Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Skin infections can develop when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms affect the skin. Depending on the cause, a skin infection may cause redness, swelling, itching, pain, scaling, blisters, bumps, drainage, or changes in skin color.
Some skin infections are mild and respond well to treatment, while others can spread or become more serious without appropriate care.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for skin infections in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience and a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers the appearance, location, symptoms, severity, and suspected cause of each infection when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
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A skin infection occurs when microorganisms invade the skin and multiply.
Skin infections can be caused by different types of organisms, including:
The symptoms and treatment depend on the organism responsible for the infection.
Some infections affect only the surface of the skin, while others can involve deeper tissues.
Bacteria can cause several types of skin infections.
Examples include:
Bacterial infections may cause redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, drainage, crusting, or pain.
Some bacterial infections require prescription antibiotics or other medical treatment.
Fungi can affect the skin, nails, scalp, and other areas of the body.
Common fungal infections include:
Symptoms may include scaling, itching, discoloration, cracking, or ring-shaped patches.
Learn more about Fungal Skin Infection Treatment in Washington, DC →
Certain viruses can cause visible skin lesions or growths.
Examples include:
Viral infections can have very different appearances depending on the specific virus.
Learn more about Warts Treatment in Washington, DC →
Certain parasites can affect the skin.
Scabies is one example and can cause intense itching and a characteristic rash.
Because scabies can spread through close contact, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce transmission.
Skin infections can look very different depending on their cause.
Possible signs include:
On darker skin tones, inflammation may not always appear bright red. It may appear brown, purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Because different infections can resemble inflammatory skin conditions, accurate diagnosis is important.
Skin infections can develop when microorganisms enter or multiply on the skin.
Factors that may increase the risk of certain infections include:
However, skin infections can occur in people without obvious risk factors.
Some skin infections are contagious, while others are not.
Certain bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections can spread through:
The risk of transmission depends on the specific infection.
If you have a potentially contagious skin infection, following your dermatologist's recommendations can help reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if you develop:
Professional evaluation can help determine whether the problem is actually an infection and identify the appropriate treatment.
Skin infections can occur in people of every skin tone.
However, infection-related inflammation may appear differently depending on natural pigmentation. Redness may be less obvious on darker skin, while inflammation can appear brown, purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding skin.
After an infection resolves, temporary changes in pigmentation may also remain.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers the patient's natural pigmentation, appearance of the affected area, symptoms, and individual skin characteristics when evaluating skin infections.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Diagnosis begins with a dermatologic examination and medical history.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
Depending on the suspected cause, additional testing may be recommended.
Testing may include:
Accurate diagnosis is particularly important because bacterial, fungal, viral, and inflammatory skin conditions can sometimes look similar.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:
Antibiotics do not treat fungal or viral infections, and antifungal medications will not treat bacterial infections.
This is why identifying the underlying cause is an important first step.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the affected skin and recommend treatment based on the specific infection and your individual circumstances.
Different types of infections often require completely different treatments.
Bacterial infections may cause warmth, swelling, tenderness, drainage, crusting, or rapidly expanding areas of inflammation.
Fungal infections frequently cause itching, scaling, discoloration, or ring-shaped lesions, although appearances vary.
Viral infections may cause clusters of bumps, blisters, or growths such as warts.
These patterns can overlap, and some noninfectious skin conditions can look similar.
A dermatologist can help determine which type of condition is most likely and whether testing is appropriate.
Some minor skin infections may improve without prescription treatment, depending on the cause.
However, others can worsen or spread without appropriate treatment.
A persistent, worsening, painful, or spreading skin lesion should be evaluated rather than assuming it will resolve on its own.
Yes.
Some skin infections can recur.
Recurrence may happen when:
If infections repeatedly return, a dermatologist can evaluate potential causes and recommend appropriate management.
Good hygiene can help reduce the risk of certain infections, but skin infections are not always caused by poor hygiene.
Helpful measures may include:
The best prevention strategy depends on the type of infection.
Scratching can damage the skin and create small breaks that allow microorganisms to enter.
Persistent scratching may also worsen inflammation and make existing skin conditions more difficult to control.
If itching is severe or persistent, treating the underlying cause can help reduce scratching and protect the skin barrier.
Not every red, itchy, swollen, or scaly area is an infection.
Skin infections can sometimes resemble:
Using an inappropriate treatment based on an incorrect diagnosis may delay improvement.
A dermatologist can examine the affected area and determine whether an infection or another condition is more likely.
Some skin infections can become serious and require prompt medical attention.
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as:
If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, urgent or emergency medical evaluation may be more appropriate than a routine dermatology appointment.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Evaluation
of bacterial, fungal, viral, and other skin conditions
Accurate Diagnosis
with additional testing when appropriate
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on the suspected cause, severity, location, and symptoms
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for skin infections, inflammatory skin conditions, pigmentary disorders, and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the appearance, location, symptoms, duration, and potential cause of a skin condition when determining whether treatment or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating infections, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a persistent, spreading, painful, itchy, or otherwise concerning skin lesion, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether you have an infection or another skin condition. Getting the correct diagnosis is an important first step toward appropriate treatment.
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