Comprehensive Care for Skin Infections

Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatments for Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections

The skin does a remarkable job of protecting you. However, when that barrier is broken or irritated, germs can get in and cause an infection. 

Skin infections are common and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They often start in areas where the skin is compromised, such as a cut, scrape, insect bite, or areas where moisture and friction weaken the skin’s defenses. 

The severity of skin infections can vary. Some are minor and affect only a small patch of skin. Others can penetrate deeper layers or trigger widespread inflammation and systemic symptoms. What begins as a small spot can quickly turn into something more serious without proper care. 

When addressed promptly, most skin infections respond well to treatment and clear up without lasting issues. Whether you’re dealing with redness, a stubborn rash, or something that just doesn’t feel right, the dermatologists at Connolly Dermatology are here to help with expert diagnosis and skin infection treatments tailored to you.

Common Skin Infections

Understanding the different types of skin infections can help you recognize when something isn’t healing properly – and when it’s time to seek medical care. 

Below are some of the most common infections dermatologists diagnose and treat.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue. 

It typically begins when Streptococcus bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, surgical wound, or insect bite.

The infection typically begins with redness, warmth, and swelling in a single area. The skin may feel tight or tender, and pain can develop as the inflammation spreads. As the body reacts, some people experience fever or swollen lymph nodes near the affected site.

People with damaged or broken skin are at higher risk. Other contributing factors include poor circulation, chronic swelling (such as lymphedema), diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Most cases of cellulitis require oral antibiotics to stop the infection from progressing and to prevent complications like abscess formation.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection usually caused by Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, and sometimes by Streptococcus. It’s highly contagious and often seen in children, although adults can also contract it.

Impetigo often starts when bacteria enter the skin through a scratch, bug bite, or other minor injury. It typically appears as red or pimple-like sores on the face, arms, or legs that quickly fill with pus and rupture, leaving behind a honey-colored crust. 

This infection spreads easily through close contact, making schools, sports teams, and daycare settings common places for outbreaks. Touching or scratching the lesions can spread the bacteria to other areas of the body or to other people.

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infections are caused by molds or yeasts that thrive in warm, moist environments. These infections often appear in areas of the body that stay damp or have skin folds.

Common examples include:

• Ringworm (Tinea corporis): A circular, red rash with raised edges and a clearer center.
• Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis): Causes itching, peeling, or cracked skin, usually between the toes.
• Yeast Infections of the Skin (candidiasis): Red, itchy patches in skin folds (underarms, groin, under breasts).

Fungal infections spread through direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors, gym mats, or shared towels.

Risk factors include excessive sweating, hot or humid climates, wearing tight or damp clothing, and having a weakened immune system.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items such as towels and gym equipment. The virus is highly contagious and can appear anywhere on the body.

It produces small, smooth bumps that are flesh-colored and dome-shaped, often with a tiny central indentation. These bumps are usually painless but can become itchy or red if irritated. 

In most cases, they remain limited in number, but scratching or shaving over the area can cause them to spread.

This condition is particularly common in children and adolescents, but it can also develop in adults. People with eczema or weakened immune systems are more likely to develop widespread or persistent outbreaks.

Warts

These small, rough growths develop when the skin becomes infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny cuts or abrasions, often without the person realizing it.

Warts can form on almost any part of the body but tend to appear most frequently on the hands, fingers, and feet. Common warts often develop on the knuckles or around the nails, while plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. They may feel like a small stone under the skin when walking.

HPV spreads through direct contact with a wart or through contaminated surfaces. The virus can also spread from one part of the body to another through scratching or picking.

In many pediatric cases, warts resolve on their own over time. In adults, they tend to be more persistent and require dermatologic treatment for removal.

HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)

HSV causes recurring viral skin infections, most often presenting as cold sores or genital herpes. 

There are two main types of HSV:

• HSV Type 1 is typically associated with oral herpes. It leads to painful blisters or sores that form on or around the lips.
• HSV Type 2 is most often responsible for genital herpes. It causes blistering lesions in the genital area that may recur over time.

HSV spreads through direct contact with infected areas or bodily fluids. Once a person contracts the virus, it remains in the body and can reactivate at a later time. 

Outbreaks often begin with tingling or itching, followed by blisters that break open, ulcerate, and eventually crust over and heal.

Lesions during an outbreak can be painful and are sometimes accompanied by burning or itching. Many people experience several outbreaks each year in the first years following infection, though episodes may become less frequent over time. 

While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Signs and Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms of skin infections can vary depending on the specific type and cause. Some are subtle, while others appear quickly and progress rapidly. 

Still, there are general warning signs that often indicate an infection may be developing. Recognizing these early signs can help you seek treatment before the condition worsens:

• Redness and Swelling: Infected skin often becomes red, swollen, or inflamed. The area may also feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow as the body responds to the infection.
• Pain or Tenderness: Most skin infections cause soreness or tenderness at the affected site. Even minor infections can be painful, and discomfort may increase if the infection spreads into deeper layers.
• Pus or Drainage: A lesion that oozes yellowish fluid or pus is a common sign of bacterial infection. You may also notice a pimple-like head, crust formation, or a foul odor emanating from the drainage.
• Itching or Rash: Many infections trigger itching or a rash. Fungal infections, in particular, are often intensely itchy. A rash that continues to spread or doesn’t improve could be a sign of infection.
• Systemic Symptoms: Widespread infections may cause fever, chills, or fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes, especially those located near the neck, armpits, or groin, can also indicate that the immune system is actively fighting an infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for evaluation and proper care.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Because infections can appear similar on the surface, a careful evaluation is necessary to determine the type of organism causing the problem and the extent of the condition.

At Connolly Dermatology, diagnosis begins with a detailed visual examination. A dermatologist will assess the appearance of the affected skin and ask about your symptoms, recent exposures, and medical history. This clinical skin exam allows the provider to form a working impression of whether bacteria, fungi, or a virus is causing the infection. 

Laboratory Tests 

When needed, your dermatologist may perform lab testing to confirm the diagnosis. This often involves gently swabbing or scraping the skin to collect a sample. The sample can be examined under a microscope or cultured in a lab to identify bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

If the infection is unusual or unclear in origin, a skin biopsy may be recommended. This involves removing a small piece of skin under local anesthesia for further analysis. In more complex cases, especially when symptoms suggest a deeper or systemic infection, blood tests may be used to detect signs of disease or underlying health issues. 

Assessment of Severity 

Understanding the severity of a skin infection is just as important as identifying its cause. Some infections stay localized and respond quickly to treatment. Others may spread more deeply or recur, especially in individuals with underlying health concerns.

Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of complications or complicate the healing process. For example, people with diabetes or poor circulation may experience slower recovery and more severe inflammation. A weakened immune system can also make infections harder to control. 

At Connolly Dermatology, your dermatologist will consider not only the appearance of the infection but also your overall health, current medications, and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive view helps identify any factors that may influence how your skin responds to treatment. 

Treatment Options

Skin infection treatments depend on the type of germ involved, as well as the severity and extent of the infection. Some conditions resolve with topical care, while others may require oral medication or minor procedures to fully eradicate the source. 

Dermatologists choose treatments based on the infection’s cause, location, progression, and the patient’s overall health. The goal is to clear the infection effectively while minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of recurrence. 

Topical Medications

For mild or localized infections, topical treatments are often the first approach. These medications are applied directly to the skin and target the infection at the surface.

Bacterial infections such as impetigo may be treated with prescription antibiotic creams or ointments, like mupirocin. Fungal rashes, including ringworm or athlete’s foot, often respond well to antifungal creams or powders that contain clotrimazole or terbinafine. These are available over the counter or by prescription.

Some viral skin infections also have topical treatments. For example, a dermatologist may recommend a topical therapy for molluscum contagiosum or apply solutions in-office to treat warts and reduce the spread of the virus.

Oral Medications

When an infection is more extensive or involves deeper skin layers, oral medications may be needed. These systemic treatments work through the bloodstream to reach areas that topical products cannot.

Deeper bacterial infections, such as cellulitis, are often treated with oral antibiotics. In cases of extensive or resistant fungal infections like nail fungus or scalp ringworm, oral antifungals may be prescribed to clear the infection from within.

Viral infections, including herpes outbreaks or shingles, can be managed with oral antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir. These reduce symptoms, shorten the course of the disease, and help prevent future flare-ups.

Procedures

Some infections or complications are best addressed with a brief, in-office procedure. For example, a large abscess may require incision and drainage to release pus and relieve pressure. This allows the area to heal more quickly.

Certain viral growths, such as warts, can be treated with cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy to destroy infected tissue and halt viral replication. These procedures are usually quick and well-tolerated.

These procedures aren’t necessary for every case, but when appropriate, they can be an essential part of treatment. Your dermatologist will determine whether a method is the right next step based on the type and severity of the infection.

Prevention and Maintenance

Simple, consistent habits can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and reducing the risk of infection. These steps not only help protect you but also limit the chance of spreading germs to others.

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Frequent handwashing, especially after using shared equipment or touching public surfaces, helps remove bacteria and viruses before they can reach your skin.
• Shower After Sweating or Swimming: Always rinse off after workouts or using a public pool. Showering removes sweat, bacteria, and chemicals like chlorine that can irritate the skin and create opportunities for infection.
• Keep Your Skin Moisturized: Moisturizing regularly helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. When skin becomes dry or cracked, it’s more vulnerable to bacterial entry.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Avoid using items that come into direct contact with another person’s skin. Towels, razors, clothing, hairbrushes, and athletic gear can carry and spread bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
• Wear Protective Footwear in Communal Areas: Always wear sandals, flip-flops, or shower shoes when walking in public showers, locker rooms, or around pool decks. These surfaces can harbor organisms that cause infections like athlete’s foot or plantar warts.
• Keep Skin and Feet Dry: Microorganisms thrive in moist environments. Wear breathable clothing and materials that wick away moisture during exercise. Change out of damp clothes quickly and change socks daily (or more often if they become wet). 
• Cover and Care for Wounds: Even small cuts or scrapes should be cleaned and protected. Open skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. 
• Clean and Disinfect Shared Surfaces: Wipe down gym equipment before and after use. At home, disinfect high-touch areas and wash linens regularly, especially if someone in your household has an active skin infection.

Consistent attention to skin hygiene and environmental cleanliness plays a critical role in preventing infections and supporting long-term skin health.