BACTERIAL, FUNGAL, PARASITIC, VIRAL - SKIN INFECTIONS

BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS

Common bacterial skin infections like cellulitis, impetigo, erythyma (deep impetigo), erysipelas, methicillin (methicillin), furunculosis (boils), folliculitis and carbunculosis can be found in many areas of the body. These bacterial infections are often caused by a combination of bacterial to name a few staphylococcus aureus & streptococcus pyogenes. Bacterial infection symptoms often include a rash, pimples, pustules and leave skin irritated and for the record hydrocortisone alone will not treat the infection. It is possible that a GP may prescribe a hydrocortisone that contains other ingredients that will also kill the bacteria (antibiotics and antiseptic).

FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS

Some of most common skin, nail and hair fungal infections are named jock itch (tinea cruris), intertrido, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), tinea versicolor and face fungus (tinea faciei). They are mostly referred to as either ringworm or tinea and the specific name tends to relate to whereabouts on the body the fungal infection is located. Another fungal yeast infection is commonly referred to as thrush or candida. Like all fungal infections they can be irritated and inflamed and typically easily cured with the use of antifungal products prescribed by a GP. Many of the more common types like athletes foot are treated at ease at local convenient stores. It is possible that a GP may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream that contains other ingredients that will also kill the fungal (antifungal ingredients) infection. Hydrocortisone alone does not treat fungal infections.

PARASITIC SKIN INFECTIONS

Parasitic infections caused by tiny insects (lice and scabies) and worms (hookworms) that live burrowing into skin and laying eggs are very common. Diagnosis ‘creeping eruption’ is caused through hookworms that lay eggs and feed on blood, which are typically spread to humans through faeces of dogs and cats carrying the hookworms. Lice tend to locate in the scalp (head lice) or pubic area (pubic lice or crabs) and are usually diagnosed through traces of nits (eggs) in hair shafts. There are also lice that live and feed off the body that tend to be located in clothing where they can continue to thrive. Scabies are mites that are thinner than lice and are undetectable by the naked eye. They continuously burrow into the skin and tend to be located in between fingers, in the groin region, on wrists and in underarms. It is possible that you can be recommended hydrocortisone to relieve the itching of lice or hookworms however this really isn’t necessary and not advised. With scabies it appears preferable for people to turn to hydrocortisone for relief as the itching is often on the whole body and can be very intense, especially during the night.

VIRAL SKIN INFECTIONS

There are many types of viral infection and those that have an impact on skin include warts, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, orf, molluscum contagiosum, measles, rubella, hand, foot and mouth disease, nonspecific viral rash, roseola to name a few. Many of these infections leave skin rashes, redness, bumps, irritations and sores. Common viruses such as chicken pox and shingles are a good example of tiny skin blistering and sores that can leave deep scars if scratched. Common viral infections like herpes simplex which can re-occur again in later months or warts that can take a long time to disappear can be very itchy and irritated. Acne and rosacea acne become tough to deal with as certain skin types can simply be more prone to these infections and curing becomes very difficult. With all concerning viral skin infections it is always advised that you seek professional assistance from a GP or skin specialist (dermatologist) as there are thousands of dedicated products for these infections.