Medical Treatments

Bacterial/Fungal/Viral Skin Infections

Bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections are common dermatological conditions caused by different types of microorganisms. Each type of infection presents with distinct symptoms, requires specific treatments, and can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. Here's an overview of each category:

Bacterial Skin Infections:

Bacterial infections of the skin are usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, though other bacteria can also be involved.

Common Bacterial Skin Infections:

Cellulitis:

  • Description: A deep skin infection that affects the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.
  • Symptoms: Red, swollen, warm, and painful skin, often with fever. The area may expand rapidly.
  • Treatment: Oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on severity. Common antibiotics include cephalexin, dicloxacillin, or clindamycin.

Impetigo:

  • Description: A highly contagious superficial skin infection, often seen in children.
  • Symptoms: Red sores that quickly rupture, ooze, and form a honey-colored crust, usually around the nose and mouth.
  • Treatment: Topical antibiotics like mupirocin or fusidic acid. Severe cases may require oral antibiotics.

Folliculitis:

  • Description: Inflammation of hair follicles, often due to Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Symptoms: Small, red or white, pus-filled bumps around hair follicles.
  • Treatment: Topical antiseptics or antibiotics. Oral antibiotics may be needed for widespread infections.

Abscesses and Boils:

  • Collections of pus that develop in tissues, organs, or spaces inside the body, often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
  • Symptoms: A painful, red, swollen lump, sometimes with an overlying pustule.
  • Treatment: Incision and drainage are often required. Antibiotics may be prescribed, especially if the patient has multiple lesions or systemic symptoms.
Fungal Skin Infections:

Fungal infections are caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts (like Candida), and molds.

Common Fungal Skin Infections:

Tinea (Ringworm):

  • A group of fungal infections affecting different parts of the body (e.g., tinea pedis for feet, tinea corporis for body, tinea capitis for scalp).
  • Symptoms: Red, circular, scaly patches with clear centers. The edge of the patch may be slightly raised and may itch.
  • Treatment: Topical antifungals like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole. Oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine or itraconazole) may be needed for extensive infections.

Candidiasis:

  • An infection caused by Candida species, typically in warm, moist areas like skin folds, armpits, or the groin.
  • Symptoms: Red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash, often with satellite pustules (small, red, pus-filled bumps).
  • Treatment: Topical antifungals like nystatin or clotrimazole. Oral antifungals may be necessary for more severe cases.

Onychomycosis:

  • Fungal infection of the nails, leading to thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.
  • Symptoms: Nails may become yellow or white, thickened, and may crumble at the edges.
  • Treatment: Oral antifungals like terbinafine or itraconazole. Topical treatments are less effective but can be used in mild cases.
Viral Skin Infections:

Viral infections can affect the skin in various ways, often presenting as rashes or growths.

Common Viral Skin Infections:

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):

  • HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. However, either type can affect both areas.
  • Symptoms: Painful, fluid-filled blisters that crust over after several days. Primary infections may be accompanied by fever and malaise.
  • Treatment: Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV):

  • Causes chickenpox in children and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.
  • Symptoms: Chickenpox presents as an itchy rash with red spots, blisters, and scabs. Shingles presents as a painful, blistering rash, typically on one side of the body or face.
  • Treatment: Antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir) are most effective when started early. Pain management is crucial for shingles.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

  • Causes warts, which are growths on the skin. Common warts appear on hands and feet, while genital warts affect the genital and anal areas.
  • Symptoms: Small, rough, raised lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
  • Treatment: Topical treatments (salicylic acid, imiquimod), cryotherapy, or surgical removal. Some warts may resolve on their own without treatment.