Skin infections are commonly found in many people and a majority of these infections heals without the need for medical intervention. They are caused by bacteria in most of the cases. The common bacterial skin infections are caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. Sometimes, fungus also causes skin infections. Fungus infections are highly contagious and if a normal person touches the infected person, he may also catch the infection.

Athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch are very common infections that cause sores. Sometimes, these sores may contain pus causing swelling and pain in the affected area. Contaminations such as damp and moist in the public areas are the major reasons causing skin infections.

Due to continuous exposure to sun and pollution, skin is the most affected organ in the body. Many infections are contagious and the affected person carries germs with him. The most common skin infection is boils. Red lumps on the skin are formed because of bacteria and sometimes, these lumps may be painful. Areas such as neck, armpits and nose are more susceptible to boils.

People who have other problems such as diabetes are more prone to skin infections due to poor immune system. If you have boils or blisters, clean the infected area with antibacterial soap frequently. Sometimes, skin infections may be the symptoms of other diseases. For some people, allergies also cause infections on the skin.

Skin infections are also caused on hair. Several of these bacteria causing infections affect hair follicles resulting in hair loss. Tinea versicolor is a common infection that is found in young adults. This is commonly called as dandruff problem. The infection may intensify and brown patches may be found on layers of skin. This is generally treated with antidandruff shampoo.

Ringworm is another type of skin infections that is caused by fungus. This may appear on any part of the body. Appropriate ointment must be applied for this infection to stop the infection from spreading.

Too much of sweating may also cause skin infections. You should not wear clothes that make you sweat more because infections spread faster in damp conditions. Folliculitis causes infection in hair follicles. Tight clothing and friction may also lead to folliculitis which looks like pus filled pimples. Furuncle is a serious type of folliculitis that appears as red nodes in areas that sweat more.

Carbuncle is much more serious than furuncle and it is generally accompanied by fever. This affects fat layer under the skin forming multiple layers of pus. This problem has to be treated medically inorder to remove pus and cure the infection.

Several home remedies are generally followed for skin infections. People visit doctors only when symptoms intensify and swellings cause pain. When you have caught skin infections in the form of boils or blisters, you should not scratch it.

When the swelling contains pus like fluid inside, you should be more careful because skin infections spread more easily. Patients with skin infections should maintain proper personal hygiene. Generally, skin infections can be avoided with good personal care.