Skin (infections)
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:
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Bacterial: Impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, boils
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Fungal: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, candidiasis
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Viral: Herpes simplex, warts, molluscum contagiosum
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Parasitic: Scabies, lice, cutaneous larva migrans
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Mixed infections: Secondary infection over preexisting skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis)
Common Causes:
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Cuts, scrapes, or insect bites
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Poor hygiene or excessive moisture
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Weakened immune system
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Sharing personal items (e.g., razors, towels)
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Contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces
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Chronic skin conditions that disrupt barrier integrity
Severity Causes:
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Delay in wound cleansing or treatment
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Poor circulation or diabetes (impairs healing)
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Antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA)
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Underlying immune suppression (HIV, cancer treatment)
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Repeated trauma or scratching to infected area
When to See a Doctor:
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Spreading redness, swelling, or heat
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Pus, crusting, or yellow discharge
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Fever or chills with skin symptoms
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Painful lesions or rapidly enlarging rash
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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)
ajoene
aloe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
endo-peptidase
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactobacillus casei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
nattozimes
quercetin
silicon
streptococcus thermophilus
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
parthenium
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
sorbic acid
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
10-Undecenoic acid calcium
10-Undecenoic Acid
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
3-Phenyllactic Acid
3-Isomangostin
7-Hydroxyfrullanolide
7-Methylrosmanol
Angelica archanglica
Amber
akebia
Alkylamide (unspecified)
Abies alba
Acetic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Azomonas agilis
Azotobacter paspali
Alpine Lily
Aquilegia viridiflora
Argan tree
Alpha-Humulene
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Aloe Polysaccharide
Ardisia
Arbutin
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Arum Lily
Albizia
Ammonium glycyrrhizinate
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aloe vera
Almond Oil
Amber resin
Annatto Oil
Aspergillus
Albizia (unspecified)
Aerva lanata
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Agave (mixed)
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Activated Charcoal
Allantoin
Aucubin
Abrotanum
Anacard Or
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Avian (unspecified)
Alchornea floribunda
Aloe
Ajoene
Allyl Mercaptan
Alpha-pinene
Avenacosides
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Acidophilus
Alum
Arthrobacter globiformis
Abuta
Alkanna
American Chestnut
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Ash (unspecified)
Assam Indigo
Australian Sandalwood
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Aspergillus melleus
Barberry
Borax
Bergenia Pacumbis
Bionectria
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Buckthorn Plantain
Benzalkonium chloride
Blue Pigment
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Burdock
Balsam Poplar
Buffalo
Billygoat plum
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bisabolol
Bael
Benzoin
Benzoic acid
Birch (unspecified)
Borate
Bacillus (mixed)
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Benzyl benzoate
Benzoin siam
Bifidobacterium animalis
Buchu (unspecified)
Bionectria ochroleuca
Bacillus subtilis natto
Birch polypore
Bacillus megaterium
Bacteria Blend
Birch
Black Walnut
Bauhinia Variegata
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bittersweet nightshade
Balsam pear
Bergenia
Boric acid
Cleavers
Cyperus (unspecified)
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Chenopodium Oil
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Caprylic Acid
Chlorophyll
Curcuma aromatica
Commiphora gileadensis
Camphor
Commiphora (unspecified)
Chlorophyll
Copper ascorbate
Copper Fructo-Oligosaccharides
Copper Yeast
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
Candida rugosa
Copper oxide
Cetyl Caprate
cypress
Chaparral
Camphor
Convolvulus prostratis
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Copper
Chinatree
Cosmos
Castile Soap
Corallina officinalis
Chlorophyllin
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Dye Indigo
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood (unspecified)
Dehydroabietic acid
Desmodium molliculum
Diatomaceous Earth
Desmodium gangeticum
Docosanoic acid
Decaglycerol monolaurate
Dumontiaceae
Diatase
Daphne
Dogwood (not specifed)
Dianthrone
Desmodium
Deer
Eastern Red Cedar
Echinacea (various)
English Ivy
Echinacea pallida
Earthworm
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Enzyme Blend
Eucalyptus
Echinacea purpurea
English Plantain
European Buckthorn
Euphorbia (unspecified)
Euryale
Everlasting Pea
Formic Acid
Frankinsense
Ficus religiosa
Frog
Fern
Farnesol
Ficin
Field Bindweed
Fleabane (unspecified)
Fruit acid (mixed)
Frankincense
Fumaritory
Fir (unspecified)
Goldenrod
Gallic Acid
Geraniol
Genipap
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Greater Celandine
Glyceryl caprylate caprate
Glyceryl monolaurate
Galium (unspecified)
Goldenrod (mixed)
Geranial
Glycolipids
Goldenseal
Glossy Privet
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gigartina
Geranium
Glycerol monolaureate
Glyceryl dilaurate
Galbanum
Gypsum
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heather
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Hypericin
Honduran Sarsaparilla
Himalayan Cedar
Hederacoside
Hemidesmus
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Hydroxyquinoline
Hyperimmune milk peptides
Haliotis
Hyphomycetes
Hedyotis corymbosa
Hyacinth bean
Hyaluronidase
Hydrogen peroxide
Hairy Fig
Humulones
Immunoglobulin G
Indian Nightshade
Indian Sarsparilla
Indigo pulchra
Isopropylmyristate
Immortelle
Isopropanol
Ivy (unspecified)
Indian Rhubarb
Japanese Elder
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Jimson weed
jojoba
Jatoba
Jamaican Sarsaparilla
Kigelia africana
Kachnar
Knotgrass (unspecified)
Loquat
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactococcus acidophilus
Lactobacillus pentosus
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lilium polyphyllum
Lactobacillus brevis
Licorice
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen Oil
Lophira lanceolata
Lupulone
Lactoperoxidase
Lactic Acid
Lemon Myrtle
Lactic Acid
Lactones
Lauric acid
L-Histidine
Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lactoperoxidase
Liverwort
Lactobacillus salivarius
Loranthus
Lubricant
Laminaria
Lysimachia
Lactoferrin
Labdanum
Mesua
Mountain horopito
methoxy-substituted benzoquinones
Marjoram
Mucilage
Mucor
Monolaurin
Mountain mahogany
Mucin
Matapalo Tree
Mantis Egg Case
Mahonia (unspecified)
Milkweed (unspecified)
Methyl arbutin
Mountain Ash
Marking Nut Tree
Manzanita
Nettle (mixed)
N-Coumaroyldopamine
Nonionic surfactant (unspecified)
Nasturtium
Night jessamine
N-Acetyl Neuraminic acid
Nut Grass
Night-Blooming Cereus
Oroxylum
Oak (unspecified)
Ovotransferrin
Ovalbumin
Oldenlandia diffusa
Oregon Grape
Oak Bark
omega-5 fatty acids
Purple Tephrosia
Premna
Palmyra
Propionibacterium shermani
Polylysine
Praying mantis
Pyrogenium
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
Pepper Bark Tree
Polypodium (unspecified)
Polypodium
Pine
Panthenol
Pentatropis capensis
Paederia foetida
Paper mulberry
Plumbago zeylanica
Parthenium
Phellodendron Bark
Potassium sorbate
Povidone
Potassium sorbate
Prickly Chaff Flower
Peat
Pig
Pyrophyllite clay
Quinone
Quassia
Queen's Delight
rhizopus oryzae
Red Sandalwood
Rosmanol
Rosa laevigata
Rhododendron (unspecified)
Scrophularia ningpoensis
Spotted Geranium
Spilanthes
Silkmoth
Sodium chloride
Silver nitrate
Spruce (unspecified)
Streptomyces (unspecified)
Scoparia dulcis
Senna occidentalis
Siberian Fir
Serralysin
Shikonin
Spikenard
Squawvine
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Smilax
Small-Flowered Willow-Herb
Silk protein
Samphire
Sesquiterpenic Acid
Saccharomyces (unspecified)
Solanum anguivi
sage oil
Sarcandra glabra
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Selenious acid
Sheep Sorrel
Sphaeranthus indicus
Surfactant
Sapindus mukorossi
Semecarpus anacardium
Seal
Skin
Serratiopeptidase
Sheep Sorrel (herb powder)
Sarsaparilla (mixed)
Simaruba
Skunkvine
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sorbic acid
Saccharomyces
Silicon
Sulfur
Sorbic Acid
Storax
Stone Root
Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
Styrax balsam
Split Gills Fungus
Smoketree
Sulphur
Sodium chlorite
Tillandsia
Terpinen-4-ol
Tyrosinase
Tropical Almond
Thymol Iodide
Turtle
Tamarix (unspecified)
Trichoderma (unspecified)
Tolu Balsam
Thymol
Turtle
Takuna
Terminalia (unspecified)
Three Leaf Caper
Trichoderma viride
Tea Tree
Trichoderma longibrachiatum
Three-Leaf-Caper
Thuja plicata
Usnea
Undeca-2E, 7Z, 9E-Trienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Usnea
Vegetarian Capsule
Veronica
Verbascoside
Water Plantain
Water Lily (unspecified)
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
White Hellebore
Waltheria ovata
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Yellow Dock
Yarrow
Yellowdock
