Skin infections are usually caused by fungi and bacteria, but they can also be caused by parasites and viruses. Learn how to protect your skin from these invaders and what to do if they breach your defenses.
Treatment of Skin Infections
For athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm, over-the-counter creams such as Lamisil AT and Micatin AF may be helpful, but prescription creams are often stronger and effective more quickly. Oral medications for chronic fungal skin infections include Gris-Peg and Fulvicin (griseofulvin), Lamisil (terbinafine), Sporanox (itraconazole), and Diflucan (fluconazole).
Bacterial infections such as boils and carbuncles may respond to a simple warm washcloth or compress — first soaked in saltwater — applied for at least 10 minutes every several hours. Other bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotic ointments. Alternative treatments include tea tree oil, which can be applied several times a day to the affected area. Suspected MRSA infections need prompt evaluation by a doctor.
Head lice can be controlled with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, cream rinses, or lotions, but scabies infections need to be treated by a doctor with prescription medications that kill the mites.
Contact your doctor if skin infections don't begin to heal after three days of treatment; if a fever develops; or if the rash becomes red, warm, or tender to the touch.
Although skin is normally resilient to infection, it can fall prey to fungi, bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Proper hygiene is the key to preventing most of these infections. But if they do become troublesome, medical professionals can usually treat them.
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