Skin Infections (Adults)

Skin infections happen when bacteria, viruses or fungi enter or irritate the skin. This can cause redness, swelling, pain, small blisters or patches of dry or cracked skin. Some infections follow minor cuts or shaving, while others can appear without a clear cause. Many skin infections settle with simple measures, although some require review by a GP.

These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.

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What a Skin Infection Is

Skin infections affect the layers of the skin, hair follicles or deeper tissues. Common types include:

Cellulitis (bacterial infection of deeper skin layers)
Impetigo (superficial bacterial infection producing crusts)
Folliculitis (inflamed or infected hair follicles)
Fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot)
Viral infections (cold sores, shingles)

Milder infections can cause small patches of redness or spots. Deeper infections may cause swelling, warmth and discomfort.

Common Organisms Involved in Skin Infections

These organisms are common causes of skin infections or secondary bacterial involvement. They are listed for general understanding only and do not replace clinical assessment.

Type	Organism	Notes
Bacterial	Staphylococcus aureus	Common cause of boils, cellulitis and infected eczema.
Bacterial	Streptococcus pyogenes	Often associated with impetigo or more widespread cellulitis.
Fungal	Dermatophytes (Tinea species)	Cause ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Fungal	Yeasts (Candida species)	Often affect skin folds or areas that are moist.
Viral	Herpes simplex virus	Cause cold sores or small clusters of painful blisters.
Viral	Varicella zoster virus	Causes shingles when reactivated in adults.

Common Symptoms of a Skin Infection

You may experience:

Redness, warmth or swelling in an area of skin
Tenderness or pain
Patches that weep or form crusts
Small blisters or pustules
A spreading edge to the redness
Localised itching (more common in fungal infections)
A fever in more extensive infections

Symptoms vary depending on the organism and the depth of the infection.

Common Reasons to Have a Skin Infection Reviewed by a GP

Speak to a GP if you have:

Skin symptoms that are worsening or not improving within a few days
A spreading area of redness
Pus, discharge or crusting
A swollen, tender area after a bite or scratch
Recurrent patches of infection
Pain that is affecting daily activities
Skin symptoms linked to fever or feeling unwell

A GP can assess the area, look for signs of deeper infection and advise whether further treatment or investigations are needed.

Teledermatology at AccessGP

Teledermatology allows a GP with experience in skin conditions to review your symptoms remotely using clear photographs and a structured history. Many skin infections can be assessed safely through telemedicine, especially when images show the pattern and severity of the affected area.

A Teledermatology review can help with:

Differentiating bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections
Assessing whether antibiotics, antifungal treatments or antiviral creams may be appropriate
Identifying when symptoms need in-person assessment
Reviewing recurrent infections linked to underlying conditions such as eczema or diabetes
Advising on next steps, self-care and follow-up

When Teledermatology is suitable:

Localised redness, crusting or small patches of infection
Folliculitis or suspected impetigo
Mild cellulitis caught early
Fungal rashes or ringworm
Cold sores or shingles affecting a small area

When an in-person review may be needed:

Rapidly spreading symptoms
Severe pain or swelling
High fever or feeling unwell
Swelling around the eyes
Dark or bruised-looking skin
Symptoms affecting movement or general health

Teledermatology can provide a quick assessment when you cannot access an in-person appointment urgently. If needed, your GP can arrange follow-up review or advise escalation.