus can also cause hair loss and nail problems, including brittleness and discoloration. Treatment involves the application of antifungal medications,but one of the best strategies is prevention. Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and spread by contact, it’s important to ensure skin is clean and dry, shared surfaces and materials are cleaned routinely, and hand-washing is routine.
There are many places where ringworm may develop. On the feet, it is known as tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot. This condition gets its name from the fact that athletes tend to go barefoot in communal showers, which is a prime growing area for fungus. On the groin, it is known as tinea curis, or jock itch. Antifungal medication can help.
Another fungal infection is tinea versicolor, which creates discolored patches on the infected parts of the skin due to overgrowth of yeast.
There are many medical dermatology options at Carroll Dermatology, as well as cosmetic dermatology treatments that focus on the look of the skin. Patients dealing with acne, for example, can get help with the condition, both addressing the look of their skin as well as its long-term health.
If you have a skin issue you would like identified and treated, contact Carroll Dermatology. We are here to help.
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