Patients often are faced with troublesome one out of 10 skin diseases and they need to protect themselves from dangerous skin diseases. Preventive measures if followed religiously can help a person avoid such infections.
People get annoyed with common skin infections and try to deal with them. Out of 10 skin diseases, several are very infectious or rather contagious.
Table of Contents
What preventive steps for common skin infections can be taken?
Make sure to wash one’s hands as often as possible, especially after any outdoor activity.
- Change one’s hygiene stuff regularly which does include a toothbrush, hairbrush, towel, undergarments, etc.
- Skin-to-skin contact with somebody who does have a skin infection needs to be avoided.
- Immediately washing any scrapes, wounds, cuts, or bug bites does help.
- Never try to share a mobile phone, or drink-ware such as water bottles or other drinks.
- Keep the hands clean to reduce skin infections. Practicing good hand hygiene like washing one’s hands frequently is important. A hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.
How do infections occur?
Infections start when the body is invaded by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, as well as parasites that do not naturally occur in one’s body. Skin infections are usually due to three different types of germs bacterial, viral, and fungal. Protecting oneself from dangerous skin diseases is important.
While skin infections may be common in children, adults can also contract infections.
Also Read, What is meant by candidiasis of the skin?
Types of Infections
- Bacterial – bacterial infections are common and often do appear as bumps on the skin that increase in size over some time. Few can be easily treated with antibiotics, while others require more care.
- Viral – viral skin infections are due to a virus and can range from mild to severe as well as be dangerous.
- Fungal – fungal infections usually occur in damp areas of the body and are spread by physical contact.
- Parasitic – parasitic infections are due to parasites, that sometimes can spread to the bloodstream as well as organs from one’s skin. Few are difficult to diagnose.
Steps for Prevention
Pediatrics
Children are more at risk for skin infections as they come into contact with a lot of carriers. As a parent or guardian, it is important to follow preventative steps to ensure that small infections do not become dangerous.
The child needs to wash hands often, especially before and after playing and before eating. Personal hygiene products must be maintained well like toothbrushes, hairbrushes, washcloths, towels, etc. The child’s fingernails need to be cut and filed as they are a common site for bacteria.
Athletes
Skin infections occur among athletes due to high-contact sports and they are prime targets for both viral and fungal skin infections.
Gym-goers need to use fresh towels and always wipe their equipment. They need to wear shoes and socks always to workout sessions and wash their hands before and after they utilize the equipment.
Home and Workplace
Extra preventative steps at home are also required to be taken as well as at the workplace.
Infections do spread in areas where moisture is present and it is good t keep clean damp areas of the house regularly like laundry rooms, kitchen counters, bathtubs, showers, and around any faucets or sinks. It is better to use disposable wipes instead of towels or washcloths in the bathroom so that the moisture does settle.
In the workplace, dirt and bacteria can settle on the keyboard, phone, or old files easily it is better to periodically dust the desk and the surrounding area. Be careful when sharing personal items with coworkers or even other family members, as the person can get exposed to infection without realizing it. Even with family members, it is important to be careful about sharing water bottles, utensils, etc. Personal hygiene is important. Wearing closed-toe shoes in public does help.
Summary
- Hand hygiene – wash hands regularly
- Skin Protection – protect the skin from the elements
- Environmental Cleaning – keep one’s work and home clean
- Contact Precautions – avoid contact with those who are faced with a skin infection practicing such strategies does help protect a person from skin infections.