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Common Bacterial Skin Infections
Posted: July 20, 2022
Categories: Antifungal Treatment
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Its function is to protect your body from infection. However, sometimes the skin itself becomes infected and requires some minor medical attention. There are different types of skin infections that are caused by a wide variety of germs, and symptoms can vary from mild to serious.
The most common skin infections are bacterial infections that are relatively mild and can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. Whereas other infections may require medical attention.
Read on to learn more about common bacterial skin infections and what to do if you have one.
What Are the Different Types of Bacterial Skin Infections?
Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that slowly increase in size. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic.
Different types of bacterial skin infections include:
- Cellulitis
- Impetigo
- Boils
- Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
- Erysipelas
- Bacterial Folliculitis
- Hot Tub Folliculitis
What Are the Symptoms of a Bacterial Skin Infection?
The symptoms of a skin infection also vary depending on the type. Common symptoms include redness of the skin and a rash. You may also experience other symptoms, such as itching, pain, and tenderness.
See a doctor if you have pus-filled blisters or a skin infection that doesn’t improve or gets progressively worse. Skin infections can spread beyond the skin and into the bloodstream. When this happens, it can become dangerous.
The Causes of Bacterial Skin Infections
A bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut or a scratch. Getting a cut or scratch doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop a skin infection, but it does increase your risk if you have a weakened immune system.
How Is a Bacterial Skin Infection Treated?
Bacterial skin infections are often treated with topical antibiotics applied directly to the skin or with oral antibiotics. If the strain of bacteria is resistant to treatment, treating the infection may require intravenous antibiotics administered in the hospital.
Medication treatments
Other types of skin infections include:
- Fungal – This can easily be treated with over-the-counter antifungals capsules such as Fluconazole for fungal infections.
- Viral - Viral skin infections typically improve on their own within days or weeks.
- Parasitic - Parasitic skin infections are treated primarily with topical medications (corticosteroid creams) to get rid of the parasites.
Home care and alternative treatments
Home care for a skin infection works to reduce symptoms. Home care may include the following:
- Apply cold compresses to your skin several times a day to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines to decrease itching.
- Use topical creams and ointment to reduce itching and discomfort.
Skin infections can vary from mild to severe. Online4Pharmacy has a wide range of over-the-counter treatments for skin infections in addition to other health issues. Shop online and get your medicine delivered straight to your front door.
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