The term skin infection broadly covers a lot of problematic conditions of skin. These can manifest as rashes, occur as boils, lesions, blisters, ulcers and other inflammatory reactions of the skin. Whichever method the infection occurs it is very painful and difficult to manage.

Types of skin infections:

Skin infection can be classified into four basic types; Bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, staphylococcal infections, folliculitis etc. Fungal skin infections include yeast infections, ringworm, athlete's foot etc. Viral infections include various skin rashes such as chicken pox, shingles etc. Parasitic infections usually occur when a parasite passes through skin on its way to the blood stream. Parasitic infection may be secondary infection due to infection of blood or primary due to parasite residing in the skin tissue. Skin infection also may be due to allergic reaction.

How to avoid skin infections:

Skin infections are easily avoidable and prevented with a few basic steps. Maintaining good skin hygiene is the keyword to evade infections. Here are five easy tips to help you steer clear of skin infections:

(1) Wash with a good antiseptic soap, avoid chemical soaps as these chemicals encourage the growth of bacteria and fungus. Washing includes bathing, washing hands and feet when exposed to public areas like escalators, markets, hospitals for hands and gyms, swimming pools, spas and stadiums for feet. Do not walk barefoot, try using water shoes or flip flops. Take care to clean folds in the skin as this is where fungus grows.

(2) Keep your skin dry at all times. If your hands or feet get wet wipe and change out of those wet clothing as soon as possible. After washing wipe with a clean dry towel. Avoid using damp towels and also do not share towels with anybody.

(3) Change your socks after every wear and your undergarments at least twice daily. You should definitely change your undergarments after exercising or when wet because this is the time when sweat and moisture breeds bacteria or fungus.

(4) Wear socks and underwear made of cotton as it allows skin to breathe. Do not wear clothes which are too tight as they will annihilate the skin. Loose clothing allows ventilation and hence any sweat or moisture dries up fast.

(5) Wash or sanitize your sports equipment after each and every use.

Thus you can see, skin infections can be easily avoided with a little care and some lifestyle changes. Prevention is better than cure is an old adage but would save you a lot of trouble of treatment if you happen to contract a skin infection.

How to Take care:

Wash with a good antiseptic soap; avoid chemical soaps as these chemicals encourage the growth of bacteria and fungus. Washing includes bathing, washing hands and feet when exposed to public areas like escalators, markets, hospitals for hands and gyms, swimming pools, spas and stadiums for feet. Do not walk barefoot, try using water shoes or flip flops. Take care to clean folds in the skin as this is where fungus grows.

Keep your skin dry at all times. If your hands or feet get wet wipe and change out of those wet clothing as soon as possible. After washing wipe with a clean dry towel. Avoid using damp towels and also do not share towels with anybody.

Change your socks after every wear and your undergarments at least twice daily. You should definitely change your undergarments after exercising or when wet because this is the time when sweat and moisture breeds bacteria or fungus.

Wear socks and underwear made of cotton as it allows skin to breathe. Do not wear clothes which are too tight as they will annihilate the skin. Loose clothing allows ventilation and hence any sweat or moisture dries up fast.

Wash or sanitize your sports equipment after each and every use.
Thus you can see, skin infections can be easily avoided with a little care and some lifestyle changes. Prevention is better than cure is an old adage but would save you a lot of trouble of treatment if you happen to contract a skin infection. Take care.