How to Prevent Skin Infections

Infections begin when the body is invaded by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that do not naturally occur in the body.Skin infections are usually caused by three different types of germs including: bacterial, viral, and fungal. Many skin infections are mild and can be cleared in a few days or weeks with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, other infections require professional medical attention because when left untreated, they can become severe. For example, a skin infection that spreads to the bloodstream or bone can become life-threatening. By taking the proper precautions, one can learn how to stop the spread of germs and reduce the likelihood of skin infections.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Practicing Basic Hygiene

1
Keep your hands clean to reduce skin infections. One of the easiest ways to prevent the infection of skin is to practice good hand hygiene such as washing your hands frequently. Alternatively, you can use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
- Wash your hands frequently. After wetting hands and applying soap, rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (or the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice). Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't accessible. After applying the sanitizer, rub hands together until they are dry. Be sure to apply product to all surfaces of the hand including in between fingers.
- In some public places, such as hospitals and nursing homes, there is often a sanitary station where you can keep your hands clean. These are usually foam-based sanitizers which sometimes have moisturizer in them, too. Utilize these stations when you can.
2
Moisturize dry skin. Although washing hands often helps reduce skin infections, it can also lead to dry skin. Dry skin may result in cracks in the skin, which can allow bacteria to enter the cut.^{[1]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Use a moisturizing lotion often to prevent cracks and peeling of the skin.
- Avoid lotions that have a long list of ingredients including many perfumes and fragrances. Plain moisturizers such as petroleum jelly work best.
- As a rule of thumb, creamy moisturizers tend to have more preservatives so grease-based moisturizes tend to be more effective.
3
Avoid contact with overly used surfaces. Some germs can survive on surfaces anywhere from hours to days. By avoiding skin-to-skin contact with surfaces like locker room floors and doorknobs, you can decrease your chance of coming into contact with infectious germs.
- Clean or use a barrier (like gloves or napkins) when touching overly-exposed surfaces. Items like restroom doors, restaurants menus, and cell phones are full of bacteria.^{[2]XResearch source} Avoiding direct contact with such items can reduce the spread of germs.
- Sanitize surface areas often by using household disinfectants or wipes such as Lysol.
4
Avoid sharing personal items. Even though people are taught from a young age that "sharing is caring," sharing personal hygiene items or items that come into contact with bodily fluids can often lead to the transmission of germs.
- Personal hygiene products always contain germs. Avoid sharing items like make-up, hair brushes, towels, and deodorant. Never share toothbrushes or razors.
- Sharing drinks and eating utensils easily spreads saliva which is a common host of germs.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Avoiding Specific Infections

1
Know the different types of skin infections. The most common fungal skin infection is athlete's foot, the most common bacterial skin infection is staph, and the most common viral skin infections include herpes simplex (cold sores) and rashes accompanied by viral infections. Knowing the differences between the various types of infections can help you to know the causes of each and how to avoid them.
- Fungal infections come from airborne organisms and typically start off in the lungs or skin. Athlete's foot, yeast infections, and ringworms are examples of common fungal infections. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread through contaminated floors, towels, and clothing.
- Bacteria is not always bad; in fact, bacteria is naturally found in the human body and less than 1% has the ability to make people sick. It is the "bad" strains of bacteria (such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus) which causes skin infections like Cellulitis, Erysipelas and Impetigo.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communitiesGo to source} However, skin infections can also spread to your joints, bones, or blood. Additionally, you should be careful if anyone you know has MRSA, which is a resistant bacterial infection.
- Viral infections are caused by organisms that are small containers with genetic material within.^{[4]XResearch source} They invade healthy cells, reproduce, and eventually kill the cell to make you sick. Common skin infections caused by viruses include chickenpox, cold sores, measles, and rubella. There are currently no vaccinations for cold sores, so be aware if you come across this infection.
2
Know your risk. Those who are constantly around warm and moist conditions (such as athletes) are more susceptible to infections. Also, people with weakened immune systems (such as those with diabetes, cancer, or HIV) are more likely to have a skin infection.
- Many athletes report infection because bacteria tends to thrive in warm and moist areas. Avoid infection by washing frequently, sanitizing shared spaces and equipment, and laundering uniforms after each use. For example, athlete's foot typically occurs as a result of your sweaty feet being confined in tight-fitting shoes.
- Those who have conditions which lower the strength of their immune system are more susceptible to infection because their body cannot produce enough of an immune response to the bacteria and viruses to fight infection. Follow the same tips to prevent infection but also take additional precautions such as wearing shoes, keeping raw foods away from prepared foods, and avoiding pet waste.
3
Take care of your feet. Fungal infections usually take the form of "athletes foot" because fungus tends to shed spores and the most common place for this to occur is in shoes.^{[5]XResearch source} Keeping your feet and shoes clean and dry, and avoiding going barefoot can assist in reducing infections.
- Keep your feet as cool and dry as possible. Change socks often, and wear shoes that breathe easily like leather as opposed to plastic.
- Avoid walking barefoot, especially on shared public surfaces such as at the gym or the pool. Instead, wear slippers or place towels on the floor.
- Practice good toe hygiene, such as clipping toenails straight across and avoiding ingrown toenails. Avoid sharing clippers and other manicuring products.
4
Care for your skin. When skin is damaged, bacteria can cause infection through untreated cuts and scrapes. Quickly clean and dress damaged skin to avoid infection. Also, use sunblock and lotion as often as possible to avoid damaging skin.^{[6]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- Wash lacerations with soap and rinse thoroughly with water to clean the area. Use tweezers to remove any foreign debris like dirt. Be sure to not apply too much pressure to avoid pushing germs into the cut.
- Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to the abrasion and the surrounding area of skin. This may destroy any bacteria and prevent skin infections from developing.
- Cover an open sore or cut with a bandage to keep it clean and dry and to prevent bacteria or fungus from entering the open wound. Change the bandage as needed if it becomes dirty or wet.
- Make sure that you're always up to date on your tetanus shots.
5
Boost your immune system. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body.^{[7]XResearch source} When your immune system is weakened, your body is more susceptible to all infections, especially viral infections. By getting the proper amount of rest and nutrients you can avoid viral infections.
- Ensure the proper mix of nutrients. If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals through diet, take a multivitamin that is high in nutrients like vitamin C and D.
- Get your rest. Though it sounds simple, resting allows your body and immune system to revamp and recharge, being better capable to fight viral infections. Try to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Treating Different Infections

It is important to know what type of infection may be present because various infections are treated in different manners. Fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter creams, bacterial infections usually require prescription antibiotics, and viral infections typically can't be cured with medication.
Fungal infections are typically treated with OTC topical creams such as Lotrimin or Lamisil, or by oral medications if the infection is severe or affects hair-bearing areas.
3
Get a prescription. Bacterial infections are usually treated by antibiotic medications that can be prescribed by a medical professional such as a doctor or dentist.
- The feared complication of bacterial infections of the skin is MRSA, a resistant bacterial species. If you contract a MRSA skin infection, you will need to be admitted to the hospital and given IV antibiotics.
It is difficult to treat viral infections because they live inside the cells of your body. They don't react to medicines. ^{[8]XResearch source} There are only a few viral infection medications on the market today. The best course of action is to prevent these infections with immunizations (for example, getting a flu shot ahead of time).
5
Visit your doctor. Different skin conditions require different forms of treatment. While some can be treated with over-the-counter drugs, others require prescription medication. Always visit your doctor to discuss treatment options for areas which seem to be infected.
- Visit a doctor when you experience warmth, redness, pain, or swelling of skin. This can be a sign of cellulitis, which occurs when the infection begins to spread and inflame the lymphatic ducts. Left untreated, it can infect the bloodstream.
- Visit a doctor if your infection develops into pus-filled blisters.
- See a doctor if fever accompanies your irritated skin.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
Why do I keep getting skin infections?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Skin is more susceptible to bacterial infections when damaged by sunburn, inflammation, or scratching so taking the necessary precautions to prevent skin damage can assist in decreasing your chances of bacterial skin infection.
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Why could I have bumps on my thighs?
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Expert Answer
Sometimes, you can get topical infections on your skin. For instance, a topical dermatitis or folliculitis can lead to bumps on the legs and thighs.
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How can I cure and prevent adolescent skin problems, like acne or pimples?
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Expert Answer
You should need to wash your skin with a gentle disinfectant and perhaps take medications prescribed by your doctor, such as antibiotics and tretinoin.
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Warnings

Although skin infection symptoms can develop in anyone, diabetics are more likely to develop skin infections. People with diabetes should speak with their doctor regarding any special precautions needed to prevent skin infections.
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Skin infections are more likely to become serious in people with compromised immune systems or those who are elderly.
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Watch for skin infection symptoms such as increased pain, pus drainage from the site, and redness around the wound. Immediately seek medical attention if you think a skin infection has developed or worsened.
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Never take prescription medication without the direct supervision of your health care profession.
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