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Skin infections are another common dermatologic problem that we diagnose and treat.
What causes Skin Infections?
Skin infections are usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungal microorganisms directly infecting skin tissue. Parasites can also cause skin infections or infestations. Skin infections are contagious to varying degrees, but typically require direct skin-to-skin contact for transmission.
Types of Skin Infections we evaluate, diagnose and treat
Common bacterial skin infections we see and treat include:
- Impetigo, a superficial bacterial skin infection
- Ecthyma, a deeper skin infection variant of Impetigo
- Cellulitis, a serious, deep skin and subcutaneous infection
- Erysipelas, a variant of cellulitis
- Folliculitis, an inflammation or infection of hair follicles, and
- Boils (aka abscess), a focal infection characterized by a pocket of pus
A furuncle is another term for a boil (or abscess). A carbuncle refers to a cluster of interconnected furuncles (boils / abscesses). Generally, abscesses need to be surgically lanced to alleviate discomfort and further progression, promote healing and reduce complication risks.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful, relapsing, chronic disease characterized by recurring, multiple abscesses and eventual scarring, usually in the groin and or axillas.
Common viral skin infections we diagnose and treat include:
- Herpes simplex (cold sores or fever blisters)
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Viral Warts & Mollscum Contagiosum
Fungi can infect your skin, hair and or nails. Fungal skin infections are also called ringworm because they often cause a ring-shaped rash with a scaly border and central area of clearing.
Fungal skin infections are also called tinea and further identified by the body part affected. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal skin infection of the groin area and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection of the feet.
Other body areas afflicted with tinea are referred to as tinea corporis. Tinea versicolor is another type of very superficial fungal skin infection that causes the skin to be discolored. Fungal skin infections can also infect hair follicles and cause a fungal folliculitis.
How are Skin Infections diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis requires a visual exam and may require skin sampling for culture and or pathology.
Treatments include antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications, respectively.
Contact us at info@strimderm.com or call us at (702) 243-6400 to schedule a consultation.