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.
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. |
🦠 Viral Skin Infections: Chickenpox and Shingles
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most common in children but can occur in adults who were not previously infected or vaccinated.
Symptoms typically include:
- Itchy, blister-like rash that appears in waves
- Fever
- Tiredness and general feeling unwell
- Spots that crust over after a few days
Chickenpox in adults can be more severe than in children. The infection is contagious from 1-2 days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over.
⚠️ Seek urgent medical advice if you:
- Are pregnant and exposed to chickenpox
- Have a weakened immune system
- Develop breathing difficulties or chest pain
- Notice confusion or severe headache
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years or decades later, typically when the immune system is weakened.
Symptoms typically include:
- Pain, burning, or tingling in a specific area (often before rash appears)
- Red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Rash usually appears on one side of the body in a stripe or band pattern
- Fever, headache, and fatigue
Shingles is most common in people over 50 or those with weakened immune systems. Early treatment with antiviral medicines (within 72 hours of rash onset) may reduce severity and duration.
⚠️ Seek urgent medical advice if shingles affects:
- Your eye or the area around your eye
- Your ear (may cause hearing or balance problems)
- You have a weakened immune system
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that persists after a shingles rash has healed. It occurs because the virus damages nerves during the infection. The pain can be severe and long-lasting, described as burning, stabbing, or shooting.
Risk increases with age and severity of initial shingles infection. Early treatment of shingles may reduce the likelihood of developing post-herpetic neuralgia.
Treatment for nerve pain: Post-herpetic neuralgia requires different medicines than standard painkillers. Learn about neuropathic pain medicines →
When to Contact a GP
Contact a GP if you suspect chickenpox or shingles, especially if you are over 50, pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or if the rash is near your eyes or ears. Early antiviral treatment may help reduce complications.
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.
Severe Symptoms – Seek Urgent Help
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
- Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
- Severe pain
- Fever with shivers or rigors
- Confusion, drowsiness or feeling faint
- A rash that is dark, blotchy or looks bruised
- Red streaks travelling up a limb
- Swelling around the eyes
- Difficulty moving the affected area
These signs may indicate a more serious infection that needs immediate treatment.
Understanding Typical Symptom Patterns
Symptoms suggesting a mild or superficial infection
- Small red patches
- Mild discomfort or itching
- Localised crusting
- Symptoms often improve gradually with simple self-care
Symptoms that may need a GP review
- Increasing redness or warmth
- Pus or worsening discharge
- Redness that is expanding in size
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Recurrent or persistent infections
A GP can guide you on suitable treatment and when antibiotics, antiviral creams or antifungal treatments may be appropriate.
How GPs Assess Skin Symptoms
GPs consider:
- Symptom duration
- Whether the infection is superficial or deeper in the skin
- Presence of fever
- Speed of progression
- Any red flag features
- Past history of skin infections
- Underlying conditions such as eczema or diabetes
- Response to previous treatments
GPs may also review photographs for telemedicine assessments, but in some cases an in-person review is recommended.
How Skin Infections Are Managed
Management depends on the type and severity of infection. Options may include:
- Keeping the area clean and dry
- Avoiding irritants and friction
- Warm water compresses
- Antifungal creams for fungal infections
- Antiviral creams for cold sores
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is diagnosed or strongly suspected
A GP will advise on the best treatment for your symptoms.
Further Reading and Hub Links
Visit our Common Infections hub or browse more health topics in the AccessGP Knowledge Base.
You can learn more about other common skin problems at the Dermatology, Skin and Allergies Hub.
If you would like to discuss possible skin infections infections or general skin concerns, you can book an online GP appointment with AccessGP, or visit the Skin Clinic for non-urgent queries.
AccessGP Services
AccessGP provides GP consultations via secure video or telephone for same-day medical queries, medication reviews, clinical advice and private referrals.
We also offer specialist GP-dermatology appointments – visit our Skin Clinic for more information.
What We Offer:
- Skin Conditions & Rash Consultations for same-day skin concern appointments
- Urgent GP Appointments, Same-Day Online Care
- Private GP Referrals
Locations We Serve:
Available to patients seeking a private GP near Brighton, Bournemouth, Enfield, Durham, Leeds and throughout England.
Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 9 December 2025