Germs are kept out of your body by your skin.Your skin can be vulnerable to a variety of infections.Cellulitis is one of the common forms of skin infections.You need to make an appointment to see your doctor to treat skin infections.A prescription antibiotic cream or oral antibiotic can be used to treat skin infections.Some viral infections can be treated with an oral medication.
Step 1: There are red, swollen, painful areas of the skin.
Most forms of skin infections are red, swollen, and bloody.Some are more likely to affect children or affect certain areas of the body.Cellulitis can be found on the legs or face.Cellulitis causes a plaque-like rash.Most of the time, impetigo occurs on the face.The most common causes of impetigo in children are bumps around the mouth or nose.Folliculitis can be found in and around hair follicles.Folliculitis can be a relatively minor series of small bumps.
Step 2: Ask your doctor what you should use on your skin.
Allow your doctor to inspect your infection if you schedule an appointment.Tell us about your symptoms and how long the infection has lasted.Most infections can be treated with a prescription cream.Clindamycin 1% or erythromycin 2% can be used to treat folliculitis.Follow the directions on the package.Most creams should be applied at least 2 or 3 times a day.
Step 3: Ask your doctor about your medication.
A prescribed oral antibacterial is usually used to treat infections that won't clear up with a medicated cream.In some cases, penicillin can be used to treat abacterial infections.Cellulitis is not usually treated with a cream.An oral antistaphylococcal antibiotic medication is likely to be prescribed by your doctor.penicillin is often used to treat erysipelas.There are side effects of penicillin.If you experience more serious side effects, contact your doctor.
Step 4: There are warm, dark areas of the skin.
The warm, damp, dark areas of the skin are preferred by the fungi.Infections of the skin are more likely to cause symptoms of itching or sloughing skin, and are nearly as common asbacterial infections.Athlete's foot is the most common form of infections.The athlete's foot causes blisters and cracked skin on the feet.Ringworm can occur anywhere on the body.One or more small, round, itchy marks are produced by ringworm.Jock itch can be found in the groin and buttocks.According to the name, jock itch can cause a ring-shaped rash similar to ringworm.
Step 5: Ask your doctor about over-the-counter medication.
Most skin infections are treated with cream.Many antifungal creams can be purchased over the counter at your local drug store.Ask your doctor which cream will be most effective.Ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter creams.
Step 6: Ask your doctor if you need a prescription cream.
Your doctor will need to write a prescription for stronger-dosage medicated creams.Most need to be applied 2 or 3 times per day, so be sure to follow the directions printed on the tube of cream.In severe cases of jock itch or athlete's foot, a prescription cream or oral antifungal medication is usually required.
Step 7: There are raised bumps that indicate a viral infection.
Various areas of the body can be affected by viral skin infections.The bumps are often swollen and painful.Most of the time, Herpes Simplex is found on the lips and genital region.One or more clusters of vesicles are painful and can tear open.The most common place for shingles to occur is on the chest.The shingles form a series of blisters.Warts from HPV can be found in the genital and oral areas.Plantar warts, which are not associated with the human immunodeficiency virus, can occur in the feet.
Step 8: Ask your doctor about the drugs you are taking.
It is more difficult to treat viral infections.You will be advised to allow the infection to run its course.Asking your doctor if they can prescribe a medication that will help treat the infection is worthwhile.The most common treatment for Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster is the oral antiviral medication Acyclovir.
Step 9: Discuss other treatment methods with your doctor.
Some viral infections can't be treated with medication.Discuss treatment options with your doctor.Warts can be removed by laser therapy or cryosurgery.Podophyllin, Canthacur, or Trichloroacetic acid can be used to remove them.It is common to freeze plantar warts.