The A to Z of Infection

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Skin Infection
By Wendy Simons

We live in a world where many of us fall victim to many types of infections. There are lots of different ways of preventing the many infections but it is necessary to identify them. With skin infection types there are certain characteristics that will enable you to recognize them.

The first of the skin infection types that we will see about is that of Athlete's foot or tinea pedis. This is a very common skin infection. It is often caused by a combination of fungi and bacteria. These two factors cause scaling and sogginess of the skin, commonly of the webbing spaces between your toes. Sometimes the skin becomes pale and itchy. The infection can be picked up from contaminated skin particles in public places, like swimming pools and shower facilities

Nail infections or Onychomycosis is the next type of skin infection that we will look at. This is the name that is given for any fungal nail infection. The more common type of skin infection on the nails is Tinea unguium which is caused by ringworm of the nails. In this the nails become deformed, thickened and crumbly. Not all of the nails will become affected like this. This type of condition is caused by fungal infections, but it is a common cause. In many times the toenail infections are commonly linked with athlete's foot.

Jock itch or Tinea Cruris is yet another of the skin infections that we will look into. In Jock Itch there is an itchy, red rash in the groin and the surrounding areas. This condition is commonly seen in male athletes and men who have been sweating quite a lot. In many cases the affected man will also have athlete's foot. The scratching of the infected feet followed by touching the groin areas may spread the infection.

Ringworm on the body or tinea corporis is our other skin infection to be seen. This condition affects the exposed areas of the body. This skin infection causes red patches, which are scaly at the edge with clear skin at the centre. The patches spread out from the centre. You can get this skin infection from domestic animals.

The other type of skin infection that you can get is that of Ringworm of the scalp. This skin infection tends to affects young children. This is a skin infection that can cause hair loss with an inflammated state in the affected area. Pityriasis versicolor is our last skin infection to be looked at.

This condition creates an increased amount of dark patches on pale or untanned skin. Darker skinned people will have light colored patches on their skin. Another name for this condition is Tinea versicolor. The versicolor in this skin infection means "of various different colors". Oily skinned people will be the most likely to be affected by this skin infection. These skin infection types are the ones most likely to affect you. This ends our tour of skin infections.

Author Details:
Wendy Simons, copywriter for various websites including, The A to Z of Home Infection, part of an ambitious project to cover various subjects.

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if the author details and links remain in place.

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