Skin infections occur when harmful germs invade the skin or the tissues beneath it. These infections are typically caused by one of four types of organisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Anyone can develop a skin infection, and they are among the most common reasons people seek medical care in urgent care centers, emergency rooms, or doctor’s offices.

Typical symptoms of skin infections may include rash, redness, swelling, pain, inflammation, or the formation of abscesses. However, specific symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. While symptoms may be uncomfortable, there are many effective treatment options available.

Types of Skin Infections

Skin infections are classified based on the type of germ causing them: bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic.

Bacterial Infections

Common types of bacterial skin infections include:

  • Cellulitis

  • Impetigo

  • Abscesses and boils

  • Carbuncles

  • Folliculitis

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

  • Ecthyma

Viral Infections

Viruses that can cause skin infections include:

  • Shingles

  • Chickenpox

  • Measles

  • Warts

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

  • Rubella

  • Fifth disease

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease

  • Mumps

  • Roseola

  • Molluscum contagiosum

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections commonly affect moist areas of the body. Examples include:

  • Mycosis

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Ringworm

  • Yeast infections

  • Jock itch

  • Candida infections

Parasitic Infections

Parasites are small organisms that live and reproduce on or in your body. Common parasitic skin infections include:

  • Lice

  • Scabies

  • Hookworm

  • Pediculosis

  • Tick bites

  • Mites

Symptoms

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms differ by condition:

  • Cellulitis: Redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and dull pain

  • Impetigo: Red sores that may ooze pus and form golden-yellow scabs

  • Boils and carbuncles: Painful, pus-filled lumps

  • MRSA: Painful, swollen, red bumps often filled with pus

Viral Infections

Symptoms vary depending on the virus and may include:

  • Warts or hard growths on the skin

  • Pain or tingling

  • Sores

  • Cold sores on the mouth, face, genitals, or buttocks

Fungal Infections

Common symptoms include:

  • Itching

  • Redness

  • Irritated or scaly skin

  • Swelling or discomfort

  • Blisters or discharge

Parasitic Infections

Possible symptoms are:

  • Itching

  • Redness

  • Pimply rashes or sores

  • Cysts, nodules, or lesions

Causes

Skin infections can occur in many ways, including:

  • Cuts or wounds that allow germs to enter

  • Moist areas of skin such as folds or places where skin touches skin

  • Contact with contaminated water

  • Skin-to-skin or sexual contact with an infected person

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop a skin infection if you have:

  • Skin trauma or injury

  • Poor circulation

  • Skin conditions like eczema

  • A weakened immune system

  • Advanced age

  • Autoimmune disease or cancer

  • Obesity, diabetes, or malnutrition

  • Long-term immobility or bed rest

  • Chronic swelling in limbs

Diagnosis

If you notice symptoms of a skin infection, it's important to visit a healthcare provider. They may conduct:

  • Visual examination: To assess visible signs of infection

  • Skin culture: A sample of the infected area is taken and analyzed

  • Blood tests: To identify underlying causes and type of infection

They may also rule out conditions that mimic skin infections, such as:

  • Dermatitis

  • Psoriasis

  • Venous thrombosis

  • Heart failure

  • Insect bites

  • Allergic reactions

  • Lymphedema

  • Gout

Treating Skin Infections

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Common options include:

Topical Creams

Medicated creams and ointments can be applied to infected skin. Common medications include:

  • Mupirocin (Centany)

  • Bacitracin (Baciguent)

  • Neomycin (Neosporin)

  • Ivermectin (Sklice)

  • Permethrin (Elimite 1%)

  • Benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia 5%)

Oral Antibiotics

For moderate to severe bacterial infections, oral antibiotics may be prescribed, such as:

  • Vancomycin (Vancocin)

  • Linezolid (Zyvox)

  • Tigecycline (Tygacil)

  • Daptomycin (Cubicin)

  • Ceftaroline (Teflaro)

Antiviral Drugs

If the infection is viral, medications may include:

  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)

  • Salicylic acid (Trans-Vers-Al)

Drainage

For infections that cause boils or abscesses, a provider may need to drain fluid using sterilized tools. This reduces pain and speeds up healing.

How to Prevent Skin Infections

Steps to lower your risk of infection include:

  • Wash hands regularly and thoroughly

  • Wear sandals in public showers or gyms

  • Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing

  • Clean cuts and scrapes with soap and water

  • Keep wounds covered until fully healed

  • Avoid sharing personal items like razors or towels

Complications

Untreated skin infections may lead to serious complications, such as:

  • Necrotizing fasciitis: Deep tissue infection causing cell death

  • Lymphadenitis: Swollen lymph nodes from infection

  • Gangrene: Tissue death, often in limbs or fingers

  • Osteomyelitis: Infection spreading to bones

  • Bacteremia: Infection spreading through the bloodstream

  • Sepsis: Life-threatening immune response

  • Endocarditis: Infection reaching the heart’s lining or valves

A Quick Review

Skin infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms range from mild irritation to painful sores and swelling. You can become infected through wounds, close contact, or contaminated environments. Fortunately, various treatments—including topical creams, oral medications, and minor procedures—can help. Practicing good hygiene and proper wound care is key to preventing infection and maintaining healthy skin.