Skin Infections

Skin infections can be bacterial, fungal or inflammatory. Common examples include impetigo, infected eczema, folliculitis, infected cuts, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Treatment varies depending on the cause, so accurate identification is key. Bacterial infections often need antibiotics such as fusidic acid or mupirocin, while fungal infections respond to creams like clotrimazole or terbinafine.

Skin infections occur when bacteria, fungi or yeast enter the skin through small openings such as cracks, cuts or inflamed areas. Warm, moist environments make infections more likely. Conditions like eczema, shaving irritation, athlete’s foot and insect bites can also act as entry points. Identifying the underlying trigger helps select the right treatment and prevent recurrence.

Bacterial infections often look red, warm, swollen and may leak yellow crusting, whereas fungal infections usually cause ring-shaped patches, itching, scaling or cracked skin between the toes. If your symptoms worsen quickly, or you see golden crusts, it is more likely bacterial. If the rash is scaly, itchy or circular, it is often fungal.

Mild bacterial infections commonly respond to topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid, Fucidin H, Fucibet, Timodine or mupirocin (Bactroban). These medicines reduce bacterial load and help inflammation settle. Some products combine antibiotics with mild steroids to reduce redness and itching. Severe or spreading infections may require oral antibiotics.

Fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and yeast infections typically respond to antifungal creams like clotrimazole, miconazole (Daktarin) or terbinafine. Some inflamed fungal rashes benefit from combination treatments containing a mild steroid, such as Daktacort. Using the cream for the full course is essential even after symptoms improve.

Seek medical attention if the infection is spreading quickly, extremely painful, producing pus, accompanied by fever, or not improving after a full course of treatment. You should also see a clinician if the infection is on the face, near the eyes, or recurs frequently. Babies and people with weakened immune systems need earlier review.

Yes. Many skin infections, including impetigo, fungal infections, and infected eczema, are contagious through direct skin contact or sharing towels and personal items. Good hygiene is essential during treatment. Avoid scratching, keep nails short, and wash hands after touching affected skin.

Steroids alone should not be used on untreated infections as they can worsen symptoms. However, combination creams like Fucidin H, Fucibet, Timodine or Daktacort safely include both an antibiotic/antifungal and a steroid to calm inflammation. These help when the infection is inflamed or itchy.

Most mild bacterial infections improve within 2-3 days of treatment and clear in 7-10 days. Fungal infections take longer, often 2-6 weeks depending on the area involved. Completing the full treatment course reduces the risk of recurrence. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, seek advice.

Yes. Shaving irritation, ingrown hairs, gym friction and tight clothing can all break the skin barrier and allow bacteria or fungi to enter. This can trigger folliculitis, impetigo, or fungal overgrowth. Using clean razors, moisturising after shaving, and keeping the area dry help prevent problems.

Yes. People with eczema often have a weakened skin barrier, making them more prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Infected eczema may require antibiotic creams like fusidic acid or combination products such as Fucidin H or Fucibet. Treating both the infection and the underlying eczema reduces flare-ups.

Recurrent infections may be due to eczema, athlete’s foot, poor hygiene, sweating, nasal carriage of bacteria, weakened immunity, or incomplete treatment courses. Treating the underlying cause and using the right medication reduces repeat episodes. Some people benefit from targeted creams like mupirocin if bacteria repeatedly colonise the skin.

Usually only one medicated cream is required, depending on whether the infection is bacterial or fungal. Combination products like Daktacort, Timodine or Fucibet already include both treatment and anti-inflammatory support. Using multiple creams at once may dilute effectiveness or irritate the skin.

Keep skin clean and dry, avoid sharing towels, trim nails, treat athlete’s foot early, and moisturise regularly if you have eczema. Change gym clothes quickly and avoid tight clothing. Using antifungal or antibacterial creams promptly at the first sign of symptoms helps prevent escalation.

Many mild infections improve with OTC antifungals such as clotrimazole or terbinafine. For bacterial infections, prescription creams like fusidic acid, Fucidin H, Trimovate or Bactroban are more appropriate. If symptoms worsen, spread, or involve the face, professional assessment is recommended.