Skin Infections

Skin infections are very common in India, especially during hot and humid weather. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Most are mild and easily treated; some can spread, become deep, or signal an underlying problem like diabetes.

Main types

• Bacterial — boils, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, folliculitis. Often from Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
• Fungal — ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, jock itch, nappy rash from candida. Extremely common in India's humid climate.
• Viral — cold sores (herpes simplex), shingles, warts, molluscum contagiosum, chickenpox
• Parasitic — scabies (intensely itchy), lice

Common symptoms

• Redness, warmth, swelling
• Pain, tenderness
• Itching
• Blisters, pustules, or crusts
• Discoloured patches
• Discharge or pus
• Sometimes fever or feeling unwell

When to see a doctor

• Spreading redness or streaks from a wound
• Fever with a skin infection
• Severe pain, or pain out of proportion to appearance
• Pus, crusting, or open sores
• Rash that doesn't improve in a few days
• Signs of infection in someone with diabetes, weakened immunity, or chronic illness
• Infection on the face
• A child with fever and a rash

Treatment and prevention

Treatment depends on the cause — antibiotics for bacterial, antifungals for fungal, antivirals for some viral infections, anti-parasite creams or oral medicines for scabies and lice. Keep skin clean and dry. Treat minor cuts and insect bites promptly. Don't share towels, combs, or razors. Manage diabetes well — poorly-controlled diabetes dramatically increases risk of skin infection.