How do vets treat skin infections

What To Know About Skin Infection Types, Causes, and Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

How we vet brands and products

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Various pathogens can cause skin infections, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The symptoms, treatment, and outlook will depend on the cause.

Infections can vary from mild to serious. Most skin infections are highly treatable. However, an infection can become more serious if it goes deeper into the skin or spreads across much of the body.

People with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of skin infections and complications from skin infections. This could be due to:

• a health condition, such as HIV, diabetes, poor circulation, or malnutrition
• a side effect of medication, such as chemotherapy or biologic drug use
• being older or very young
• have skin folds due to obesity

Over-the-counter medications and home remedies can often treat mild infections, but other infections may need medical attention.

Read on to learn more about skin infections and what to do if you have one.

Here are some pictures of some symptoms of various skin infections:

The following are four different types of skin infections:

1. Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial skin infections occur when bacteria enter the skin, either from an outside source or because they are present on the skin. They can enter the skin through a hair follicle or after a wound.

Anthrax is one type of bacterium that can enter from the environment. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are bacteria that are commonly present on the skin and only cause a problem in certain circumstances. Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that causes skin symptoms.

Bacterial infections can be systemic or local. Systemic infections can cause symptoms throughout the whole body, such as a fever, while local infections only affect a specific area. Some bacterial infections can begin in one area and spread throughout the body.

Some bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo, can spread between people through direct skin contact or with bodily fluids, contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces where bacteria are present. Others, such as cellulitis, are not contagious.

Different types of bacterial skin infections include:

Systemic infections that can cause skin rashes include:

Some bacterial infections are mild and easy to treat with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic or other medical treatment.

2. Viral skin infections

Viruses can cause different types of infections that have skin symptoms, such as:

These viruses are often contagious, and most are systemic.

3. Fungal skin infections

These types of skin infections are caused by a fungus and are most likely to develop in moist areas of the body where surfaces meet, such as the feet, armpit, or where there are skin folds.

In some cases, an allergy to the fungus causes symptoms in other areas that are not directly affected. For instance, a person with a fungal infection on the foot might develop a rash on their fingers. It doesnt happen because the person touched their foot.

Different types of fungal infections:

4. Parasitic skin infection

These types of skin infections are caused by a parasite. These infections can spread beyond the skin to the bloodstream and organs. A parasitic infection isnt life-threatening but can be uncomfortable.

Different types of parasitic skin infections include:

The symptoms of a skin infection will depend on:

• the type of infection
• the cause
• individual factors, such as whether the person has a weakened immune system

Common symptoms of skin infections include:

• redness on pales skin, or purple or darker areas of skin if you have a darker skin tone
• lesions that may be flat or raised, bumpy, wart-like, and so on
• itching
• pain and tenderness

In some cases, a person may also have other symptoms, such as a fever.

Signs of a severe infection include:

• pus
• blisters
• skin sloughing, breakdown
• dark areas that can indicate necrosis or tissue death
• pain and discoloration
• widespread swelling

Is this rash an infection or another skin disorder?

Some types of pathogens notably bacteria and fungi are typically present on the skin, but if they become too numerous, the immune system can no longer manage them.

In this case, an infection can result.

The cause of a skin infection depends on the pathogen involved.

Bacterial skin infection

These infections occur when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut or a scratch.

Not all cuts or scratches lead to a skin infection, but there is a higher risk if you:

• have a weakened immune system
• do not keep the wound clean
• are exposed to certain bacteria, for example, when working outside

Viral skin infection

The most common viruses come from one of three groups of viruses:

Experts still dont know how prevalent viruses are on the skin, unlike bacteria and fungi.

Fungal infection

Body chemistry and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of a fungal infection. Fungi often grow in warm, moist environments.

Some risk factors for a fungal infection are:

• having sweaty feet or wearing closed footwear
• wearing sweaty or wet clothes
• having skin folds due to excess body fat
• bathing in contaminated water
• sharing personal items with other people who carry a fungus or have an infection

A break or cut in the skin may allow pathogens to get into the deeper layers of the skin.

Parasitic skin infection

Tiny insects or organisms burrowing underneath your skin and laying eggs can cause a parasitic skin infection.

Examples include:

• Scabies: An infestation of mites, which causes itching, a rash of small pimples, lines on the skin surface, and scaling or crusty skin.
• Pediculosis: This is an infection caused by lice. It can cause itching, and lice and nits their eggs may be visible.
• Creeping eruption: Caused by hookworms, this can cause a winding, snake-like rash.

Often, doctors can identify the type of skin infection based on their appearance and location.

The doctor may:

• ask about symptoms
• examine any bumps, rashes, or lesions
• take a sample of skin cells for testing in a laboratory

See a doctor if you have:

• pus-filled blisters
• severe or widespread swelling or inflammation
• a skin infection that doesnt improve or gets progressively worse
• a high fever or other symptoms
• frequent or recurring rashes or infections

Skin infections can spread beyond the skin and into tissues under the skin or the bloodstream, especially in people with a compromised immune system.

When this happens it can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity.

Some infections will go away on their own or respond to over-the-counter creams.

If an infection is severe, the person is at risk of complications, or the infection is contagious, a doctor may prescribe medication such as:

• antibiotics
• antivirals
• antifungals
• antiparasitics

The form of the medication will partially depend on the severity of the infection or the risk of complications. A person with a severe infection may need to spend time in the hospital.

Home care and alternative treatments

Home care for a skin infection works to reduce symptoms.

Here are some tips:

The outlook will depend on the cause, type, and severity of the infection.

Many skin infections respond well to medication. However, some conditions, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to common antibiotics and harder to treat.

Ways of reducing the risk of a skin infection or rash include:

• washing regularly
• drying the body to remove all moisture
• avoiding sharing personal items with other people
• checking the skin regularly for changes and seeking advice as soon as signs of an infection appear
• having the recommended vaccinations to prevent diseases such as chickenpox

What are the five main types of skin infections?

Skin infections can be:

• bacterial, commonly caused by Streptococcal or Staphylococcal bacteria
• viral, such as chickenpox or warts
• fungal, for instance, a yeast infection
• parasitic, for example, scabies

What does a bacterial skin infection look like?

This will depend on the infection, but it will usually involve inflammation reddness and swelling.

What is the most common bacterial infection of the skin?

Impetigo is a common example of a bacterial infection. Others include cellulitis and Lyme disease. The most common bacteria associated with skin infections are the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.

Skin infections can result from bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic causes. The way they affect the body will depend on the specific pathogen. Some cause skin symptoms as part of a wider infection, while others cause local symptoms only.

Skin infections are often highly treatable, but severe symptoms and complications can arise if a person has a weakened immune system.

Some infections are are contagious, such as scabies, and people need to take care not to pass them on before or during treatment.

See your doctor if you have any concerns about signs of a skin infection.

Read this article in Spanish.

Everything You Need to Know About Fungal Skin Infections

Many common fungal infections can affect the skin.

Yeast infection (Candida skin infection)

Yeast is a type of fungus.

A yeast called Candida is naturally present on the skin and inside the human body. When it overgrows, an infection can occur, including on the skin. The most common species of Candida is Candida albicans.

Other names for a yeast infection of the skin include:

The infection occurs in warm, moist, and poorly ventilated areas. Areas that are typically infected include the folds of the buttocks (as in certain types of diaper rash) and under the breasts.

The symptoms of a yeast infection of the skin can include:

Other yeast infections

The mucous membranes are another common site of fungal infections. Some examples of yeast infections in the mucous membranes are vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.

How its diagnosed

A primary care doctor should be able to diagnose a yeast infection of the skin during a physical examination. They may also swab the skin and use a skin culture to confirm that yeast is the organism causing your symptoms.

If you see a dermatologist instead, they may perform a skin scraping of the rash and then view the sample under a microscope to determine if theres Candida growth.

How its treated

An important step in treating any yeast infection is keeping the skin clean and dry.

Some yeast infections will go away on their own. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal drugs are also available. These drugs can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving.

Topical versions include:

• clotrimazole
• econazole
• ketoconazole
• nystatin
• oxiconazole

To help reduce itching, you can also use a corticosteroid cream such as hydrocortisone.

Powders may help you keep your skin dry. Its important to apply them 2 to 3 hours before or after applying any creams.

If the infection doesnt resolve or improve, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications, such as:

To help treat diaper rash, consider using zinc oxide creams to soothe your babys skin. OTC options include products from the brands:

• A+D
• Balmex
• Desitin
• Triple Paste

Home remedies such as changing diapers more frequently and using disposable diapers may also relieve symptoms.

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection. Its highly contagious but not serious.

Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a worm. It typically occurs on the torso and limbs, in a subtype known as ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). Ringworm on other areas of the body can go by different names, such as jock itch and athletes foot.

The main symptom of ringworm is a ring-shaped rash with slightly raised edges. The skin inside these circular rashes usually looks healthy. The rash can spread and is often itchy.

Ringworm can come from petting an animal infected with the fungus or from gyms and gym mats.

How its diagnosed

A doctor can usually diagnose ringworm by sight or after performing a skin scraping.

Some doctors may also perform a fungal culture to help them determine a diagnosis.

How its treated

Ringworm of the body thats limited to a few areas can usually be treated with a topical antifungal medication, such as:

• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF Ringworm Cream)
• econazole
• ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole)
• luliconazole (Luzu)
• naftifine
• oxiconazole (Oxistat)
• sulconazole (Exelderm)
• terbinafine (Lamisil AT Cream, Silka Antifungal Cream)

Doctors often recommend oral antifungals for a deeper or more extensive infection. They include:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• terbinafine

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

This fungal infection affects the skin of the scalp and the associated hair shafts. Its most common in children and teens 3 to 14 years old.

You can contract ringworm of the scalp from animals, soil, or other humans (via hairbrushes or hats).

Symptoms of ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) can include:

• broken hair shafts
• localized bald patches that may appear scaly or red
• associated scaling and itching
• associated tenderness or pain in the patches
• patches that ooze or crust over
• permanent hair loss, in some severe cases

It may resemble severe dandruff.

It can also cause symptoms unrelated to the scalp, such as fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

How its diagnosed

A doctor can diagnose ringworm of the scalp during a physical examination.

They usually perform a skin scraping, such as a skin lesion KOH exam. In the skin lesion KOH exam, skin scrapings are mixed with potassium hydrochloride (KOH) to determine if fungi are present.

How its treated

Ringworm of the scalp requires prescription oral medication, which may come in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Examples include:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Gris-PEG), which is typically the drug of choice and is safe for children
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• terbinafine

Everyone with ringworm of the scalp should use an antifungal shampoo. All members of their household should use it too. Examples include ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo).

Jock itch (tinea cruris)

Jock itch happens in the area near your groin and thighs. Its most common in men and adolescent boys.

The main symptom is an itchy, red, and sometimes painful rash that typically starts in the groin or around the upper inner thighs. The rash may worsen after exercise or other physical activity and can spread to the buttocks and abdomen.

The affected skin may also appear:

• scaly
• flaky
• cracked
• moist and possibly macerated, in the case of an open sore

The outer border of the rash can be slightly raised and darker.

How its diagnosed

A doctor can diagnose jock itch during a physical examination or after examining a sample under a microscope.

How its treated

Treatment often begins with OTC or prescription creams.

OTC creams, sprays, and powders include:

• butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra Jock Itch Cream)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF Jock Itch Antifungal Cream)
• miconazole (CareALL Miconazole Cream, Lotrimin AF Jock Itch Antifungal Powder Spray)
• terbinafine (Lamisil AT Cream for Jock Itch, Silka Antifungal Cream, Silka Jock Itch Cream)

Prescription creams include:

• econazole
• ketoconazole (Ketozole)
• luliconazole (Luzu)
• oxiconazole (Oxistat)
• sulconazole (Exelderm)

Applying a cool compress can also help soothe the skin.

If topical treatments dont work, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungals, such as:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• terbinafine

Oral medications are typically reserved for recurrent, treatment-resistant, or chronic infections.

Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

In tinea versicolor, small oval discolored patches develop on the skin. Its sometimes called pityriasis versicolor.

This infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia. Malassezia is naturally present on the skin of most adults.

The discolored skin patches mostly occur on the back, chest, and upper arms, but they can also affect the scalp. They may look lighter or darker than the rest of the skin and can be red, pink, tan, or brown. On people with darker skin, the patches may appear white. These patches can be itchy, flaky, or scaly.

Tinea versicolor is more likely to appear during the summer or in areas with a warm, wet climate. Its also common in people who work out or sweat often. The condition can sometimes return following treatment.

How its diagnosed

A doctor can diagnose tinea versicolor with a:

• physical examination
• Woods lamp examination, in which a healthcare professional uses a handheld blacklight to confirm the presence of fungi or bacteria
• skin lesion biopsy, which involves removing a small skin sample and having it tested in a laboratory
• skin lesion KOH exam

How its treated

The standard treatment for tinea versicolor is topical products such as soaps, creams, lotions, and shampoos. Ingredients to look for include:

• ketoconazole, found in products such as prescription-strength shampoo and Extina foam
• pyrithione zinc, found in products such as Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar, Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo, and Selsun blue Itchy Dry Scalp Antidandruff Shampoo
• selenium sulfide, found in products such as Selsun blue Moisturizing Antidandruff Shampoo and Selsun blue Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo

If tinea versicolor returns following treatment, a doctor may recommend you use a medicated cleanser once or twice a month.

Oral medication is rarely needed. A doctor may prescribe a short course of oral antifungals if tinea versicolor is recurrent, treatment-resistant, widespread, severe, or creates thick scales.

They include:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• itraconazole (Sporanox)

Athletes foot (tinea pedis)

Athletes foot affects the skin on your feet, often between your toes. It can also appear on the soles of your feet.

Typical symptoms of athletes foot include:

• itching or a burning, stinging sensation between your toes or on the soles
• skin that appears red, scaly, dry, or flaky
• peeling skin
• thickened soles
• cracked or blistered skin
• deep blisters on the soles, in rare cases

In some cases, the infection can also spread to other areas. Examples include the:

• nails, as in onychomycosis
• groin, as in jock itch (tinea cruris)
• hands, as in tinea manuum

How its diagnosed

A doctor can diagnose athletes foot by observing your symptoms or performing a skin test such as the skin lesion KOH exam.

How its treated

You can treat athletes foot with a variety of OTC topical products, such as:

• butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra Athletes Foot Cream)
• clotrimazole (CareALL Athletes Foot Cream, Lotrimin AF Cream for Athletes Foot)
• miconazole (Desenex Athletes Foot Shake Powder)
• terbinafine (Lamisil AT Cream, Lamisil AT Cream for Athletes Foot, Silka Antifungal Cream)
• tolnaftate (Dr. Scholls Odor-X Antifungal Spray Powder, Lotrimin AF Athletes Foot Daily Prevention Deodorant Powder Spray, Tinactin Athletes Foot Cream)

Terbinafine tends to be the fastest-acting of these medications.

If OTC products dont help clear up athletes foot within 2 weeks or so, a doctor may prescribe:

• prescription-strength topical clotrimazole
• sulconazole (Exelderm)

Doctors usually prescribe oral antifungals when the infection is recurrent, causes blisters, or involves the tops of the feet, soles, or heels. They include:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Gris-PEG), which is safe for children
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• terbinafine

Did you know?

Athletes foot tends to recur, so its important to dry the toes and feet thoroughly after showering or bathing. Use a powder, especially in between the toes.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails. It can affect the fingernails or the toenails, although infections of the toenails are 7 to 10 times more common.

Symptoms of onychomycosis include nails that:

How its diagnosed

A doctor will usually take a nail clipping and some subfungal debris and send them off for a periodic acidSchiff (PAS) stain or culture.

On some occasions, they may perform a skin lesion KOH exam. However, the PAS stains and cultures are more accurate.

How its treated

Prescription medications are often required to treat this type of infection. The standard treatment is oral terbinafine. Its typically prescribed for 6 or 12 weeks, depending on whether you have a fingernail or toenail infection.

Treatment is notoriously tricky due to factors such as prolonged treatment time and the likelihood of recurrence.

Other oral antifungals that may be used include:

• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Gris-PEG), which is safe for children
• itraconazole (Sporanox)

Doctors often prescribe topical antifungals as well. They include:

• ciclopirox (Ciclodan)
• efinaconazole (Jublia)
• tavaborole (Kerydin)

In severe cases, a doctor may remove some or all of an affected nail.

Emerging treatment options include lasers and light therapy. More data on their effectiveness is needed.