Skin Infections: What They Are, How to Spot Them, and How to Treat Them

Got a red patch, a bump, or a sore that won’t go away? Chances are you’re dealing with a skin infection. These bugs love warm, moist spots, and they can turn a minor irritation into a painful problem fast. The good news? Most infections are easy to recognize and treat if you act quickly.

Common Types of Skin Infections

Here are the ones you’ll see most often:

• Cellulitis: A deep, red, swollen area that feels hot to the touch. It usually starts after a small cut or scratch.
• Impetigo: Tiny honey‑colored crusts, often on kids’ faces. It spreads easily through skin‑to‑skin contact.
• Fungal infections: Ring‑shaped rashes (ringworm) or itchy patches on the feet (athlete’s foot).
• Scabies and lice: Tiny mites or insects that burrow into skin, causing intense itching.
• Folliculitis: Inflamed hair follicles that look like small, pus‑filled pimples.

Each type has its own look, but they all share redness, swelling, and sometimes pain or itching.

When to See a Doctor and How to Care at Home

If the spot spreads quickly, is very painful, or you develop a fever, call a healthcare professional right away. Those could be signs the infection is moving deeper into the tissue.

For milder cases, you can start with simple home steps:

• Wash the area gently with mild soap and warm water.
• Pat it dry and keep it covered with a clean bandage.
• Apply an over‑the‑counter antibiotic ointment, like bacitracin, if there’s no open wound.
• Take an oral pain reliever such as ibuprofen if it hurts.

Stay consistent—clean the spot twice a day and change dressings daily.

Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics for cellulitis or severe impetigo, antifungal creams for ringworm, and prescription creams like permethrin for scabies. Make sure you finish the full course, even if the rash looks better early on.

While you’re on medication, avoid sharing towels, clothing, or bedding. These infections love to spread through contact.

Preventing future problems is easier than treating them. Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in folds like underarms or groin. If you’re prone to fungal infections, wear breathable shoes and change socks frequently.

Remember to check any cuts or scrapes daily. A small wound that looks clean today can turn into cellulitis tomorrow if bacteria get in.

By spotting the signs early, cleaning the area properly, and using the right treatment, most skin infections clear up in a week or two. If anything feels off, trust your gut and get professional help—your skin will thank you.