Uh-oh. You’re scratching that spot again, and the itch just won’t go away. You could be suffering from a skin infection.
Our skin, the body’s largest organ, acts as a vital physical barrier against the outside world. However, it’s susceptible to various infections, ranging from common annoyances to more serious conditions. Understanding these infections and their treatments is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Types of Skin Infections
First, let’s explore the common types of skin infections and understand them better.

Acne
This common condition occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can manifest as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. Acne can be caused by hormonal changes, excess oil production, bacteria, and clogged pores. Certain medications and dietary factors can also contribute to acne.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often flares up, leading to red, irritated patches. A mix of genetic and environmental factors can trigger eczema, including allergens, irritants, stress, and climate changes.

Fungal Infections
Infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. They can cause itching, redness, and scaling. Direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces, or having a weakened immune system, can increase susceptibility to these infections.

Bacterial Infections
When discussing skin infections, it’s important to understand bacterial infections. These arise when bacteria invade the skin, finding entry points through breaks such as cuts or wounds, or even through hair follicles. The bacteria most commonly implicated include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, though others can also lead to conditions like boils, impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas.

Available Topical and Oral Treatments

Topical Treatments
These are applied directly to the skin and include creams, ointments, gels and lotions. Eczema can be treated with creams such as Axcel Hydrocortisone. Antifungal creams such as Axcel Fungicort and Axcel Miconazole may be used for fungal infections. Topical antibiotic creams are available from Dr. Kart when prescribed by our doctors for treatment of acne and bacterial infections.

Oral Treatments
These are taken by mouth and are typically used for more severe or widespread infections. Oral antifungal medications may be used for stubborn fungal infections. For severe eczema, oral corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics are available from Dr. Kart when prescribed by our doctors for treatment of acne and bacterial infections.

When Is a Prescription Needed?
For mild acne and fungal infections, you can consider visiting a pharmacy for over-the-counter treatments.

However, prescription medicines prescribed and dispensed by our doctors at Dr. Kart may be necessary for the following conditions:

• Severe acne or eczema.
• Fungal infections that don’t improve with over-the-counter medication.
• Infections that are spreading or worsening.
• Any skin condition that causes severe pain or discomfort.

How Long Is It Safe to Use Steroid Cream?
Prolonged use of steroid creams can lead to adverse reactions, such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks, and/or increased susceptibility to infections.The duration of use depends on the strength of the cream and the condition being treated.

Doctors often recommend a “step-down” approach- starting with a stronger steroid and gradually switching to a weaker one. It’s important to always follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the medication packaging.

Sensitive areas such as the face should be treated with less potent steroid creams and for shorter durations.

It’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. For quick and convenient access to healthcare services, visit a Dr. Kart kiosk. Offering telemedicine in Singapore and located at Shell Station, 9 Tampines Avenue 2, Dr. Kart connects you to a teleconsult doctor or a healthcare professional for a thorough and professional consultation.

Need a late night doctor? Try our 24/7 telemedicine service and enjoy speedy delivery of vending machine medicine. Experience professional and reliable telemedicine services at Dr. Kart. Learn more at https://www.drkart.sg/!