Beware of Skin Infections

As your body’s largest organ, your skin is vulnerable to a variety of maladies. Some are more serious than others. Infections are high on the list of causes for concern, and the deeper the infection, the worse it can be. Most skin maladies can be treated by a dermatologist. 

Anyone seeking exceptional quality dermatological care needn’t look further than the office of Dermatology for the Family. We provide a comprehensive range of advanced services—from the essentials in preventive care to the foremost restorative and cosmetic treatments.

Common culprits

A cut—even a teeny one—or a bug bite can be the gateway for damaging bacteria, germs, viruses and fungi to spur infections such as: 

Impetigo. This bacterial infection is most seen in school-age kids. Its blisters and sores on the hands, neck, face or diaper area appear after a scrape, cut or rash. Antibiotics (pills, a liquid or an ointment) can banish it. 

Folliculitis. When the weensy pockets of skin that house the roots of your hair become irritated and bring on skin that’s red, itchy, sore and painful, you can thank bacteria—or occasionally fungi and viruses—for fanning the flames of your follicles. If folliculitis doesn’t vanish on its own, a dermatologist will prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream. 

Boils and carbuncles. A boil is a red, sensitive bump that infects one or more hair follicles. It is fueled by bacteria and gets bigger as it fills with pus and eventually bursts. A carbuncle is a group of subdermal boils. Warm washcloths can encourage a boil to drain, but a large boil may require a dermatologist to drain it. 

Ringworm. It doesn’t have worms, but it does form in rings. A fungus fuels the red, itchy rashes. The circles can pop up anywhere on your body, and it’s quite transmissible. A variety of ubiquitous fungi—they can inhabit floors, countertops, clothing, towels and bedding—can cause it, and creams, sprays and pills can kill them.

Your partner in health

Dermatology for the Family employs the most advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities to determine the precise course of care for your skin and provide the best solutions. For more information about of services or to schedule an appointment, please call us today.