A skin infection happens when germs grow on or in the skin and cause symptoms. Common examples include:
A skin infestation happens when parasites or mites live on or burrow into the skin. These conditions often cause intense itching and can spread through close contact. Examples include:
Our board-certified dermatologists carefully check your skin to find the cause of your symptoms. The right diagnosis leads to the right treatment.
If your symptoms are getting worse or not improving, we are here to help. Learn more about what skin conditions we treat or schedule an appointment.
Skin infections fall into three main groups: bacterial, viral and fungal.
Bacterial skin infections
This type of skin infection happens when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, wound or hair follicle. Examples include:
Treatments focus on clearing the infection and controlling symptoms.
Viral skin infections
This type of skin infection can cause rashes, blisters or skin growths. Some spread through skin contact. Examples include:
Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and controlling outbreaks.
Fungal skin infections
This type of skin infection grows best in warm, moist areas of the body. They can affect the skin folds, scalp and other areas. Examples include:
Antifungal medications are commonly used to treat fungal skin infections.
Skin infestations happen when parasites or mites live on or under the skin. Common examples include:
These conditions can spread easily and usually need prescription treatment to fully clear. Early intervention from a board-certified dermatologist can help stop the spread and relieve symptoms faster.
See a dermatologist right away if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
These signs may indicate that you have a bacterial infection that needs treatment.
Seek immediate medical care if skin symptoms happen along with:
These signs may mean that the infection is more serious.
At Goodskin Dermatology, our dermatologists diagnose skin infections and infestations by:
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
We explain your diagnosis and treatment plan in clear, easy-to-understand terms so know what to expect at every step.
We provide complete care through medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and aesthetic dermatology, all delivered by on-site, board-certified dermatologists.
Warts are non-cancerous, benign growths on the skin that are caused by infection from viruses
Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin infection caused by the overgrowth
Tinea refers to a group of fungal infections which can affect the skin, hair, and
Shingles is a rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (also known as
Scabies is an intensely itchy rash caused by an infestation with a burrowing mite called
A cold sore is a blister or a cluster of blisters that typically form on
Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted
Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex
Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper structures of the skin. The infection
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida. Candida skin infections (cutaneous candidiasis) can
A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a painful, pus-filled bump that results from
Some skin infections and most infestations can spread through direct contact or shared items. Others are not contagious. A proper diagnosis helps determine the risk.
Mild infections can sometimes improve on their own, but many bacterial, fungal and parasitic conditions need medical treatment to fully heal and prevent health complications.
If your symptoms spread, worsen, last a long time or happen alongside a fever or swelling, you should seek immediate medical attention from a board-certified dermatologist. Early treatment usually leads to better results.
