Skin infections

The development of skin infections

Skin infections might be either primary or secondary

Secondary skin infections develop from existing dermatological diseases. The best example for this subgroup is eczema. Because of the inflammation, the immune system of the skin is weakened, neither the lipid nor the microba layer can defend properly against various pathogens in this state. Moreover, scratching also harms the surface of the skin mechanically, which provides good opportunity for pathogens.

Primary skin infection means that the pathogen itself causes inflammation.

This inflammation causes visible symptoms, such as scars, growths, blisters, papulas, or redness of the skin, which leads to complaints besides the infection itself, such as burning, itching and pain.

Types of skin infections

Skin infections might be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites.

Viral skin infections often cause inflammation, blisters, rash, while some of them cause growths like the various wart types caused by HPV.

Fungal skin infections are extremely common. Fungal infections of the skin surface are often found around the bends of the body, or between fingers and toes. The wet and warm environment provided by shoes, stockings, or socks, enhances their chance of proliferation and the development of skin infections.

Fungal skin infections and inflammations might also appear anywhere else on the skin. Fungal infection of the nails is the most common on toenails.

Fungal diseases of the mucous membrane - of the mouth, vagina, or penis - is also very common. 40% of women experience fungal disease during their life, while 5% of them suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infection.