Common Skin Infections and What To Do About Them

The skin, as the largest organ in the body, protects the body from infections. However, it also comes under attack at times. A wide variety of germs cause skin infections that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Skin infections are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 

The majority of these infections are common skin infections that can be easily treated at home using over-the-counter medication. The problem is that very few people know how to treat common skin infections. This article will look at some common skin infections and how you can treat them.

#1 – Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria that can lead to serious health complications if not treated early. In children, it mostly appears in the face while it appears in the lower parts of the legs in adults even though it can develop in any part of the body. 

Symptoms of the infection include a warm and tender swelling on the skin, usually a different color from the usual skin tone. Treatment includes oral medication of antibiotics or an intravenous one in serious cases. If untreated while mild, cellulitis can cause blood infections and as a result, damage the immune system. The patient should get enough rest, and the affected area should also be covered and stay elevated. 

Mint Pear’s Fresh Cucumber + Witch Hazel Facial Toner is a perfect choice to revitalize the face after a cellulitis infection has healed.

#2 – Warts

Warts are caused by viruses on the skin’s top layer. They are usually skin growths that are noncancerous and are mostly developed from cuts and skin damage. They are, however, contagious and can be spread by getting in touch with an infected person or object.

Symptoms include raised and rough growths or dark and flat areas of the skin. They mostly occur in places that often experience skin damage such as the back of the hands, fingers, and nails. There are a number of treatment methods for warts including;

• Cantharidin. A substance is applied to the warts which cause blisters to form under them. The warts are then clipped off.
• Electrosurgery. In this method, electric currents are used to effectively burn off warts.
• Excision. The warts are simply cut off.
• Cryotherapy. The warts are frozen till the skin cells die and fall off.

More complicated warts may require even more thorough treatment methods, such as laser removal.

#3 – Herpes

Herpes is a common skin infection that is usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, commonly referred to as HSV-1. These are also known as cold sores, and not to be confused with type 2, which are a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms of the infection may not occur for several months, sometimes even years after infection. The most common symptoms of the infection include swollen glands, fluid-filled blisters or lesions in the affected area lasting up to 7 days, fever, and a tingling sensation. The infection is highly contagious and can be easily spread through contact, making it one of the most easily contractible skin infections for athletes in contact sports. There is no known cure for herpes, though antiviral medication may be prescribed to suppress the symptoms.

#4 – Yeast

Yeast infections are caused by fungi. They are most common in body parts that trap moisture such as armpits, genitals, and mouth. They are often a symptom of a weak immune system. Diaper rash and athlete’s foot are the two most common types of yeast infection on the skin. Athlete’s foot is another type of skin infections for athletes, who often wear tight shoes on sweaty feet for prolonged periods of time. 

Symptoms of the infection include rashes, itchiness, pustules, and blisters. Yeast infections can simply be treated with ointments and creams. The affected area should also be kept dry and clean all the time. Diaper rash can be managed by regularly changing the diapers.

#5 – Lice Infection

Lice cause parasitic skin infections that do not pose any serious health concerns, but are still very uncomfortable. The lice live in the hair, both dirty and clean, and the infection usually affects the scalp. The most vulnerable people are those who stay in crowded places such as nursing homes and schools. 

Symptoms include itchiness around the neck and the ears and may persist even after treatment. It may take up to 6 weeks for the skin to become sensitive to the lice and to start experiencing the itchiness. Treatment includes medication that kills the lice and the eggs. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting treatment as the medication depends on the stage of the infection. One can also use lice combs to comb out the lice and the eggs.

#6 – Acne Infection

While acne itself is not an infection, pimples and other forms of acne can become infected. This is typically caused when acne is broken through scratching or popping pimples. The break in the skin exposes the acne to bacteria that is naturally present on your skin, and sometimes, infection occurs.

Obviously, the more acne you have, the better chance that it gets infected. So, your best bet is prevention of acne in the first place. Regular application of MintPear’s Rosehip Oil helps to repair and rejuvenate skin while also keeping it moisturized.

#7 – Scabies

Scabies are caused by parasites and can be spread through prolonged contact with an infected person. It is very common in crowded places such as nursing homes. The skin infection is caused by tiny mites that burrow and lay eggs on the upper layer of the skin. Symptoms of the infection include intense itchiness, pimple-like rashes, tiny blisters, scaling, skin sores, and burrows. The following parts of the body are usually the most affected:

• Elbows
• Armpits
• Wrists
• Genitals
• Nipples
• Spaces between the fingers
• Waistline
• Buttocks

Treatment usually involves the use of scabicides that kill both the mites and the eggs. The treatment is also administered to the family members and sexual partners of the patients. This is done at the same time to make the infection manageable.

Conclusion

It is always advisable to consult a qualified doctor even if you have an idea of how to treat common skin infections. Persistent rashes should not be treated with over-the-counter skin medications without a prescription. 

After healing, you are likely to experience dark spots on the skin from dried up wounds. You can use skincare products such as MintPear’s Rosehip Oil and Rosehip Night Serum to get rid of such unsightly scars and speed the healing process.