Preventing Yeast Skin Infection

Skin infections are commonly found in many people and a majority of these infections heals without the need for medical intervention. They are caused by bacteria in most of the cases. Yeast skin infections can strike at just about anyone, and they are also called intertrigo. Essentially, they are caused by an overabundance of the bacteria Candida albicans. This bacteria is found naturally on your skin, and normally it works to keep you healthy. However, in situations where other helpful bacteria are not present or where there are conditions that encourage this bacteria to grow out of control, an infection can result. Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called candida albicans. Yeast is always present in the vagina, but an overgrowth of yeast is the problem. Yeast is generally a harmless fungus that is always found in the vagina, digestive tract, and mouth in small amounts, but when an imbalance occurs, the candida multiplies which causes an overgrowth and results in a yeast infection.

Yeast skin infection can have many different causes. You'll find that it will happen where skin touches skin, such as in the groin, the armpits, underneath breasts or in folds of fat. This can create an environment that is very conducive to the multiplication of bacteria, but you'll find that this is not the only factor. Preventing yeast infections is the most important thing and we should all concentrate on this because it will be very beneficial to our health.

Some of the measures that prevent yeast infections are:

* Maintain clean vaginal area; change sanitary pads or tampons frequently; avoid douching
* Use cotton underpants
* Do not share towels and washcloths
* Eat more vegetables, protein and grains; consume a lot of yogurt that has live acidophilus bacteria; avoid processed foods, sugars and alcohol
* Take daily supplements designed to help prevent the recurrence of a yeast infection; use antibiotics only when necessary

Causes and Symptoms of Staph Skin Infection

Staph is a germ normally found on the skin or inside the nose of many people. Most people with staph on their skin or in their nose have no symptoms.
Because staph can easily enter a cut or scrape, it is a common cause of skin infections. Sometimes, the germs get into the blood and cause serious illness or severe pneumonia during influenza (“flu”) season.
“MRSA” is a kind of staph that is resistant to some antibiotics. This kind of staph is common in hospitals.
“CA-MRSA” is a resistant kind of staph that causes infections outside hospitals.

What are the symptoms?
Skin infection caused by staph are usually red and painful.
Some start as a painful bump that seems like a spider bite, but quickly become an abscess (boil) filled with pus and germs.
How does staph spread?
Touching skin-to-skin can spread staph from one person to another.
Staph can be picked up from surfaces that are often touched, like phones or doorknobs. Sometimes shared personal items, like towels, soap, or sports equipment can spread staph.
Pus from an abscess is especially contagious on skin or surfaces.

How can I avoid staph infections?
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Use your own towels, soap, and other personal items; do not share these.
• Clean shared athletic equipment before use.
If I get a staph infection, how can I keep it from spreading to others?
• Keep a clean dry dressing over the infected area, especially if there is pus.
• Pay extra attention to cleanliness and wash your hands frequently.
• Do not share linens, towels or other personal items with others.
• When possible, use hot water and a hot dryer for your laundry.