Skin Infections Overview

When parasites, fungi, or germs such as bacteria penetrate the skin and spread, a skin infection occurs. Consequently, pain, swelling, and skin color changes can result from this.

Furthermore, skin infections differ from rashes. Specifically, an area of swollen or irritated skin constitutes a rash. While symptoms of some skin infections can include rashes, it is important to note that having a rash does not necessarily mean a person has an infection.

Types of Skin Infections

In addition, four types of skin infections exist:

  • Bacterial
  • Fungal
  • Parasitic
  • Viral

Moreover, medical treatment is required for some skin infections, while others can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) solutions or home remedies. Therefore, learning more about common skin infections is encouraged.

Cellulitis

In particular, this common bacterial skin infection occurs when deep layers of skin and nearby tissues become infected by bacteria.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, doctors diagnose 14.5 million cases of cellulitis in the United States each year.

Ultimately, serious complications can arise from cellulitis, making early treatment essential.

Symptoms

The affected area swells and changes color due to cellulitis. Specifically, on lighter skin, cellulitis may appear red or pink, while in contrast, on darker skin tones, it may appear purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding area.

Moreover, other skin changes may not be well-defined, making it difficult to tell where they end. Additionally, the area is likely hard and warm to the touch. Furthermore, cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body, commonly affecting the face in children and often appearing on the lower legs in adults.

Treatment

In terms of treatment, treatment plays a crucial role in achieving a successful outcome. Without a doubt, without treatment, cellulitis can result in blood infections and harm the immune system.

Generally speaking, oral antibiotics are the standard treatment, although in some cases, some individuals may require intravenous administration of this medication.

In addition, resting, elevating the affected area, and covering it are also important to facilitate healing.

Warts

Now, shifting focus to warts, warts are noncancerous skin growths that arise when the top layer of skin is infected by a virus.

Notably, transmissible in nature, they can be contracted by direct touch or through contact with an object that a wart has touched.

Symptoms

The type a person has may determine the exact appearance of a wart. For instance, some examples are provided below:

  • Common warts: Firstly, common warts can be as large as a pea. Moreover, they typically affect the hands, fingers, and feet. Additionally, they may be scaly and hard to the touch.
  • Plantar warts: In contrast, plantar warts, or verrucas, usually affect the feet and ankles and can vary in size. Furthermore, if they are on the bottom of the feet, they may invert from the pressure of walking, which can cause discomfort and pain.
  • Mosaic warts: On the other hand, mosaic warts typically affect the toes and soles of someone’s feet; however, they are flatter than plantar warts and usually white, measuring no larger than the size of a pinhead.
  • Flat warts: Similarly, flat warts affect the face, hands, and lower arms, growing to a few millimeters wide and appearing slightly raised and light brown.
  • Filiform warts: Lastly, filiform warts usually affect the face, showcasing a thread-like, spiky appearance resembling brushes. In addition, genital warts are confined to the genital area, characterized by rough surfaces and small sizes.
  • Genital warts: In addition, genital warts are confined to the genital area, characterized by rough surfaces and small sizes.

Treatment

Around 2 in 3 warts will go away by themselves within two years. Nevertheless, some warts may grow or spread to other areas without treatment.

In terms of treatments for warts, these may include:

  • Burning off the wart
  • Cryotherapy — freezing the wart off
  • Excision — cutting the wart off
  • Interferon, an injection
  • Salicylic acid, which a person can use at home without a prescription
  • Podophyllin, a topical treatment that stops tissue growth
  • Retinoic acid or tretinoin, a topical cream
  • Topical 5-fluorouracil, a topical cream or solution
  • Imiquimod, a prescription cream

Ultimately, the most suitable treatment may vary depending on the type of wart.

Herpes

A herpes gladiatorum infection on the skin is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

According to the World Health Organization, HSV-1 infection affects around  64% or 3.8 billion people worldwide under 50 years old.

Although an outbreak of herpes can be treated by a person, the virus always remains; consequently, symptoms can return at any time. Furthermore, the virus is also highly infectious, with transmission possible whenever it is active, even in the absence of symptoms.

Symptoms

When herpes gladiatorum flares, it can cause:

  • A tingling sensation in the affected area
  • Fluid-filled blisters that last between  4 and 11 days
  • Fever
  • Patches of skin discoloration
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment

In order to manage a person’s symptoms, antiviral medications may be prescribed by doctors. Specifically, the following types may help to  reduce the severity and duration of symptoms:

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Famciclovir (Famvir)
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Additionally, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief may also be recommended for anyone experiencing pain from HSV-1 sores.

Lice

Tiny insects known as lice live in hair and cause a parasitic infection of the scalp. Furthermore, they are found worldwide and can affect anyone.

Contrary to popular belief, any type of hair can host lice, regardless of how often it is washed. In addition, lice spread easily, particularly in crowded conditions like schools and nursing homes. Although they are a nuisance, they do not cause serious health issues.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lice include itchiness, which is the most common symptom associated with many other skin infections. Importantly, the onset of itchiness can take 4 to 6 weeks.

Even after treatment, it may take several weeks for this sensation to subside. Moreover, lice may be visible in the hair, and nits, or eggs, are small and attach at the base of hairs, often confused with dandruff.

When the eggs hatch, they become nymphs, and in this stage, small, fast-moving mites may be noticed on the scalp. Additionally, adult lice are about the size of sesame.

Treatment

On a positive note, a person can treat lice at home but should speak with a healthcare professional before doing so.

Specifically, treatment typically involves combing the lice and their eggs out of the hair and applying medication that kills the lice and their eggs.

Scabies

Scabies represents another parasitic skin infection. When, in particular, scabies affects a person, the upper layer of skin is burrowed into by mites that lay their eggs, leading to infection and irritation.

Furthermore, prolonged skin-to-skin contact facilitates the spread of scabies. Consequently, outbreaks are  most likely to occur among individuals living in crowded conditions, such as nursing homes.

Symptoms

Symptoms, for instance, include a pimple-like rash that may feature small blisters and areas of scaling. On light skin, these rashes may appear red or pink; however, they may look brown or black on darker skin.

Additionally, burrows in the skin, along with small sores and scales, may be observed by those with scabies. Ultimately, these issues can lead to irritation and itchiness.

Treatment

Moreover, nearly anywhere on the body, rashes from scabies can appear. Some of the  most common sites include, for example, the:

  • Armpits
  • Between the fingers
  • Buttocks
  • Elbows
  • Nipples
  • Penis
  • Wrists
  • Waist

Warts

Now, shifting focus to warts, warts are noncancerous skin growths that arise when the top layer of skin is infected by a virus.

Notably, transmissible in nature, they can be contracted by direct touch or through contact with an object that a wart has touched.

Symptoms

The type a person has may determine the exact appearance of a wart. For instance, some examples are provided below:

  • Common warts: Firstly, common warts can be as large as a pea. Moreover, they typically affect the hands, fingers, and feet. Additionally, they may be scaly and hard to the touch.
  • Plantar warts: In contrast, plantar warts, or verrucas, usually affect the feet and ankles and can vary in size. Furthermore, if they are on the bottom of the feet, they may invert from the pressure of walking, which can cause discomfort and pain.
  • Mosaic warts: On the other hand, mosaic warts typically affect the toes and soles of someone’s feet; however, they are flatter than plantar warts and usually white, measuring no larger than the size of a pinhead.
  • Flat warts: Similarly, flat warts affect the face, hands, and lower arms, growing to a few millimeters wide and appearing slightly raised and light brown.
  • Filiform warts: Lastly, filiform warts usually affect the face, showcasing a thread-like, spiky appearance resembling brushes. In addition, genital warts are confined to the genital area, characterized by rough surfaces and small sizes.
  • Genital warts: In addition, genital warts are confined to the genital area, characterized by rough surfaces and small sizes.

Treatment

Around 2 in 3 warts will go away by themselves within two years. Nevertheless, some warts may grow or spread to other areas without treatment.

In terms of treatments for warts, these may include:

  • Burning off the wart
  • Cryotherapy — freezing the wart off
  • Excision — cutting the wart off
  • Interferon, an injection
  • Salicylic acid, which a person can use at home without a prescription
  • Podophyllin, a topical treatment that stops tissue growth
  • Retinoic acid or tretinoin, a topical cream
  • Topical 5-fluorouracil, a topical cream or solution
  • Imiquimod, a prescription cream

Ultimately, the most suitable treatment may vary depending on the type of wart.

Yeast Infection

When a fungus grows out of control, a yeast infection develops. In  particular, across the body, yeast infections can occur, particularly in areas where the skin folds on itself, such as the armpits, groin, and between the fingers.

Additionally, other areas that trap moisture, such as the vagina and mouth, are also  common sites for yeast infections.

Symptoms

Regarding symptoms, symptoms of a yeast infection include the formation of a rash and localized itchiness. Moreover, blisters or pustules can be caused by some yeast infections.

Furthermore, different areas of the body can show yeast infections in various ways. For instance, a diaper rash resulting from a yeast infection may present as areas of chafed, differently colored skin without any blisters.

Treatment

As for treatment, yeast infections may be treatable with OTC antifungal creams and ointments. However, some yeast infections on the skin may necessitate prescription medication and creams.

Therefore, the area affected by a yeast infection on the skin should be kept as clean and dry as possible while the infection resolves.

Prevention of Skin Infections

Since many skin infections are easy to contract, caution should be exercised by individuals in public areas. For example, wearing shoes in public bathrooms and showers can help prevent athlete’s foot, which is a  common fungal infection.

Moreover, avoiding physical contact with individuals who have scabies or an active herpes infection can help prevent exposure.

Therefore, precautions should be taken by those with skin infections, and physical contact should be avoided until symptoms are gone or clearance is given by their doctor.

Summary

In summary, worldwide, a common occurrence is skin infections. Specifically, these infections can easily spread through physical contact and can affect almost anyone.

Typically, rashes or small growths present in most infections, causing irritation and itchiness. For instance, on individuals with light skin, affected areas may appear pink or red, while on those with darker skin, they may appear brown and black.

Consequently, if an unexplained rash appears, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Biospecimens

biospecimens

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in providing researchers with high quality, clinical grade, fully characterized human tissue samples, bio-specimens, and human bio-fluid collections.

Human biospecimens are available including cancer (tumor) tissue, cancer serum, cancer plasma, cancer peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). and human tissue samples from most other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences maintains and manages its own biorepository, the human tissue bank (biobank) consisting of thousands of diseased samples (specimens) and from normal healthy donors for controls, available in all formats and types.

In fact, our biobank procures and stores fully consented, de-identified and institutional review boards (IRB) approved human tissue samples, human biofluids such as serum samples, plasma samples from various diseases and matched controls.

Also, all our human tissue collections, human biospecimens and human biofluids are provided with detailed, samples associated patient’s clinical data.

In fact, this critical patient’s clinical data includes information relating to their past and current disease, treatment history, lifestyle choices, biomarkers, and genetic information.

Additionally, researchers find the patient’s data associated with the human biospecimens extremely valuable and use it to help identify new effective treatments (drug discovery & development) in oncology, as well as in other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences banks wide variety of human tissue samples and human biological samples, including fresh frozen human biospecimens cryogenically preserved at – 80°C.

For example fresh frozen tissue samples, tumor tissue samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), tissue slides, with matching human bio-fluids, whole blood and blood-derived products such as human serum, human plasma and human PBMCs.

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in collecting and providing human tissue samples according to the specified requirements and customized, tailor-made collection protocols.

Please contact us anytime to discuss your special research projects and customized human tissue sample requirements.

Types of Biospecimens

Bay Biosciences provides human tissue samples (human specimens) and human biofluids from diseased and normal healthy donors which includes:

Moreover, we can also procure most human biospecimens and human biofluids, special collections and requests for human samples that are difficult to find. All our human tissue samples and human biofluids are procured through IRB-approved clinical protocols and procedures.

In addition to the standard processing protocols, Bay Biosciences can also provide human biofluids such as  human plasma, human serum, and human PBMCs bio-fluid samples using custom processing protocols; you buy donor-specific collections in higher volumes and specified sample aliquots from us.

Bay Biosciences also provides human biospecimens from normal healthy donors; volunteers, for controls and clinical research, Contact us Now.