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Skin Infections

Bacterial, Viral, or Fungal? How to Identify Your Skin Infection

Understanding the different types of skin infections and knowing when you need medical care.

January 2, 2026Evidence-based
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TL;DR: Key Takeaways

  • Bacterial: Often need antibiotics (impetigo, cellulitis, boils)
  • Viral: May need antivirals (herpes, shingles, warts)
  • Fungal: Antifungal treatments (ringworm, athlete's foot)
  • Red flags: Fever, spreading redness, pus = see doctor

Skin infections are extremely common and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. While many are minor and resolve on their own, others require treatment to prevent complications. This guide covers the main types and what to look out for.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Impetigo

Highly contagious infection common in children.

Appearance: Red sores that rupture, ooze, then form honey-colored crusts
Location: Usually face, especially around nose and mouth
Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics

Folliculitis

Infection of hair follicles.

Appearance: Small red bumps or white-headed pimples around follicles
Location: Anywhere with hair—face, scalp, thighs, armpits
Treatment: Antibacterial wash; sometimes antibiotics

Boils (Furuncles)

Deep infection of a hair follicle.

Appearance: Painful, pus-filled lump that grows and comes to a head
Location: Face, neck, armpits, buttocks, thighs
Treatment: Warm compresses; may need drainage

MRSA

Antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

Appearance: May look like spider bite, boil, or infected wound
Location: Anywhere; often looks worse than typical infections
Treatment: Specific antibiotics; drainage if abscess

Cellulitis is a deeper, more serious bacterial infection. See our detailed guide on cellulitis symptoms and treatment.

Viral Skin Infections

Herpes Simplex

Causes cold sores (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2).

Appearance: Clusters of small blisters that burst and crust
Features: Tingling before outbreak; recurrent
Treatment: Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir)

Shingles

Reactivation of chickenpox virus.

Appearance: Painful blistering rash in a band or strip
Features: Follows nerve path; usually one side of body
Treatment: Antivirals most effective if started within 72 hours

Warts

Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Appearance: Rough, raised growths
Features: Types: common, plantar, flat, genital warts
Treatment: Often resolve; salicylic acid; cryotherapy

Molluscum Contagiosum

Common in children; spreads by contact.

Appearance: Small, dome-shaped bumps with central dimple
Features: Flesh-colored, pink, or pearly
Treatment: Often clears on its own; can be removed

Fungal Skin Infections

Ringworm (Tinea)

Despite the name, not caused by a worm.

Appearance: Ring-shaped rash with clearer center
Types: Body (corporis), feet (pedis), groin (cruris), scalp (capitis)
Treatment: Antifungal creams; oral antifungals for severe cases

Athlete's Foot

Fungal infection of the feet.

Appearance: Scaly, peeling, cracked skin between toes
Symptoms: Itching, burning, stinging
Treatment: Antifungal creams; keep feet dry

Yeast Infections

Candidiasis in warm, moist areas.

Appearance: Red, itchy rash often with satellite spots
Location: Skin folds, groin, under breasts
Treatment: Antifungal creams; keep area dry

Learn more about distinguishing conditions in our guide on fungal rash vs eczema.

Parasitic Skin Infections

Scabies

  • • Intense itching, small bumps, burrow tracks
  • • Worse at night; between fingers, wrists, elbows
  • • Caused by tiny mites burrowing into skin
  • • Treatment: Prescription creams (permethrin)

Lice

  • • Types: Head lice, body lice, pubic lice
  • • Intense itching, visible nits on hair shafts
  • • Spread through close contact, shared items
  • • Treatment: Medicated shampoos; nit combing

Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Care

Seek Medical Care Promptly If You Have:

Fever with skin infection
Rapidly spreading redness
Severe pain or tenderness
Skin that's hot to touch
Pus or drainage
Red streaks from infection
Infection near eyes
Weakened immune system
Diabetes with foot infection

Prevention Tips

Wash hands regularly and thoroughly
Clean wounds and cover with bandages
Don't share towels, razors, or clothing
Keep skin dry, especially in skin folds
Wear flip-flops in public showers/pools
Don't pick or scratch at skin

Identify Your Skin Concern

Get AI-powered insights to understand what type of infection you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

Cellulitis: Symptoms & Care

When to seek care for this serious infection.

Fungal Rash vs Eczema

How to tell these conditions apart.

Rash With Fever

When to worry about this combination.

Itchy Rash Causes

Why rashes itch and how to find relief.

Sources

  1. Bacterial Skin Infections — DermNet NZ (2024)
  2. Fungal Skin Infections — DermNet NZ (2024)
  3. Cellulitis — NHS UK (2024)
  4. MRSA Skin Infections — Centers for Disease Control (2024)
View all sources & references →

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a skin condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.