Skin Rashes & Infections West Lafayette IN

Find top doctors who perform Skin Rashes & Infections in West Lafayette, IN. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in West Lafayette, IN.

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Skin Rashes & Infections FAQ in West Lafayette, IN

How long should you wait to see a doctor for a rash?

Moist, cool compresses applied to the affected area can also help and also provide some instant relief. If your symptoms do not resolve after two to four weeks, if the rash is on your face or genitals, or if the rash is especially painful or widespread, it’s time to see the doctor.

How do you tell if a rash is infected?

If you have an itchy rash and you scratch it, it may become infected. Signs of an infected rash are yellow or green fluid; swelling, crusting, pain and warmth in the area of the rash; or a red streak coming from the rash.

Can infections go away without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body’s extreme response to an infection.

Do some viruses cause rashes?

Many viral infections can cause a rash in addition to other symptoms. Rashes are very common with viral infections, especially in young children. It is very important to make sure the rash is not part of a serious infection – eg, meningococcal infection which can be associated with meningitis.

How long should a skin rash last?

If you avoid the substance causing the reaction, the rash often clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. You can try soothing your skin with a cool, wet cloth and other self-care steps.

What do sepsis rashes look like?

People with sepsis often develop a hemorrhagic rash—a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pinpricks in the skin. If untreated, these gradually get bigger and begin to look like fresh bruises. These bruises then join together to form larger areas of purple skin damage and discoloration.

What kills bacteria on skin?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used disinfectants. It kills most bacteria and fungi by acting on lipid and protein components of the cell. Alcohol is inexpensive and non-toxic, so it is very useful for many applications, especially as a disinfectant for skin.

Why do I keep getting infections in my body?

Not washing your hands. Not scrubbing up after you use the bathroom or before you touch your nose and mouth can lead to repeat infections. That’s especially true if you get colds or the flu often. It may seem like you’re getting the same infection, but you might be getting infected with different viruses.

What are the 5 signs of infection?

Fever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection). Chills and sweats. Change in cough or a new cough. Sore throat or new mouth sore. Shortness of breath. Nasal congestion. Stiff neck. Burning or pain with urination.

What are 5 possible causes of skin infections?

Bacteria cause cellulitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal (staph) infections. Viruses cause shingles, warts, and herpes simplex. Fungi cause athlete’s foot and yeast infections. Parasites cause body lice, head lice, and scabies.

What kills fungal skin infection?

Antifungal medications work to treat fungal infections. They can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving. Antifungal drugs are available as OTC treatments or prescription medications, and come in a variety of forms, including: creams or ointments.

What bacterial infection causes a rash?

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are the two most common. A bacterial infection may cause localized symptoms (such as with furuncles, carbuncles, erythrasma, and impetigo) or affect larger portions of the body (such as with hot tub folliculitis and erysipelas).

Where does sepsis usually start?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract.

What does it mean if a rash doesn’t go away?

Do you have a prolonged rash or patch of irritated skin? Do you get unexplained blisters, scaling, or areas of tenderness that are difficult to soothe or are unresponsive to your usual moisturizer?