Skin Infections
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What are skin infections? Your skin is your body's largest organ. It has many different functions, including covering and protecting your body. It helps keep germs out. But sometimes the germs can cause a skin infection. It often happens when the germs enter your body through a break, cut, or wound on your skin. Other skin infections can happen in places where the skin rubs together, especially if the area is moist. Infections can also happen when you have a poor blood supply to an area of your body or if your immune system is weakened because of another disease or a medical treatment. Some skin infections cover a small area on the top of your skin. Other infections can go deep into your skin or spread to a larger area. What causes skin infections? Skin infections are caused by different kinds of germs. For example,: Bacteria cause cellulitis , impetigo , and staphylococcal (staph) infections Viruses cause shingles , warts , and herpes simplex Fungi cause athlete's foot and yeast infections Parasites cause body lice , head lice , and scabies Who is more likely to get a skin infection? You are more likely to get a skin infection if you: Have poor circulation Have diabetes Are older Have an immune system disease , such as HIV Have a weakened immune system because of chemotherapy or other medicines that suppress your immune system Have to stay in one position for a long time, such as if you are sick and have to stay in bed for a long time or you are paralyzed Are malnourished Have excessive skinfolds, which can happen if you have obesity What are the symptoms of skin infections? The symptoms depend on the type of infection. Some symptoms that are common to many skin infections include rashes , swelling, redness, pain, pus, and itching . How are skin infections diagnosed? To diagnose a skin infection, your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. You may have lab tests, such as a skin culture. This is a test to identify what type of infe