How to Identify Skin Infections

At one time or another, everyone is prone to some sort of skin infection. The trick is knowing when to let nature take its course or when to make an appointment with your doctor.

There are two main kinds of skin infections: fungal and bacterial. Common fungal infections such as Athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas of the body. Bacterial infections such as impetigo and boils can afflict many different age groups and skin types. While there are many over-the-counter ointments that successfully treat these conditions, there are times when you need to seek out the experience and expertise of a doctor.

A fungal infection is also known as tinea, and can affect the skin, hair, nails, or any other part of the body. While many are harmless to humans, some can cause skin infections and sometimes, serious infections inside the body as well. Knowing how to identify such conditions may prevent something mild from becoming something more serious and uncomfortable, and in some cases, deadly.

Athlete's Foot is the most common form of fungal infection and is identified by reddened, swollen or puffy skin on the foot, and most often in between the toes and on the soles of feet, accompanied by itching and burning. In such cases, the infected skin may even appear white and puckered. Many OTC (over the counter) remedies are available for this type of fungal infection, but if they don't work within a reasonable amount of time, see your doctor. Another common form of fungal infection is what is commonly known as jock itch, a fungal infection of the groin. While more men than women are afflicted with this infection, both sexes can get it, as it's often also felt in the armpits and underneath breasts, so make sure that you stay dry on hot days and dry off after swimming or working out at the gym. In summertime, cornstarch powder in heavy creases and under skin folds can prevent such skin infections.

Ringworm is also another common fungal infection, especially among children, and is contracted through direct contact with someone who already as such an infection or an infected animal. It has nothing to do with a worm, but it derives its name from the circular pattern that the infection takes on the surface of the skin. The infection starts off looking like a reddened, circular patch on skin that enlarges as it grows. While the inside of the 'ring' heals, an outer ring of reddened, itchy scales are a tell tale sign of a ringworm infection.

Candida is also a common fungal infection that occurs in moist folds and areas under the arms, the groin, and occasionally, even in the mouth. It appears as a dark red, angry looking discoloration with fairly defined edges. Keeping infected areas as dry as possible are a key to both relief and treatment, as are applications of antifungal creams and ointments.

Thrush, diaper rash and yeast infections are also common and raise red bumps or areas of reddened skin that may blister if not kept dry. These infections occur due to accumulated or contstant moisture by sweat, urine and clothing that doesn't allow adequate ventilation. Cornstarch powders or anti-fungal creams and ointments usually relieve symptoms and redness within a couple of days.

Bacterial infections such as impetigo, which occurs mostly in children, is highly contagious and can be identified by the presence of reddened areas of the skin around the nose and mouth, accompanied by small blisters or bumps. Eventually a honey-colored coating that is extremely itchy and uncomfortable for little people covers the tender skin. Impetigo can cause serious complications among children, so it's vital that you take your child to a pediatrician if such a skin eruption occurs.

Boils and inflamed hair follicles are another type of bacterial infection and can occur anywhere that hair grows. They are not contagious and will usually heal on their own. Inflamed hair follicles will show up as small red dots on the skin, while a boil first starts as a swollen, reddened bump that eventually swells.

Other skin conditions may or may not require attention from a physician. Acne is one of the most common skin afflictions that occur in teens and young adults. Dead skin and oil cells that plug openings of oil producing glands that are attached to hair follicles cause it.

Hives appear as red, raised and extremely itchy areas that are usually round and blotchy in shape, but may take on any form depending on severity and cause.

Shingles appear as red sores that cause an intense burning sensation. Many people with shingles can't tolerate being touched. Shingles can appear in light to dark red sores that eventually turn into blisters.

Rosacea takes the appearance of spidery veins that flush the face, mostly the cheekbones and along the jaw line that may also be sprinkled with small bumps that resemble acne.

Today, skin cancer is a major cause of concern to people throughout the world. We are told to watch for new moles and their shapes and textures in order to determine whether or not they're cancerous. It's very important to be able to identify new growths on the skin and to be able to determine whether they're nothing to worry about, or it they're pre-cancerous growths. There are certain clues to watch for that will help recognize such moles .

Asymmetry - One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.

Border - Borders are indistinct, ragged or notched.

Color - The pigmentation of the mole is varied and can contain shades of black, gray or blue.

Diameter - The mole is larger than the size of a common pencil eraser.

Your skin acts as a barrier against all kinds of bacteria and infections, and sometimes, it can succumb to invaders. By taking care of your skin and being aware of how to identify abnormalities, you'll be helping your skin fight against such attacks. Learning about and being able to recognize certain skin infections is common sense, and with knowledge comes understanding. Knowing when to self-treat and when to see your doctor also takes some common sense. If you have tried self-treatment and see no improvements within a few days, don't mess around. Go see your doctor before that mild skin condition erupts into something else entirely.