Non-Viral Skin Infections

OVERVIEW

Skin infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or parasites penetrate the skin barrier, leading to localized or spreading inflammation. These conditions vary in severity, appearance, and clinical course, making accurate diagnosis essential to guide appropriate treatment and prevent complications.

BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS

• Cellulitis
  A spreading bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, presenting with redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness. Fever or systemic symptoms may occur, and prompt medical treatment is often required to prevent progression.
• Impetigo
  A highly contagious superficial bacterial infection, most common in children, characterized by honey-colored crusted lesions, typically involving the nose, mouth, or extremities. It spreads easily through direct contact or shared personal items.
• Folliculitis
  Infection or inflammation of hair follicles, often appearing as small red bumps or pustules centered on hair shafts. It may be related to bacteria, friction, shaving, or occlusion and is usually localized.
• Erysipelas
  A superficial bacterial skin infection characterized by sharply demarcated redness, swelling, and systemic symptoms. While it most commonly affects the legs and face, it may also involve skin folds, including inframammary (under the breasts), axillary (armpit), and inguinal (groin) areas.
• Furuncles (Boils)
  Deep bacterial infections of hair follicles resulting in painful, inflamed, pus-filled nodules. Furuncles may enlarge, drain spontaneously, or require medical intervention.

FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS

• Dermatophytosis (Tinea / Ringworm)
  A superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails caused by dermatophyte fungi, often presenting as scaly, itchy, ring-shaped or plaque-like lesions. The appearance varies depending on the affected area, such as the body, feet, groin, scalp, or nails.
• Candida (Yeast) Infections
  Fungal infections caused by Candida species that favor warm, moist skin folds, commonly affecting the groin, under the breasts, and between skin folds. They often present with redness, maceration, discomfort, and characteristic satellite pustules.

PARASITIC SKIN INFECTIONS

• Scabies
  A highly contagious skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, resulting in intense itching that is often worse at night. Typical findings include small papules, nodules, or thin burrows, commonly affecting the wrists, finger webs, waistline, and genital area. Close personal contacts may also require evaluation and treatment to prevent reinfestation.
• Demodex Infestation (Demodicosis)
  An overgrowth of Demodex mites normally present on human skin, which may contribute to facial redness, scaling, folliculitis-like eruptions, or worsening of rosacea-like symptoms.

TICK-BORNE SKIN INFECTIONS

Lyme Disease (Tick-Borne Bacterial Infection)

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged (deer) ticks. Early skin findings may include erythema migrans, an expanding rash at the site of the tick bite, sometimes accompanied by fatigue, headache, fever, or muscle aches.
This condition is encountered with increased frequency in Northern Illinois and neighboring regions such as Wisconsin, where tick exposure is common. Early recognition and treatment are important to reduce the risk of later systemic complications.

⚠️ ERYTHEMA MIGRANS — IMPORTANT SKIN WARNING

An expanding red rash at the site of a recent tick bite may be an early sign of Lyme disease.

Key features may include:

• Gradually enlarging red or pink patch
• Often not painful or itchy
• May develop a target-like (“bull’s-eye”) appearance, though this is not always present
• Typically appears days to weeks after tick exposure

Why this matters:
Prompt recognition of erythema migrans allows early treatment and may help prevent joint, neurologic, or cardiac complications.

If you notice a spreading rash after possible tick exposure, medical evaluation is recommended.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL EVALUATION

Skin infections may appear similar to inflammatory or allergic skin conditions, and self-treatment can delay appropriate care. Medical evaluation is recommended when a skin infection:

• Spreads rapidly or worsens over time
• Is associated with fever, pain, or systemic symptoms
• Fails to improve with initial care
• Occurs in sensitive areas such as the face, groin, or skin folds
• Develops after insect or tick exposure

Accurate diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of complications.

CARE APPROACH

Evaluation of skin infections focuses on identifying the underlying cause, assessing severity, and determining the most appropriate management strategy. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on clinical findings, infection type, location, and patient-specific factors.

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Medical Disclosure
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Recommendations depend on individual clinical findings and circumstances. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical result can be guaranteed.