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Bacterial & Fungal Skin Infections

Skin is the largest sensory organ of a body, so when it develops a bacterial or fungal infection, it’s incredibly serious. Bacterial and fungal infections, when left uncared for, can become extremely serious, especially when the infection is on your skin. With how sensitive skin can be, the sooner that bacterial and fungal infections are treated, the better.

Most Common Types of Bacterial & Fungal Infections

There are quite a few different diagnoses of bacterial and fungal infections. Because of how different symptoms are for each of these bacterial and fungal infections, it’s best to speak with your dermatologist before proceeding with treatments.

  • Staphylococcus Aureus: Also known as a staph infection, this skin infection can cause boils, impetigo, cellulitis, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. The staph bacteria can also make its way into the bloodstream and cause bloodstream infections, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia.
  • Folliculitis: This is a common skin condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Symptoms include pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over, itchy skin, large swollen bumps, and clusters of small red bumps.
  • Furunculosis: Also known as boils, this is a bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles. When the hair follicle becomes infected, the skin around it becomes inflamed, red, and raised. This boil will eventually rupture and weep fluid.
  • Impetigo: This skin infection usually affects infants and children and appears as red sores on the face, hands, and feet. These sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts.
  • Ecthyma: This skin infection leaves small, purulent, and shallow ulcers with thick brown-black crusts.
  • Cellulitis: This common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection leaves the skin swollen, red and typically painful to the touch. This usually affects the skin on the lower legs. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life-threatening.
  • Erysipelas: This is a form of cellulitis but only affects the upper layers of the skin. Symptoms include swollen and shiny skin, redness, blisters, and sharp edges between the affected area and unaffected skin.

Signs & Symptoms of Bacterial & Fungal Infections

Depending on the type of bacterial or fungal infection you have, you may experience different symptoms, but most of these infections include:

  • Splotchy redness
  • Skin is warm to the touch
  • Swollen lumps
  • Boils
  • Rash-like spots

Treatment Options for These Infections

The treatment options for fungal and bacterial skin infections will vary on the severity and location of the infection. Certain infections will be treated with creams while others may require more serious prescriptions, taken orally. Be sure to stop by Azeal Dermatology Institute in Boulder. Our expert dermatologists will be able to help diagnose your skin infection and the appropriate form of treatment. Schedule an appointment today or contact us to learn more.

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