Skin Infection Guide: What It Is and How to Deal With It

If you notice red patches, swelling or itching on your skin, chances are you’re dealing with an infection. Skin infections happen when bacteria, fungi or viruses break through the outer barrier and start multiplying. They can appear anywhere – on your arms, legs, face or even under a bandage. The good news is most of them are easy to recognize and treat if you act fast.

Common Types of Skin Infections

Bacterial infections like cellulitis, impetigo or boils usually start after a small cut gets dirty. You’ll often see warmth, pain and a bright red border around the spot. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or ringworm love warm, damp places – think sweaty shoes or shower floors. They show up as itchy rings, scaly patches or cracked skin. Viral infections like shingles cause painful blisters that follow a nerve line.

The key to figuring out which type you have is the look and feel of the rash. Bacterial spots tend to spread quickly and feel hot, fungal areas are more dry and flaky, while viral lesions often come with tingling before they appear.

How to Treat and Prevent Skin Infections

The first step is cleaning the area gently with soap and water. Don’t scrub hard – you just want to remove dirt and reduce bacteria. After it’s dry, apply an over‑the‑counter antibiotic ointment for bacterial cases (like bacitracin) or an antifungal cream for fungal spots (such as clotrimazole). If the infection is painful, a non‑prescription pain reliever like ibuprofen can help.

When to call a doctor? See a professional if you notice fever, swelling that gets bigger, pus that won’t drain or if the rash covers a large area. Prescription medicines work faster and can stop complications.

Prevention is mostly about hygiene. Keep cuts covered, wash hands often, change socks and underwear daily, and avoid sharing personal items like towels. For athletes, dry your feet thoroughly after showers and wear breathable shoes.

Remember, most skin infections clear up in a week with proper care. Staying observant and treating early saves you from bigger problems down the line.