Health Topics for Skin Health

Department of Dermatology

Department of Internal Medicine: Allergy

Dermatological Cancers

Skin infection

The skin protects the body from infectious organisms. A cut in the skin, allows bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter. This can lead to infection. Infections usually develop within 24 hours, but can take up to 3 to 4 days.

An infection may be localized (in 1 place) or systemic (spread throughout the body). The skin around a localized infection may be red, swollen, tender, and warm to touch. The wound may have a pus- like drainage and fever may develop. Most minor, localized infections can be cared for at home, without a visit to a healthcare provider.

Self-care for minor, localized infections includes:

• wash the infected area daily with soap and water
• apply a disinfectant, such as Bactine, to the infection 2 to 3 times a day
• cover the infected area lightly with a dry gauze bandage or bandaid
• change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty; and
• inspect the infected area daily for signs of a more serious infection, such as increased redness, swelling or pus; red streaks spreading from the wound towards the center of the body (There may also be increased pain and a fever.)

Without proper care, a localized infection can develop into potentially serious infection, called cellulitis. The skin around the wound will become raised, red, painful, and thickened. Fever and chills may develop and lymph nodes will be swollen. Severe, permanent damage to the skin tissues can occur, if not treated.

The infection can also quickly spread through the bloodstream to the entire body (systemic infection). Shaking chills, overall weakness, and joint aches may occur. Left untreated, this can lead to a life-threatening situation.

There are conditions that should be seen by a healthcare provider immediately. Infections on the face cause a risk for brain infection because there are several openings on the face through which infectious organisms could gain access to the brain. Eye infections could cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. Immune problems, such as diabetes, blood disorders, kidney failure and HIV/AIDS can cause the infection to worsen and may show little or no signs and symptoms. Hand infections have an increased risk from puncture wounds caused by human and animal bites. Infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop complications.

To avoid infection:

• keep hands clean
• do not pick at sores or blemishes
• wash any cut or scratch with soap and water and
• put a bandage over the area to keep germs out (Do not bandage injuries too tightly and remember to change the bandage daily or if it becomes dirty or wet.)

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SKIN4984.RF2 VRS# 4984 (See INFE4720) Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.