Lifestyle Choices

This group of diseases is extremely common and no one goes through life without some infection of the skin at one time or another. In hot countries it is even more of a problem. An infection is caused by tiny organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi and can spread from one person to another. They are microscopic. An infestation, on the other hand, is caused by small creatures that can generally be seen with the naked eye.

Many of the microbes which cause infection are present in our everyday environment without causing trouble. Why then do they sometimes produce a disease? The answer is not simple but depends partly on the immunity or resistance of the individual. For instance, people with recurrent cold sores find they often have an attack during a cold, when they are very tired or ‘run down’, after an accident or under a lot of stress.

Avoidable conditions

It is commonly thought that many skin diseases are dirty, or in some way show that the sufferers do not look after themselves. This is far from the truth. Anyone can get boils, anyone can get athlete’s foot, anyone can get scabies, although overcrowding makes scabies commoner and those with poor hygiene may be worst affected. To a large extent whether you get any of these infections depends on inherited factors such as your natural resistance, luck and how sensible other people are. For instance, someone with an active cold sore should not kiss people; those with athlete’s foot or other forms of ringworm should not lend their towels.

Bacteria

Impetigo

This may be due to bacteria called Staphylococcus or Streptococcus or to both of them. Compared to a hundred years ago we see very little of this disease, probably because of increased standards of hygiene and nutrition. Only certain strains of these microbes will produce the disease whereas other strains may live harmlessly on the skin. Some people harbor the disease-producing strain in the nostrils and from there it can spread to infect a scratch or a bite or graze etc.

It used to be common in rugby players and was known as one type of scrumpox. Transfer to other players was frequent. Another situation is people with atopic eczema, who have very itchy skin - these individuals scratch a lot and impetigo often develops as a secondary event.

Boils

Some types of Staphylococcus bacteria can invade the hair follicles. If the damage occurs near the surface, a small yellow pus spot develops and will clear by itself in a few days. This is most often seen at sites of friction, e.g. in men on the thighs where it may be brought on by the rubbing action of trousers, damaging the hair. Other sites are the neck and armpits. A boil, or furuncle, is a deeper infection of the follicle and initially will appear as a tender red lump. After a few days the boil will point and discharge pus. A carbuncle is a group of boils which discharge through several openings. It is very sore and the sufferer often has fever and feels unwell.

A small boil causes little trouble but is more comfortable when protected: when it is just about to point it can be pierced with a clean needle and the pus gently let out. Some people have recurrent boils and very often the Staphylococcus lives in their own nose or around the genitals and anus. It is therefore important to avoid picking or scratching these areas because it will transfer the Staphylococcus to other skin areas.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a nasty boil and a carbuncle will probably need to be opened more than is possible with a needle. He or she may advise nasal antibiotics and antiseptics in the bath to clear the Staphylococci from your skin.

It may be necessary to treat the family in the same way because the bacteria quickly spread from one person to another. The final point is that people with recurrent boils sometimes have a lowered resistance and this should be checked.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Skin Bacteria Infections and Infestations

• Identify Different Spots: Acne Blackheads Greasiness Papules, Pustules and Cysts
• Taking Care of Other Skin Conditions
• What Is Skin?
• How Much Does Your Skin Really Absorb? / Toxic Ingredients and Your Skin
• Urinary tract infection Vaginal discharges/infections
• All You Need to Know About Your Skin
• Skin Fungi Infections and Infestations
• Herbs Foot Care
• Feet and Legs Problems and Solutions Detection
• Scientific Skin Care from Hair to Scalp (continue...)