Skin infection
A skin infection occurs when disease-causing microorganisms invade skin tissue. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Skin barrier: The physical and chemical defenses that limit entry of substances and microorganisms through the skin. Breaks in this first line of defense often let organisms reach living tissue.
Skin lesion: An area of abnormal tissue on or beneath the skin, whether caused by disease, injury, or another process. Lesion appearance helps clinicians describe and assess possible infections.
Eczema: A group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchy, irritated, and often dry skin. Eczema can resemble infection, but inflammation rather than invading microbes is primary.
Sepsis: A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. A severe skin infection can sometimes trigger a dangerous whole-body response.
Dermatology: The branch of medicine concerned with the skin, hair, nails, and related disorders. Dermatology diagnoses and manages infections alongside noninfectious skin disease.
Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the deeper skin and underlying soft tissue, usually causing expanding redness and tenderness. It shows how bacteria can spread through tissue beneath the skin surface.
Bacterial culture: A laboratory method that grows bacteria from a specimen to identify them and assess antimicrobial susceptibility. Cultures can identify the cause when an infected wound or abscess is sampled.
Contact dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Its redness and itching can mimic infection without microbial invasion.
Necrotizing fasciitis: A rapidly progressing infection that destroys fascia and other soft tissues beneath the skin. This rare emergency shows the consequences of infection spreading deeply and rapidly.
Infectious disease: Disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Skin infections are one group within the wider range of infectious diseases.