Overview
Skin infections are commonly caused by bacteria and fungi. Skin is the largest organ of our body. It covers and protects the body in every way. However, it is the most vulnerable organ to get injured and infected. Skin infection causes the skin to become irritated, inflamed, itchy, reddened and painful. Two common organisms that cause bacterial skin infections are staphylococcus and streptococcus whereas fungal skin infections are caused by mainly candida and dermatophytes. Examples of bacterial skin infections are cellulitis, boils, abscess, carbuncle and impetigo whereas examples of fungal skin infections are athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworms and yeast infections. Bacterial skin infections occur when there is a break in the skin which allows the organisms to infect the skin whereas fungal infections occurs due to the overgrowth of the fungi on the skin. Bacterial and fungal skin infections can be diagnosed based on examination, skin swab, culture and biopsy. The treatment depends on the cause of the infection.
