WHAT WE TREAT
Skin Infections
Skin infections occur when bacteria, fungi or viruses enter the skin.
This usually occurs where the skin has been broken, scraped or cut.
You can do some things to avoid them, but most of us will get an infection on our skin at some point.
Symptoms
Symptoms for a bacterial skin infection include: redness of the skin, boils, and rashes. The skin is usually hot to the touch and tender, particularly with movement. Fever may occur in some cases.
Fungal skin infections have a variety of symptoms that depends on the type of fungus and the affected area of the body. Common areas for fungal infections are the feet, nails and groin. Fungal skin infections are generally painless scaly patches. They can be itchy or red.
Symptoms of a viral skin infection are dependent on the type of virus contracted and the area that has been affected. Generally a viral rash is part of a larger, systemic illness. Common symptoms include, upper respiratory symptoms, fever, or headache.
Who is at Risk?
Skin infections affect all age groups. Be sure to clean breaks to the skin with soap and water. If the wound is from a dirty source (e.g. contamination with dirt, food or other waste) a topical antibiotic may be helpful. A bacterial or fungal infection may still result and require treatment.
Treatment of Skin Infections
There are several steps you can take to help treat a bacterial skin infection:
Apply a warm compress to the infected area
Take antibiotics or antifungal agents as prescribed by a medical provider
MeMD is a convenient and secure way to receive medical care for skin infections online, over the phone, or by app 24/7/365.
This page offers general health information to facilitate discussion with your telehealth provider. You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
