For skin infection and their treatment at home, you just need a few common medications. If the infection is severe, treating it at home may not be enough and a trip to the doctor will be required. Bandages, alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide are some of the most fundamental medical materials for treating skin infections at home. To disinfect and sterilize the wound, apply hydrogen peroxide.
Skin infection can be either superficial or deep. Skin and nail bed infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi are all examples of superficial infections. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin that typically results from germs entering the body through a cut or tear. When treating skin infections, it is common to use both prescription antibiotics and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Infectious skin diseases are prevalent and can affect anyone at any time, however, those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop them. Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all lead to skin diseases. Depending on the root of the problem, skin infections can be treated in a number of ways, including self-care and medical attention.
Infections of the skin are prevalent and require medical attention frequently. Annually in the United States, skin infections account for between 8 and 12 million doctor visits. Up to 4% of all hospital admissions are due to skin infections, making them one of the most common reasons patients need medical care. If you have a skin infection, it’s better to consult a doctor so they can prescribe you the correct treatment.
Types of Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections
These usually occur in small red bumps, which increase in size over time. Some of them are:
- Boils
- Leprosy
- Cellulitis
- Impetigo
These infections are very mild and can be treated on their own through the usage of antibiotics. But some bacterial infections are treated through oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Viral skin infections
Various viruses cause these infections. These can be mild or severe. Depending on the level of infection, you must consult a doctor. Some of those are:
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Chickenpox
- Measles
- Warts
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
The above infections usually go over two weeks. To relieve, itching, pain-relieving ointments can be used. Skin or SSTI infection treatments for these types of infection are not available that much. They usually go by themselves after over some time.
Fungal skin infections
They are the type of disease that is caused by fungi. Usually, these infections develop in damp areas like wet feet and armpits. Fungal infections are non-contagious and not life-threatening. The following are some examples of this infection:
- Diaper rash
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Diaper rash
All of the aforementioned skin infections are treatable with at-home care. A hot water compress is usually beneficial for the pus. Constant compression will help you get rid of the disease within a week.
Parasitic skin infection
Parasites are the root of these diseases. They are very dangerous since the parasites can pass through your skin and spread in your bloodstream or your organs. Though they are not life-threatening, parasitic infections can be very uncomfortable. Some of them are:
- Lice
- Bedbugs
- Scabies
- Cutaneous larva migrans
These infections can be treated at home through the usage of lice shampoos or countertop medication. They can be avoided by maintaining proper personal hygiene. Antihistamines are beneficial for the itching caused by the parasites.
Always consult a doctor when a bump or swelling does not go away after a couple of weeks or gets progressively worse. Also, observe the lump or swelling. See if it is getting bigger or not. Usually, the infections mentioned above are easily treated at home with the help of cold and hot compression, antibiotics, and antihistamines. To get better treatment from SSTI you need to go for Soft tissue surgery, through a surgeon.
But even after following every skin infection treatment as well as the home remedy, if you do not see any positive result, consult a doctor without wasting any more time.
Appointment
For more information on Skin infections and their treatment at Home or consultation with Dr. Valeria Simone MD, at Southlake General Surgery, Texas. You can contact our healthcare expert today for a quick appointment at +1 (817) 748-0200.