Abscesses are swollen, inflamed, painful infected bumps on the skin. They can occasionally produce pus. These bumps are spread by direct contact with infected individuals and sharing of personal products such as razors and towels. Often, abscesses are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, or its more resistant variant, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These infected bumps require immediate treatment, as they are contagious and can spread to other areas of the skin. Treatment includes incision and drainage, which relieves the swollen area by the removal of pus, oral and topical antibiotics, bleach baths, and following prevention strategies. Severe cases, especially those unresponsive to antibiotics or rapidly spreading lesions, may require hospitalizations for intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Cellulitis is characterized by a section of swollen skin that is red and warm to touch, predominantly on the lower extremities. Disruption of the skin barrier can cause the skin to be susceptible to these infections. Treatment includes oral antibiotics. Severe cases, especially those unresponsive to antibiotics or rapidly spreading lesions, may also require hospitalizations for intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Folliculitis is the infection of hair follicles. They appear as pus or inflamed bumps around the hair follicles, usually located on the scalp, back, and legs. Although most cases are due to bacterial infections, they can also be occasionally due to fungal infections. Common culprits of folliculitis are shaving, occlusive topicals, and medications such as topical and oral steroids, testosterone, and supplements. This condition is successfully treated with oral and topical antibiotics and antiseptic cleansers. A variant of folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, is another term for ingrown hairs on the chin. Treatment may require removal of the trapped hair, usually by shaving pads. Red, swollen bumps on the face and groin due to ingrown hairs may require in-office drainage and oral and topical antibiotics.
This infection, usually around the upper lip, is characterized by honey-crusted lesions, occasionally on a mildly inflamed skin. Most cases resolve with topical antibiotic use at the site and in the nostrils, where the infection may colonize when it is not active. Cases resistant to topical antibiotic treatment may require oral antibiotics.
Please Note: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Newbloomderm.com does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site. This website does not provide medical advice, and nothing on this website should be interpreted as a diagnosis or treatment.