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Skin Infectionsin New Orleans, LA | Audubon Dermatology

Skin Infectionsin New Orleans, LA | Audubon Dermatology

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. It occurs after damage has occurred to your hair follicles, allowing bacteria to enter and lead to infection. It may appear as an acne breakout, cause itching or be painful. Folliculitis may be isolated and only on the surface or may extend deeper within the skin, depending on how much of the hair follicle is affected. The most common causes of folliculitis include rubbing your skin frequently, wearing tight fitting clothing, and shaving. Laser Hair Removal, a popular treatment at Audubon Dermatology, is extremely effective at preventing folliculitis of the beard and neck after shaving.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by staph or strep. It frequently affects children and usually occurs on the face, legs, and arms. It appears as blisters or sores with “honey-colored” crust. Impetigo is highly contagious, it can spread to other areas of the body and be passed to other people.

Boils

Boils are skin infections that start in a hair follicle or oil gland. Boils can form anywhere on the body, but are more common on hairy, sweaty areas as well as areas of friction, such as the inner thighs. These painful bumps may increase in size as pus collects under the skin. Boils that swell and become increasingly painful should be assessed by a doctor immediately to prevent further infection.

Shingles

Shingles is a blistering rash caused by the herpes zoster virus. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. After the chickenpox clears, the herpes zoster virus stays in the body. If the virus reactivates (wakes up), the result is shingles. Shingles presents as a painful, blistering rash and is most common in older adults. A vaccine, which can prevent shingles, is available to people ages 50 and older.

Fever Blisters

Fever Blisters are caused by a common virus called herpes simplex. Prior to a blister appearing, the skin may itch or burn, with symptoms lasting 2 to 3 weeks. Herpes simplex virus is contagious and can be spread from an infected person who may not have a sore present.

Treatment Options for Skin Infections

Bacterial infections are usually treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Occasionally, incision and drainage of an infected lesion is necessary and should be performed by your dermatologist. A bacterial culture may be collected to determine the best course of antibiotics. Viral infections can be treated with an anti-viral medicine, which can make symptoms milder and shorter. Anti-viral medicine is most effective when started within 3 days of an outbreak.

Deirdre Hooper, MD, and Sarah Jackson, MD, offer technologically advanced comprehensive skin care for men and women in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and the nearby communities of Louisiana. To learn more about treatments for common infections of the skin, contact us schedule a consultation.

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