Skin infections are infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. They are commonly found and can range from mild to severe. If an infection is found to be mild it will probably get better on its own with minimal medication however if an infection is widespread and severe it may take a serious medical intervention and a longer time to get better.
Before selecting the right medication for any infection, many factors are considered, such as the infection’s severity, pregnancy stages, location of the infection, allergies, etc. A medication is only prescribed once these factors have been established.
Types of Skin Infections
Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial infections occur when bacteria take over the skin areas causing skin issues. The severity of this can range from life-threatening to mild. Certain bacterial infections like impetigo are very mild and get better over time however certain ones like necrotizing fasciitis are known to be deadly.
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are known to be the commonly found bacteria that cause skin infections.
Skin infections caused by bacteria:
- Cellulitis: One of the most common and serious bacterial infections that penetrates through the skin causing inflammation and swelling. It quickly spreads through the body and if not treated can lead to severe issues.
- Impetigo: Known to be spread by gram-positive bacteria. It is mostly found in children and affects the upper epidermis. It forms a yellowish crush around the skin that is itchy and sometimes painful. It is also known to be easily communicable.
- Abscess: Can be caused by various microorganisms including bacteria. The abscess is marked by the presence of pus. Whenever the bacteria affects the skin the white blood cells attack the bacteria to protect the skin area leading to the formation of a pus.
- Folliculitis: Affects the hair follicles causing infections. It can be found on hands, legs or any part of the body that has hair.
Fungal Skin Infections
Fungal infections are generally caused by mold, yeast, and dermatophytes. Dermatophytes commonly affect the nails, hair, and skin surface of an individual. Fungal infections do not affect the inner layers of the skin and only cause disruptive infections on the surface layers. Individuals with immune deficits are known to face more harm from fungal diseases.
Skin infections caused by fungus:
- Athlete’s Foot: Also known as Tinea Pedis, this condition starts with noticeable itchiness and redness in between the toes. It then spreads across the foot. It is highly communicable and spreads from clothing items like towels or floors.
- Ringworm: Dramatically known as Tinea, a ringworm is a type of infection caused by fungus. The affected area turns red with silvery lines that represent a ring. It is easily transmissible and treated easily as well.
Viral Skin Infections
Viral infections can occur in the form of rashes or lesions. These can be mild or severe and are treated accordingly. Mild viral infections generally do not need medical interventions however in case of severe infection medicines are prescribed.
Skin infections caused by viruses:
- Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus results in warts and sores around the genitals and the mouth. There are two different strains of HSV. Hsv-I is transmitted through oral contact and is further known to cause herpes near the mouth area. The HSV-II is caused by genital transmission and causes herpes around the genitals. Both these strains can also affect the mouth and genitals together.
- Warts: Warts are unwanted skin growths that are non-cancerous and are caused by the HPV virus. They are easily transmissible too. HPV has various strains up to 100 in number however not all strains can cause warts.
Parasitic Skin Infections:
Lice, mites, or even worms commonly cause parasitic infections. They cause extreme itchiness and uncomfortability. Lice and scabies are the most widespread parasitic infections.
Skin Infections Caused by Parasites:
- Scabies: Known to be caused by a mite. A person with scabies usually has redness and itching in the affected areas such as wrists, hands, or skin folds.
- Lice: Caused by another parasite known as lice. It usually affects the scalp and causes extreme itching. These are known to multiply fast and can be fatal if not treated.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Medicine
- Type of infection: Every infection has a different cause some can be a result of parasites while others can be caused by bacteria. Every micro-organism is treated through different medications since not all medications will be able to effectively eradicate the infection.
- Severity of the infection: As the severity increases the doses as well as the effectiveness of the medication would also be needed to be increased to tackle the severe spread of infection in the body.
- Patient’s medical history and allergies: Medical histories and allergies are needed before prescribing medication to overrule any complications or increase in the severity of the infection.
- Ease of use and application: Every medication comes with different usage and application. Depending on the severity of the infection the medications can range from tablets to topical medications.
- Doctor’s recommendation: It is important to visit a dermatologist whenever an infection takes place since they can identify it and then prescribe the right medication needed to heal the infection.
Commonly Recommended Medicines for Skin Infections
Antibiotics for Bacterial Infections
Topical:
- Mupirocin: Mupirocin or fusidic acid creams are two very commonly used topical medications. They are used for mild infections such as impetigo or folliculitis. It is known to treat both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains of bacteria.
Oral:
- Amoxicillin: Also known as penicillin antibiotic this oral medication is used to treat various bacterial infections ranging from pneumonia to other skin infections too.
- Cephalexin: Found to be helpful with almost all bacteria causing infections. Also known as cephalosporin antibiotic.
Antifungals for Fungal Infections
Topical:
- Clotrimazole: Known to treat fungal and yeast infections effectively. It is available in wide forms such as lotions, ointments, creams, etc. The medication belongs to the imidazole category of drugs and has been effectively used to treat fungal infections.
- Terbinafine: Specifically known to treat the fungal infections that affect the nails, scalp or feet. It is available in oral or topical forms. Usually sold as a 1% spray or 250 mg tablets it helps to slow down the fungal growth to help heal the infection.
Oral:
- Fluconazole: Belongs to the azole category of drugs it is known to treat yeast and fungal infections. This class of drugs mainly helps with treating fungal infections caused by Candida.
- Itraconazole: Only used to treat severe fungal infections as seen in cases of immunocompromised individuals. This medication usually is only prescribed to heal oropharyngeal or esophageal candidiasis
Antivirals for Viral Infections
Topical:
- Acyclovir: Mainly prescribed to lower the recurrence of genital herpes.
- Penciclovir: Known to heal cold sores in children. It heals the infection by hindering the DNA replication of the virus cells.
Oral:
- Valacyclovir: Helps to cure infections caused by the herpes virus including cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes.
- Famciclovir: It helps to cure shingles and recurrent genital herpes in individuals.
Antiparasitics for Parasitic Infections
Topical:
- Permethrin: This belongs to the pyrethrins category of drugs and is used to treat parasitic infections caused by mites.
- Ivermectin: This is prescribed to help with roundworm infections. It is also known to help treat head lice effectively.
Oral:
- Albendazole: This is an FDA-approved medication given out to treat infections caused by tapeworms. It is antihelminthic in nature.
- Ivermectin: Helps to treat lice and roundworms.
Potential Side Effects and How to Manage Them
- Common side effects
Common side effects include increased itchiness, redness, burning sensations, etc. Every medication can have different side effects on an individual considering the medical history and the allergies the person holds.
- When to seek medical attention
It is advised to seek medical attention as the infections arise. It is better and more helpful to use medications prescribed by a medical professional.
B2BPharmaHub:
Introduction to B2B Pharma Hub
- Overview of our online pharmacy: Our online pharmacy contains over 200+, medications catering to various medical needs. We provide drugs, ointments, gels, medical supplies etc. Check out our website to explore more.
- Mission and commitment to quality: We believe in the utmost health of our clients and thus, produce the highest quality available. Our extensive chain of logistics and network helps us to deliver to our clients with safety and high maintenance of the efficacy of the medicine.
Why Choose Us for Your Wholesale Needs?
- High-quality products: At B2BPharmahub we believe in offering our clients with best quality of products. Our company has been in the pharmaceutical sector for over 12 years and we wholesale pharmaceutical products maintaining high quality and taking all the required measures for the perseverance of the products.
- Competitive pricing: We offer affordable pricing without draining our customers’ pockets. We care about your health and the affordability of medical products.
- Reliable supply chain: We partner with manufacturers worldwide to have the best products and bring the best to our clients. We work so that you can have the best.
We are also certified by the FDA and other recognizing committees. We carry all the required licenses and bring you assurance and credibility.
- Exceptional customer service: Contact us at +919898972449 or write to us at [email protected].
Our customer service will reach you within 24 hours sorting your query immediately and effectively. We are here to listen and help.