Skin Infections

in Fargo, North Dakota

You’ve most likely had a skin infection at some point in your life as the result of a cut or scratch. These can usually be treated at home, but sometimes they can become serious. When this is the case, it’s highly important to see a dermatologist before the infection spreads and becomes dangerous.

What are Skin Infections?

Skin infections happen when an outside material comes into contact with the skin and battles against the body’s immune system. Skin infections can be the cause of many different other skin conditions and are classified under four different types:

Bacterial Skin Infections

These can be the most easily-treated infections and can often show up as small, red bumps that get bigger. The most common types of bacterial skin infections are cellulitis, impetigo, and boils.

Viral Skin Infections

This type can often go away on its own, although they can also be more contagious. These include shingles, chickenpox, molluscum contagiosum, warts, measles, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Fungal/Yeast Skin Infections

This type develops in moist or damp areas of the body, typically where skin meets other skin. These infections can include athlete’s foot, yeast (candida) infections, ringworm, nail fungus, oral thrush, and diaper rash.

Parasitic Skin Infections

This type is caused by a living parasite or mite that lives on or under the skin. These can include lice, bedbugs, scabies, or cutaneous larva migrans.

What Causes Skin Infections?

There are many different causes for each type of infection, but they generally occur when a foreign substance comes into contact with your skin and affects your body’s ability to fight it off. For example, in bacterial infections, bacteria enters a wound or scratch. In viral infections, usually caused by one of three types of viruses (poxvirus, human papillomavirus, or herpes virus) a virus affects your body’s immune system and manifests on the skin through contact with others who have it. Fungal infections are caused by contact with fungi that grow in warm, moist environments. Finally, parasitic infections are caused by contact with mites or parasites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs.

How are Skin Infections Treated?

Your treatment options will highly depend on the type of infection observed by Dr. Ness during an appointment. For bacterial or viral infections, antibiotics or anti-viral medications can often be used to combat the infection. Fungal or parasitic infections, however, can require medications to kill the fungi or mites and prevent the spread. Depending on the severity, a combination of prescription and at-home treatments can be used effectively. If your infection is severe, Dr. Ness can recommend options and prescribe medications to reduce discomfort, pain, and itchiness.

Skin Infection Prevention

Although it can seem overwhelming when trying to prevent the many different types of skin infections, most types can be avoided by simply practicing good hygiene and avoiding infection-causing substances. This includes frequent, effective hand-washing and wound care, as well as limiting your exposure to areas with people who commonly have weakened immune systems. As always, if you notice anything unusual about your skin, you should see a dermatologist immediately.

 Recommended Products

• Antihistamines
• Antifungal Products
• Anti-Itch Creams

Schedule A Consultation

Since skin infections can become severe without proper treatment, it’s important to see Dr. Ness to assess your condition and discuss your treatment options. To schedule an appointment at our Fargo office, contact us by calling or booking online.