Your skin protects you from germs. Occasionally, your skin may become infected. There are different types of skin infections: viral, parasitic, fungal and bacterial.
At IPSA Medical, your doctor, who has a special interest in skincare, will see you. You can get an immediate appointment at a time that is suitable for you.
Your IPSA Medical doctor will fully examine your skin. This is to discount any of the serious causes for your symptoms. Then, he or she will discuss with you all the possible causes for the diagnosis, alongside the best way of treating your skin condition.
If antibiotics or anti-fungal/anti-viral medications are required (whether oral or topical), your IPSA Medical doctor will prescribe the medication and initiate your treatment immediately.
There are different types of bacterial skin infections.
Carbuncles
A carbuncle is a boil cluster. The boils are connected together under the skin. Usually, these boils are painful, red and painful.
Boils
A boil begins its life in either a hair follicle or an oil gland. The first stage involves the skin turning red in the area that has become infected and a lump forms that is tender. After 4–7 days, the lump turns white as the pus begins to collect underneath the skin.
Staphylococcus Infection/Cellulitis
Staphylococcal infections often begin with a small cut. The cut becomes infected with bacteria. These types of infections range from boils to infections that are antibiotic resistant.
Impetigo
Impetigo is an extremely contagious skin infection that tends to spread quite slowly. The condition looks like yellow, crusty lesions and these weep readily. They can appear anywhere on the body, but typically appear around the nose/mouth.
Pilonidal Cyst and Abscess
A pilonidal cyst develops at the bottom of your coccyx (or tailbone). If it does become infected, it will fill up with pus and form an abscess.
Fungal skin infections (which are very common) include:
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fairly common infection. It is a fungal infection that affects people of either sex and of all ages. It is not only athletes who suffer from this type of skin infection.
Yeast Infection: Known as Candidiasis
Fungi naturally live all over the body, but sometimes, an infection called Candidiasis can be caused by the growth of a group of yeast.
Ringworm
Ringworm, which is a superficial skin infection, is caused by the dermatophytes fungi.
Fungal Nail Infections
A fungal nail infection can develop when a fungus attacks your nail bed, toenail or fingernail, a toenail.
There are skin infections that are viral in nature.
Molluscum Contagiosum
This is a viral skin infection that produces pearl-like bumps (which are also known as papules) on the skin.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox (also known as varicella) forms an extremely itchy, red rash on the skin. In children, this a highly common infectious disease.
Shingles
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) results from the chickenpox virus becoming reactivated.
Depending on the type of skin condition you present with, your IPSA Medical will prescribe a suitable treatment suitable and you may be advised about using a special skincare regime. You may also be rebooked for a review. This is to assess the response of your skin to the treatment after a period of time.
Contact IPSA Medical for your same-day appointment with one of our doctors. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online.
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