Bacteria,+Fungi,+Viral+Skin+Infections

Skin Infections //by Liz, Tausha, Casey, and Emily// = Bacterial =
 * A skin infection is when the skin has been invaded by an infective agent, or pathogen. Examples of pathogens are bacteria, fungus, viruses, and insects. Symptoms vary with different infections, but they often cause redness, swelling, blisters, cracking, and crusts. Most skin infections can be treated with creams or ointments, but for some you need pills and oral medications. To prevents skin infections, keep your skin clean and dry, and avoid contact with anyone who has a skin infection. Also, there are vaccinations for some viral infections of the skin. Some types of skin infections are listed below.**


 * Impetigo **- a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that occurs most often in children. Is caused by the staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. First is characterized by redness and then by yellowish crusts. There is an example of impetigo below.
 * Boils -** often caused by staphylococcal infections of hair follicles. Are swollen inflamed pustules called furuncles which, if untreated, can become larger boils called carbuncles.
 * Erysipelas -** superficial form of cellulitis which is a potentially serious bacterial infection usually found in infants or elderly.

=** Fungal **=


 * Tinea -** a general name for many fungal infections of the skin. These infections are caused by keeping skin wet for long periods of time and allowing fungus to grow. They can cause scaling, crusting, and deep cracks in the epidermis. Athlete's foot and ringworm are both fungal infections. Tinea is shown on the foot below.


 * Yeast Infection -** a fungal infection that can cause itchiness, rashes, redness, and pain on the skin. It can also be in the mouth, causing white patches, or in the esophogas, causing difficulty swallowing. Women can also get vaginal yeast infection, but all can be treated with antifungal medications.

=** Viral **=

=** Other **=
 * Warts **- usually benign, but sometimes malignant infections of the skin caused by the papilloma virus. They can be contagious through direct contact to another person's skin, and can be removed by burning, freezing, or lasers.
 * Herpes Zoster -** a viral infection of the skin characterized by small painful blisters. It is caused by the varicellazoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken poxs. It is most common in people with weakened immune systems.
 * Molluscum Contagiosum -** a viral infection characterized by small reddish or skin colored bumps on the skin. It has no other symptoms and usually goes away on its own.


 * Scabies -** a highly contagious condition caused by the itch mite. Can be transmitted by physical contact and is extremely irritating. Itching can lead to secondary infections. Scabies is shown below.



= Sources =

[] [] [|www.scabies-killer.com] [|www.missinglink.ucsf.edu] [|www.impetigodoctor.com] [] [] The Human Body in Health & Disease. By: Thibodeau/ Patton