Although one important function of theskinis to help protect the body from harmful microbes, sometimes it can become the target of infection-causingbacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. When this happens, there will invariably be a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a lesion or a rash.There are four types ofskin infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Often, it’s possible to recognize a particularskin infectionbased on what it looks like and the area of the infection, so it can be helpful to be familiar with the visible symptoms of common ones.This article shows pictures of skin infections to help you identify the symptoms. It also discusses how skin infections are treated, when to see a healthcare provider, and how to prevent them.Types of Skin InfectionsBacterial infectionsoften show up as a rash, often with pus, along with warmth, swelling, or discoloration (redness in people of light or medium skin tones or a deeper color than surrounding skin in darker skin tones). They are often treated with antibiotics.Fungal infectionsmay show up as a rash as well, but they are usually red, scaly, and with some pustules (small, blister-like sores filled with pus) throughout. Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medications.Viral infectionsmay show up as blisters that can feel itchy or painful.For viral infections, antiviral medications typically aren’t available—but you can sometimes speed up the healing process or relieve symptoms.Parasitic infectionscan cause itching, rashes with small red bumps, and in the case of scabies, tiny lines on the skin’s surface. Topical medications are often used for parasitic infections.
Although one important function of theskinis to help protect the body from harmful microbes, sometimes it can become the target of infection-causingbacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. When this happens, there will invariably be a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a lesion or a rash.
There are four types ofskin infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Often, it’s possible to recognize a particularskin infectionbased on what it looks like and the area of the infection, so it can be helpful to be familiar with the visible symptoms of common ones.
This article shows pictures of skin infections to help you identify the symptoms. It also discusses how skin infections are treated, when to see a healthcare provider, and how to prevent them.
Types of Skin InfectionsBacterial infectionsoften show up as a rash, often with pus, along with warmth, swelling, or discoloration (redness in people of light or medium skin tones or a deeper color than surrounding skin in darker skin tones). They are often treated with antibiotics.Fungal infectionsmay show up as a rash as well, but they are usually red, scaly, and with some pustules (small, blister-like sores filled with pus) throughout. Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medications.Viral infectionsmay show up as blisters that can feel itchy or painful.For viral infections, antiviral medications typically aren’t available—but you can sometimes speed up the healing process or relieve symptoms.Parasitic infectionscan cause itching, rashes with small red bumps, and in the case of scabies, tiny lines on the skin’s surface. Topical medications are often used for parasitic infections.
Types of Skin Infections
Bacterial infectionsoften show up as a rash, often with pus, along with warmth, swelling, or discoloration (redness in people of light or medium skin tones or a deeper color than surrounding skin in darker skin tones). They are often treated with antibiotics.Fungal infectionsmay show up as a rash as well, but they are usually red, scaly, and with some pustules (small, blister-like sores filled with pus) throughout. Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medications.Viral infectionsmay show up as blisters that can feel itchy or painful.For viral infections, antiviral medications typically aren’t available—but you can sometimes speed up the healing process or relieve symptoms.Parasitic infectionscan cause itching, rashes with small red bumps, and in the case of scabies, tiny lines on the skin’s surface. Topical medications are often used for parasitic infections.
Bacterial infectionsoften show up as a rash, often with pus, along with warmth, swelling, or discoloration (redness in people of light or medium skin tones or a deeper color than surrounding skin in darker skin tones). They are often treated with antibiotics.
Fungal infectionsmay show up as a rash as well, but they are usually red, scaly, and with some pustules (small, blister-like sores filled with pus) throughout. Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal medications.
Viral infectionsmay show up as blisters that can feel itchy or painful.For viral infections, antiviral medications typically aren’t available—but you can sometimes speed up the healing process or relieve symptoms.
Parasitic infectionscan cause itching, rashes with small red bumps, and in the case of scabies, tiny lines on the skin’s surface. Topical medications are often used for parasitic infections.
1
Chickenpox
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAlex Tihonov / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Alex Tihonov / Getty Images
Symptoms
About one to two days prior to getting a rash, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:
The rash then spreads to other parts of the body. After about a week, the blisters develop into scabs.
Treatment
While thevaricella vaccineis highly effective in preventing almost all severe chickenpox cases, there is no specific medication you can take to cure chickenpox.However, there are ways to help relieve symptoms. For itching, try calamine lotion and a cool bath. Add baking soda, uncooked oatmeal, or colloidal oatmeal to the bath.
To reduce fever, try acetaminophen-containing medications such as Tylenol. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen-containing medications such as Advil—these have been associated with severe adverse effects in children.
Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Chickenpox
2
Fungal Nail Infection
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCunaplus_M.Faba / Getty Images
Cunaplus_M.Faba / Getty Images
Although fungal nail infections are not technically skin infections, they tend to affect the skin surrounding the affected nail. Symptoms include:
Fungal nail infections typically require prescription antifungal medications—over-the-counter creams are unlikely to help.Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral tablets containing itraconazole or terbinafine.
Fungal Nail Infections Overview
3
Cold Sore
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Also known as fever blisters,cold soresare lesions that appear anywhere on or around the lips, mouth, or nostrils.
Cold sores begin as small fluid-filled sacs calledvesicles. The vesicles form ulcers that eventually become crusted over before healing and disappearing.
There is no cure for cold sores, and people don’t typically require treatment. Cold sores clear up in a few weeks.
You can also talk to your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for oral antiviral tablets. They may be more convenient to use.
Cold Sore, Cancer Sore, or Chancre?
4
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSmith Collection/Gado / Getty Images
The rash associated with RMSF is made up of small, pink, flat spots that most often appear first on the ankles, forearms, and wrists. As the rash progresses, the spots move to the palms, soles of the feet, and trunk.
Around 10% of people infected never develop a rash. For those who do, the spots usually show up around four days into the infection.
People of all ages are typically treated with an antibiotic called doxycycline. Early treatment is best.
What Is Lyme Disease?
5ImpetigoThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesImpetigois a bacterial infection of the upper layers of the skin. It occurs when eitherStreptococcusbacteria orStaphylococcusbacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite. Children often develop impetigo in warmer months when they’re outside more frequently.SymptomsImpetigo can begin as an outbreak of tiny blisters that rupture, ooze fluid, and eventually form a yellow/brown-colored crust. It can be somewhat itchy but rarely causes pain or discomfort. Besides the face, impetigo can also appear on the arms or legs.A less common type, called bullous impetigo, leads to the formation of largeblistersknown asbullae.TreatmentDiagnosing impetigo sometimes requires a lab test. Topical or oralantibioticsare the typical treatment.Impetigo Skin Infection Overview
5
ImpetigoThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesImpetigois a bacterial infection of the upper layers of the skin. It occurs when eitherStreptococcusbacteria orStaphylococcusbacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite. Children often develop impetigo in warmer months when they’re outside more frequently.SymptomsImpetigo can begin as an outbreak of tiny blisters that rupture, ooze fluid, and eventually form a yellow/brown-colored crust. It can be somewhat itchy but rarely causes pain or discomfort. Besides the face, impetigo can also appear on the arms or legs.A less common type, called bullous impetigo, leads to the formation of largeblistersknown asbullae.TreatmentDiagnosing impetigo sometimes requires a lab test. Topical or oralantibioticsare the typical treatment.Impetigo Skin Infection Overview
Impetigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Impetigois a bacterial infection of the upper layers of the skin. It occurs when eitherStreptococcusbacteria orStaphylococcusbacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite. Children often develop impetigo in warmer months when they’re outside more frequently.
Impetigo can begin as an outbreak of tiny blisters that rupture, ooze fluid, and eventually form a yellow/brown-colored crust. It can be somewhat itchy but rarely causes pain or discomfort. Besides the face, impetigo can also appear on the arms or legs.
A less common type, called bullous impetigo, leads to the formation of largeblistersknown asbullae.
Diagnosing impetigo sometimes requires a lab test. Topical or oralantibioticsare the typical treatment.
Impetigo Skin Infection Overview
6
Ringworm
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoOGphoto / Getty Images
OGphoto / Getty Images
Ringworm, ortinea corporis, is not a worm, but rather afungal infection.
The infection starts out as a flat, scaly lesion that extends outward in all directions to form a circular shape.Ringworm is so named because the perimeter of the circle is raised and scaly, forming a ring around the central area. Sometimes vesicles develop.
Ringworm rashes tend to be itchy and can cause hair loss if they affect the scalp or other hair-bearing areas and are not treated.
Thanks to its distinctive appearance,ringworm is easily diagnosedand can be effectively treated with oral or topical medications.
Outside of the scalp, you may apply over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. However, it’s still best to talk to a healthcare provider about how long to use the drugs. You may need to apply the creams even after your symptoms go away. Topical antifungal medications include:
What Does Ringworm Look Like?
7Ingrown ToenailThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoapomares / Getty ImagesAn ingrown toenail usually occurs due to prolonged pressure of the nail against the skin of the toe.SymptomsThe nail grows partially into the skin, piercing it and causing irritation, pain, and swelling.While not an infection in and of itself, an ingrown toenail can become infected when bacteria invade the broken skin. In that case, the skin around the nail will become red and swollen; there may also be drainage of pus.TreatmentTreatment may include soaking the nail in anEpsom saltfoot bath and making sure nothing is pushing against the ingrown area. Wearing sandals or shoes with a wide toe box until the toe heals may help, as well as using special braces or splints. You may also use antiseptic and anti-inflammatory topical medications.Ingrown Nail Surgery
7
Ingrown ToenailThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoapomares / Getty ImagesAn ingrown toenail usually occurs due to prolonged pressure of the nail against the skin of the toe.SymptomsThe nail grows partially into the skin, piercing it and causing irritation, pain, and swelling.While not an infection in and of itself, an ingrown toenail can become infected when bacteria invade the broken skin. In that case, the skin around the nail will become red and swollen; there may also be drainage of pus.TreatmentTreatment may include soaking the nail in anEpsom saltfoot bath and making sure nothing is pushing against the ingrown area. Wearing sandals or shoes with a wide toe box until the toe heals may help, as well as using special braces or splints. You may also use antiseptic and anti-inflammatory topical medications.Ingrown Nail Surgery
Ingrown Toenail
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoapomares / Getty Images
apomares / Getty Images
An ingrown toenail usually occurs due to prolonged pressure of the nail against the skin of the toe.
The nail grows partially into the skin, piercing it and causing irritation, pain, and swelling.
While not an infection in and of itself, an ingrown toenail can become infected when bacteria invade the broken skin. In that case, the skin around the nail will become red and swollen; there may also be drainage of pus.
Treatment may include soaking the nail in anEpsom saltfoot bath and making sure nothing is pushing against the ingrown area. Wearing sandals or shoes with a wide toe box until the toe heals may help, as well as using special braces or splints. You may also use antiseptic and anti-inflammatory topical medications.
Ingrown Nail Surgery
8
Athlete’s Foot
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Athlete’s foot, ortinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the feet.
There are three types of athlete’s foot, each of which has a distinctive appearance:
Treatment for athlete’s foot includes using over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays or prescription medicines for more severe infections.Topical over-the-counter medications for athlete’s foot include, among others:
Wearing damp socks or tight shoes, or going barefoot in communal areas such as gym showers and public pools, can increase the risk of athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s Foot Overview
9
Cellulitis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The following local signs are typically present with a cellulitis infection:
Cellulitis typically affects the middle layer of the skin, so there isn’t a defined border to the infected area.
The following whole-body symptoms can also show up when you have a cellulitis infection:
Mild cellulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or clindamycin. If it spreads, intravenous antibiotics such as cefazolin or ceftriaxone may be needed.
Early treatment is essential to avoid life-threatening complications in case the cellulitis infection spreads to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
10
Warts
Most of the time, warts don’t cause many symptoms and are painless. A wart may appear as a raised area with an irregular outline and surface, ranging from about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) to several centimeters.
Sometimes, warts can cause itching, tightness, or pain (particularly those on the soles of your feet). They can grow alone or in groups.
Depending on their type, warts may look very different. For example, common warts typically grow around the lips and eyelids and can appear thin and long. Cystic warts typically grow around the soles and appear smooth.
Typically, warts do not require treatment. Because they are contagious, it’s essential to avoid touching or picking at them, as well as avoid sharing items that have come into contact with the warts.
If your warts are painful or bothersome, you may be able to use over-the-counter or prescription wart removal medications. Make sure to talk to a healthcare provider if you have bothersome warts on your face or genitals—do not try to remove or treat them on your own.
For long-lasting warts, your healthcare provider may suggest other options such as freezing or burning the warts or laser treatment.
11
Yeast Infection
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms vary depending on where the infection is. Anywhere a yeast infection occurs, you may experience pain or soreness. Additional symptoms include:
Antifungal medications can help. They come in topical, oral, and intravenous forms. Talk to a healthcare provider about the type, dosage, and length of treatment that is right for you.
Medications for vaginal yeast infections include:
Medications for mouth and throat yeast infections include:
For yeast infections in the esophagus, Diflucan (fluconazole) is typically used.
12
Scabies
The two most common symptoms of scabies are:
You may also notice tiny burrows where the mite got into the upper layer of the skin.
A healthcare provider can prescribe medications that kill mites called scabicides. These come in cream, lotion, or pill form. Make sure to avoid close contact with others until you finish the treatment.
13LiceThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.Lice are tiny parasites that come in three types: head, body, and pubic (also called crabs). You can get lice through close contact with someone who’s infected.SymptomsItching is associated with all three types of lice. You may develop sores from scratching frequently, which can then get infected with bacteria.Head lice may also produce a tickling feeling in your hair. You’ll feel them more at night because lice are most active in the dark.Body lice may come with a rash—an allergic reaction to lice bites.TreatmentHead lice can be treated with special shampoos, creams, or lotions, which are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before using an over-the-counter treatment if you are pregnant, nursing, or intending to use the medication on a young child.For body lice, medications are also available. However, the first-line treatment involves regular showers and changes of clothes, bedding, and towels. Using hot water for your laundry, as well as the hot cycle of your dryer is also recommended.Pubic lice are typically treated with medications in lotion or mousse form, which are available over the counter and with prescription. Washing your clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water and using the hot cycle of your dryer is recommended.
13
LiceThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.Lice are tiny parasites that come in three types: head, body, and pubic (also called crabs). You can get lice through close contact with someone who’s infected.SymptomsItching is associated with all three types of lice. You may develop sores from scratching frequently, which can then get infected with bacteria.Head lice may also produce a tickling feeling in your hair. You’ll feel them more at night because lice are most active in the dark.Body lice may come with a rash—an allergic reaction to lice bites.TreatmentHead lice can be treated with special shampoos, creams, or lotions, which are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before using an over-the-counter treatment if you are pregnant, nursing, or intending to use the medication on a young child.For body lice, medications are also available. However, the first-line treatment involves regular showers and changes of clothes, bedding, and towels. Using hot water for your laundry, as well as the hot cycle of your dryer is also recommended.Pubic lice are typically treated with medications in lotion or mousse form, which are available over the counter and with prescription. Washing your clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water and using the hot cycle of your dryer is recommended.
Lice
Lice are tiny parasites that come in three types: head, body, and pubic (also called crabs). You can get lice through close contact with someone who’s infected.
Itching is associated with all three types of lice. You may develop sores from scratching frequently, which can then get infected with bacteria.
Head lice may also produce a tickling feeling in your hair. You’ll feel them more at night because lice are most active in the dark.Body lice may come with a rash—an allergic reaction to lice bites.
Head lice can be treated with special shampoos, creams, or lotions, which are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before using an over-the-counter treatment if you are pregnant, nursing, or intending to use the medication on a young child.
For body lice, medications are also available. However, the first-line treatment involves regular showers and changes of clothes, bedding, and towels. Using hot water for your laundry, as well as the hot cycle of your dryer is also recommended.
Pubic lice are typically treated with medications in lotion or mousse form, which are available over the counter and with prescription. Washing your clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water and using the hot cycle of your dryer is recommended.
14
Skin Abscess
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
You may develop an abscess anywhere on the body, often where there’s a wound. Local symptoms of an abscess include:
You may also experience fever or chills—if that is the case, or if your symptoms get worse, see a healthcare provider right away.
If your abscess is small, it may burst and heal on its own—make sure to avoid squeezing or pushing it in the meantime. You can apply moist warm compresses to the area and take pain relievers if necessary.
Larger abscesses may need to be drained in a hospital setting. You’ll be given numbing medication for this procedure. If the abscess is bacterial, you may also be prescribed antibiotics.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If your symptoms are severe or bothersome, make sure to talk to a healthcare provider.
In children younger than 3 months, a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher is a sign to seek immediate medical care.
Prevention Tips
If you have conditions that increase your risk of skin infections, such as diabetes, talk to a healthcare provider about prevention tips they’d recommend.Here are some general habits you can adopt to help prevent skin infections:
Summary
There are many types of skin infections but the one thing all have in common is they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful. Most are easy to identify and treat; rarely is a skin infection a serious threat to overall health.
The four main types of skin infections are bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Bacterial infections, such as cellulitis and impetigo, can be treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, can be treated with antifungal medications. Parasitic infections, such as lice and scabies, can typically be treated with special medications as well. Viral infections, such as cold sores and warts, may not require treatment—though some medications can help speed up healing or relieve symptoms.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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