What is a skin infection?
Skin infection is an infection caused by an organism that grows in or on your skin.
Types of skin infections
Below are the 4 types of skin infections:
Parasitic infections:
Lice, scabies, and bed bugs cause parasitic skin infections. The parasites burrow into your skin to live there or to lay eggs. Once they bite, they cause symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and itching.
Fungal infections (Mycosis):
Fungal infections are caused by yeast or mold. Fungal infections are present on the nails, skin, hair, or mucous membranes. Fungal infections make your nails look thick, discolored, and cracked while your skin becomes red and swollen.
Bacterial infections:
Bacterial skin infection results from bacteria getting into your skin through the hair follicles or skin opening. Skin opening can be a result of scrapes, injury, insect bites, or recurring skin conditions. Examples of bacterial skin infections include boils, impetigo, cellulitis, and leprosy.
Cellulitis bacterial skin infection:
Cellulitis causes pain and discoloration of the skin. Factors that increase the risk of cellulitis are obesity, diatomites, skin injury, and eczema.
Viral skin infection
A virus causes viral skin infections. Viral skin infections are contagious and can cause symptoms such as chicken pox, measles, wart, foot hand, and mouth disease, and shingles.
How is a skin infection diagnosed?
The doctor can diagnose skin infection by performing a visual examination of your skin or by checking the locality of the infection.
How to prevent skin infections?
You can prevent skin infections by avoiding skin infection triggers and practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Below are some of the prevention measures you can adopt.
Cleanliness
Taking a warm bath can help keep your skin clean, but bathing too frequently (such as twice a day) may actually dry out your skin and make it more prone to irritation. Also regularly cleaning any material that gets into contact with your skin will keep skin infections at bay. These materials include bedding, clothes, and cushion cases.
Use protective barriers when using public facilities
Gym and communal bathrooms expose you to the dangers of skin infections. Use your clean towels when wiping out sweat as well as gloves to clean public facilities.
Moisturize your skin appropriately
Dry skin may crack leading to entry of bacteria through your skin. Moisturizing your skin keeps it smooth and well hydrated, preventing cracks and flakes.
Protect your skin from cuts
Always put on protective gloves when handling sharp edges.
Avoid sharing personal items
Sharing personal items such as towels and makeup kits can spread skin infections.
Check up your skin regularly with a dermatologist
If you have a history of recurring skin infections, you must go for skin checkups and seek medical advice.
Taking vaccinations
Vaccinations such as chicken pox help prevent skin infections by strengthening your immune system.
Drinking enough water
Water helps by keeping your skin hydrated. If you are not fond of plain water you can add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Another strategy is the use of measuring water bottles to keep track of the amount of water you take per day.
