Skin (infections)

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Other names for Skin (infections)

Cutaneous microbial overgrowth
Dermal infections
Inflamed or infected skin lesions

Synopsis of Skin (infections)

Skin infections occur when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the skin's protective barrier, leading to redness, swelling, pain, warmth, discharge, or lesions. They range in severity from mild (like impetigo or athlete's foot) to life-threatening (like cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis). Bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes are common, especially in cuts or abrasions. Fungal infections thrive in moist areas like feet, groin, or under skin folds, while viral infections include warts and herpes simplex. Prompt identification and treatment are key to preventing spread and deeper tissue involvement.

Types:

  • Bacterial: Impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, boils

  • Fungal: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, candidiasis

  • Viral: Herpes simplex, warts, molluscum contagiosum

  • Parasitic: Scabies, lice, cutaneous larva migrans

  • Mixed infections: Secondary infection over preexisting skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis)

Common Causes:

  • Cuts, scrapes, or insect bites

  • Poor hygiene or excessive moisture

  • Weakened immune system

  • Sharing personal items (e.g., razors, towels)

  • Contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces

  • Chronic skin conditions that disrupt barrier integrity

Severity Causes:

  • Delay in wound cleansing or treatment

  • Poor circulation or diabetes (impairs healing)

  • Antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA)

  • Underlying immune suppression (HIV, cancer treatment)

  • Repeated trauma or scratching to infected area

When to See a Doctor:

  • Spreading redness, swelling, or heat

  • Pus, crusting, or yellow discharge

  • Fever or chills with skin symptoms

  • Painful lesions or rapidly enlarging rash

  • Infection not improving with basic care in 2–3 days

Natural remedies for Skin (infections)

Tea tree oil: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Use diluted to reduce risk of irritation on open skin.

Aloe vera: Soothes inflammation and promotes healing. Useful as a carrier for antimicrobial agents and for reducing pain and redness.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. May be applied as a paste or taken internally to support immune defense.

Garlic (ajoene compound): Has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. Topical garlic extracts have been shown to combat skin pathogens.

Apple cider vinegar: Has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Can be diluted and used as a gentle wash for minor infections or foot fungus.

Probiotics: Support systemic immunity and skin barrier function, reducing susceptibility to recurrent skin infections, especially in those with eczema or frequent antibiotic use.

Zinc: Vital for immune response and skin repair. Topical zinc oxide or oral zinc can help shorten the duration of infections and speed healing.

Proper wound care: Keep the area clean, dry, and covered if needed. Avoid picking or scratching to prevent spreading or worsening the infection.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Skin (infections)

10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Abuta
Acemannan
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agave
Ajoene
Ajuga
Akebia
Alantolactone
Albizia
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Allyl isothiocyanate
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
American Pawpaw
Ampelopsis
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
Arisaema
Artepillin C
asafoetida
Asam gelugor
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
azelaic acid
babchi
Bacillus
Backhousia citriodora
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
bentonite
benzoin
Bergenia
bisabolene
Black spruce
black walnut
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazilian peppertree
burning bush
California pitcher plant
camphor oil
Casearia esculenta
castile soap
Cedrus libani
chaparral
Chekiang Fritillary
chickweed
Chiococca alba
chlorophyll
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cistus
citral
citronella
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cocklebur
copaiba oil
copper
croton seeds
Cynodon dactylon
cypress
daphne
Didymocarpus
echinacea purpurea
Echinodorus
emu oil
farnesol
Ficus religiosa
fir
fleabane
frankincense
Galbanum
Galium
gallic acid
genipap
geranial
geraniol
Gigartina
glyceryl caprylate caprate
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic acid
golden shower tree
goldenrod
goldenseal
Guazuma ulmifolia
heartwood
Hemidesmus
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Hyaluronidase
hydroxyquinoline
Hypericin
Immortelle
Immunoglobulin G
Indian nightshade
Indian sarsparilla
Ivy
Japanese sophora
Jatoba
juniper berries
Kachnar
Kigelia africana
knotgrass
knotweed
Labdanum
lactic acid
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
Laminaria
Lantana camara
Ledebouriella
Leptadenia
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
liverwort
Lophira lanceolata
loquat
Loranthus
lupulone
Lysimachia
Mahonia
manzanita
Marjoram
Marking Nut Tree
Matapalo Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Mesua
Milkweed
Monolaurin
Mountain horopito
Mountain mahogany
Mucilage
Mullein
Nasturtium
Night jessamine
Oak
Oldenlandia diffusa
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pentatropis capensis
Pepper Bark Tree
Plumbago zeylanica
Polypodium
Premna
privet
purple Tephrosia
queen of the meadow
Queen's Delight
quercetin
Rhododendron
Rosa laevigata
Rosmanol
Rubia cordifolia
Sapindus mukorossi
Sarcandra glabra
sarsaparilla
Scoparia dulcis
Semecarpus anacardium
Semiaquilegia
Sesquiterpenic Acid
sheep's sorrel
Shikonin
Silk protein
Silkmoth
Simaruba
Skunkvine
smilax
Smoketree
Snakeroot
Soapberry
Solanum anguivi
Spikenard
Spilanthes
Stillingia
Stone Root
Storax
Streptomyces
sweetgums
Takuna
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Trypsin
turmeric
typhonium
Verbascoside
Veronica
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Zinc

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