Skin Infections

Skin is there to help protect you from germs, but sometimes the skin itself can become infected. There are different kinds of skin infections, including:

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Fungal
• Parasitic.

At IPSA medical, you will be seen by our doctor with a special interest in skin care. We can provide you with an immediate appointment at a time that suits you.

We will undertake a full examination of your skin to exclude any serious causes for your symptoms. Then our doctor will discuss all possible causes of the diagnosis with you, as well as the best way to treat it.

If antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral medication is necessary, whether topical or oral, we can prescribe and initiate this immediately.

Bacterial skin infections can take different forms.

• Carbuncles
  This is cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin. The boils are usually red, swollen and painful.
• Boils
  A boil starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. The first stage is when the skin turns red in the infected area and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump will turn white as pus starts to collect under the skin.
• Staphloccocus  Infection and Cellulitis
  Staphloccocus infections often start with a small cut which then gets infected with bacteria. They can range from a boils to antibiotic-resistant infections.
•  Impetigo
  Impetigo is highly contagious. It looks like crusty yellow lesions that weep readily. They typically appear in areas around your nose and mouth but can appear anywhere on your body. The infection tends to spread slowly.
• Pilonidal Cyst and Abscess
  A pilonidal cyst appears at the bottom of your tailbone, or coccyx. If this becomes infected, it fills with pus and forms an abscess.

Fungal skin infections are very common. These include:

• Athlete’s Foot
  This is a common fungal infection that can occur in people of all ages and either sex. You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from this ailment.
• Yeast Infection – otherwise known as Candidiasis
  Fungi live all over our bodies. Sometimes a group of yeast can cause an infection called Candidiasis.
• Ringworm
  Ringworm is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes.
• Fungal Nail Infections
  You get a fungal nail infection when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail or the nail bed.

You may suffer from a viral skin infection.

• Molluscum Contagiosum
  This viral skin infection causes raised pearl-like bumps, also known as papules, on the skin.
• Chickenpox
  Chickenpox, known as varicella, forms a very itchy red rash on the skin. It is a very common infectious disease in children.
• Shingles
  Shingles, or herpes zoster, happens when the virus that causes chickenpox is reactivated.

At IPSA, your doctor will prescribe a treatment suitable for the type of infection you have and may advise you to use a special skin care regime. We may also book you in for a review to assess how your skin is responding after a period of time.

Contact IPSA for a same-day appointment with a doctor or book your consultation online.