Medical Information
What Are Infectious Skin Conditions?
Infectious skin conditions occur when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the skin, hair, or nails. These infections can range from mild, short-term irritations to serious, long-lasting diseases. They often cause discomfort, change the skin's appearance, and can spread to others if not treated promptly.
Medical Definition
An infectious skin condition is a dermatological disorder caused by pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate the skin barrier, leading to inflammation, lesions, or systemic symptoms.
- Causes include bacteria (impetigo, cellulitis), viruses (warts, herpes simplex, shingles), fungi (ringworm, candidiasis), and parasites (scabies, lice).
- Symptoms vary by type: redness, swelling, rashes, blisters, scaling, or ulceration.
- Some infections are contagious through direct skin contact, shared items, or environmental surfaces.
- Complications may include scarring, secondary infections, and systemic illness if left untreated.
- Risk factors: weakened immunity, poor hygiene, crowded environments, skin barrier compromise, and chronic diseases like diabetes.
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