Skin Infections, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Skin Infections, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases
The skin helps defend the body from germs, but occasionally it can get infected by them.

Some frequent types of skin infections are
1. Bacterial:
Leprosy is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria termed Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae).
A carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful group of boils that are connected to each other under the skin.
Staphylococcus Infection
The infection often starts with a little cut, which becomes infected with bacteria
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is now the most frequent pathogen causing skin infections in the USA.
These Staphlococcus infections vary from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections to flesh-eating infections.
Cellulitis is a frequent infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath.
It happens when bacteria go into a break in the skin and spread.
Impetigo is a greatly contagious bacterial skin infection.
It can occur anywhere on the body but normally assaults exposed areas.
A boil is a skin infection that arises in a hair follicle or oil gland.
At first, the skin becomes red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump forms.
After four to seven days, the lump begins turning white as pus accumulates under the skin.
A pilonidal cyst happens at the bottom of the tailbone (coccyx) and can turn infected and filled with pus.
Once infected, the term is pilonidal abscess.
2. Viral
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that produces either single or multiple raised, pearl-like bumps (papules) on the skin.
Shingles (herpes zoster) occurs from a reactivation of the virus that also causes chickenpox.
Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness featured by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most frequent infectious diseases of childhood.
Pityriasis rosea is believed to be produced by a virus.
No bacterium, virus, or fungus has been isolated as a cause but human herpes viruses 6 and 7 may have a part in the cause.
3. Fungal
Ringworm is normally found on the skin of the body as a raised area of skin observed in the form of a ring
Tinea pedis happens in a hot humid environment and most often affect the feet of the young male adults.
Athletes are most susceptible to it hence the name Athlete foot.
They happen as scaly areas between the toes and can extend to the under surface of toes and feet and from one foot to another.
White spots can be noticed in many people at the beach or swimming pools
They are caused by a fungal infection in the skin of those exposed to an environment which is moist hot and humid.
The white spots may occur as white, pink or light brown.
Nail Fungal Infection is a frequent disease produced by superficial fungi infection involving the nails of the fingers and toes.
These are caused by yeasts or candidia, dermatophytes, moulds
4. Parasitic
Creeping eruption is a skin infection produced by hookworm larva
The rash on feet and buttocks can move 1 to 2 centimeters in length per day
Lice are tiny parasites that can infest the skin of head, body and pubic areas.
Scabies is an infestation of mites featured by small, red bumps and intense itching
Most skin infections are highly contagious infection.
They often spread from person to person while they are sleeping together in the same bed or during close personal contact.
Skin infections are itchy and painful.
Proper skin hygiene such as washing of hands and clothing is important.
The treatment of skin infections is dependent on the cause.
Antibiotics, antifungal and antiparasitic medicines help.
Prevention is by proper hygienic practices such as wearing shoes or slippers on the beach and proper bathing.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Skin Infections
Chapter 2 Impetigo
Chapter 3 Molluscum Contagiosum
Chapter 4 Pityriasis Rosea
Chapter 5 Cellulitis
Chapter 6 Furuncle
Chapter 7 Tinea Corporis
Chapter 8 Folliculitis
Epilogue