About Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are usually not very serious as long as they are treated promptly. Symptoms can include redness, scaling and skin discomfort.

The surface area affected by bacterial skin infections can vary depending on the type of infection. There are several kinds of bacterial infections, however, the most common types are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are less severe- these include skin abscesses, impetigo, pimples, and folliculitis. Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) include deeper, more serious infections, such as cellulitis or wound infections.

Viral skin infections include lesions such as cold sores, shingles, warts, molluscum contagiosum and also rashes like chicken pox, and measles. Warts, wherever they appear, are an infection resulting from human papillomavirus (HPV). Different strains of HPV can cause warts to appear on different parts of the body. Wart viruses are contagious and can be spread through contact with the wart. Although they are unsightly, most warts on the hands and feet are not harmful.   

Treatment Options:

Fungal Infections: Antifungal medication can be used to treat fungal infections. This medication can be purchased over the counter and applied topically. In more severe cases, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger version of this medication (oral or topical form). The affected area will also need to be cleaned properly and kept as dry as possible to help eliminate the fungi.

Bacterial Infections: For the smaller cases, no treatment may be required at all, but for others, you will need to treat the infection with an antibacterial medication. Mild infections may only require a topical version which can be purchased over the counter, but for those that are more severe, you may be prescribed an antibacterial medication that can be taken orally.

Viral infections: Vaccines may be used as a preventative measure for viral infections, but many of these infections resolve on their own. Antiviral medications are primarily used as treatment.

Warts: Removing warts is not easy and not always necessary.  Topical acid peels, laser therapies, freezing or topical immunotherapy creams can be used to treat warts. A dermatologist can provide treatment options that will help remove warts without creating scar tissue.