Infections of the Skin and Nails
Why You Should See a Dermatologist for a Skin or Nail Infection Treatment Plan
Skin and nail infections can be easily misdiagnosed because many conditions share similar symptoms, including redness, irritation, discoloration, and changes in nail texture. Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections can also resemble eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
Without the right expertise, specialized training, and diagnostic testing, patients may receive ineffective treatments that delay healing or worsen symptoms. Our team at Cronin Dermatology can identify the underlying cause and recommend a targeted treatment plan for faster resolution.
What Are the Most Common Skin and Nail Infections?
Fungal Infections & Ringworm
Fungal infections of the skin and nails are quite common. They are caused by the overgrowth of fungi like dermatophytes, yeast, and molds.
Fungal skin infections often cause itchy red patches with raised borders, blisters, or scales. Common ones include oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection, diaper rash, Athlete's foot, and jock itch. Ringworm is another common fungal skin infection, often seen in children and young adults.
Fungal hair infections can cause scalp itching or tenderness, hair loss, and broken hair shafts.
Fungal nail infections cause thickened nails, yellow or white discoloration, and brittle or crumbly nail texture.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. It is characterized by patchy, discolored skin. The affected area may be lighter or darker than healthy skin. It's common on the middle of the body and the shoulders.
This infection is common in teens and young adults. It isn't painful or contagious, but it requires antifungal treatment.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. It is very contagious and causes fluid filled blisters or ulcers. There are two types of herpes simplex. HSV-1 is mostly spread through oral contact like sharing utensils or straws or kissing. It causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. This can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact.
HSV-2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, affecting the genitals, buttocks, or anal area. However, it can also infect the mouth. It is most commonly spread through sexual contact.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful viral infection caused by varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It typically appears on one side of the body and presents with burning pain, itching, tingling, and extreme sensitivity.
The rash often appears as a stripe or band of red fluid-filled blisters, on only one side of the body or face. Shingles can be treated with antiviral medications to help shorten the infection.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It causes red sores, fluid filled blisters, and a characteristic honey-colored crust. This type of infection occurs when bacteria enter the skin through insect bites, minor cuts, or scratches. It spreads very easily through direct skin contact or sharing items such as toys or blankets.
There are three types but the most common form, non-bullous impetigo, occurs around the nose and mouth.
Bullous impetigo causes larger more painful blisters that show up on the limbs or trunk of the body. Finally, ecthyma impetigo is a deeper form of the infection that turns into painful ulcers that can leave scars if not treated quickly.
Nail Diseases
Fungal nail infections in nails are caused by different types of fungi, such as yeasts, dermatophytes, or molds. They develop slowly, often over several months. It causes thickened nails and yellow, white, or brown discoloration. Fungal infections can also cause brittle, or crumbly nails and separation from the nail bed. These are usually easy to treat with topical antifungal medications.
[Accuracy flag: nail fungus is usually slow to clear and often needs prescription oral antifungals. Suggested swap for the last sentence: "These are treated with prescription topical or oral antifungal medications, and it can take several months for a healthy nail to grow out."]
Bacterial nail infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through cuts, nail trauma, or hangnails. This type of infection occurs rapidly over a few days and causes pain, swelling, warmth, redness, pus discharge and sometimes a green or black color. Bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment.
Cystic Folliculitis
A folliculitis cyst, also referred to as an ingrown hair cyst, is a fluid or skin-cell filled sac that forms inside the skin when a hair follicle is blocked, infected, or damaged. It causes a swollen, sore lump beneath the skin. You may see visible hair or a small pus-filled center. These are common in areas that experience a lot of friction or sweating such as armpits, groin, scalp and more.
Depending on the severity, it may be treated with topical or oral antibiotics, or it may need to be drained in the office.
What Treatments Does a Dermatologist Offer for Skin Infections?
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