Skin Infections

Skin infections happen when germs get into the skin and cause redness, itching, pain or blisters. These germs can be fungi, bacteria or viruses. Most infections are mild. Some can spread or lead to serious illness if not treated.

Common types

Fungal skin infections

Fungal infections usually affect warm, moist areas such as the feet, groin or skin folds. They often itch and can have a clear edge or scaly border.

Ringworm (tinea)

Despite the name, there is no worm. Ringworm is a fungus that causes round or ring-shaped rashes with a clearer centre. It can appear on the body, scalp or beard area. ^[1][2]

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)

This is common if you wear tight shoes or use shared changing rooms. It causes itch between the toes, peeling skin and sometimes small blisters. ^[3][4]

Other tinea infections

• Jock itch in the groin ^[5][6]
• Fungal nail infection causing thick or discoloured nails ^[7][8]

Bacterial skin infections

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus can infect cuts, bites or hair follicles.

Impetigo

Impetigo is very contagious. Small blisters break and form honey-coloured crusts, usually on the face or arms. It is more common in children but can affect adults. ^[9][10]

Staph infections

These can cause boils, abscesses, folliculitis or infected wounds. Severe staph, including MRSA, needs medical attention. ^[11]

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a deeper skin infection. The area feels hot, red, swollen and painful. You may feel unwell. This needs prompt assessment. ^[12][13]

Viral skin infections

• Cold sores caused by herpes simplex around the lips ^[14]
• Shingles a painful band-like rash on one side of the body ^[15][16]
• Verrucas and warts caused by HPV on the hands or feet ^[17][18]

Typical symptoms

• Red, itchy or scaly patches
• Rash in a ring shape or with a clear edge
• Blisters, crusts or yellow fluid
• Pain, warmth or swelling
• Cracked skin between toes
• Boils or pus-filled lumps
• Fever or feeling unwell with spreading redness

If symptoms are severe, spreading fast or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical care.

Causes and risk factors

• Damaged skin from cuts, shaving or insect bites
• Warm and moist environments such as sweaty shoes
• Sharing towels, razors or sports equipment
• Close contact with an infected person or pet
• Conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation
• Weakened immune system

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is. A healthcare professional can advise the right option for you.

Fungal infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot

• Topical antifungal creams or sprays once or twice daily for the full course
• Oral antifungal tablets for stubborn or widespread infection
• Antifungal powders to help keep feet dry

Bacterial infections such as impetigo or staph

• Topical antibiotic creams for small local patches
• Oral antibiotics if the area is large or there are signs of cellulitis
• Warm compresses and safe drainage for small boils if advised by a clinician

How UK Meds can help

UK Meds is a private online prescription service. If suitable, treatments may be provided after you complete an online clinical consultation. All requests for prescription medicines at UK Meds are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a registered prescriber.

• Wash hands often and keep nails short
• Gently clean the area with mild soap and water
• Keep skin dry, especially between toes and in skin folds
• Avoid scratching to prevent spread
• Do not share towels, bedding or razors
• Wear loose cotton clothing and change socks daily
• Finish the full course of any treatment, even if the skin looks better

• Spreading redness, severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Fever, shivers or feeling very unwell
• Red streaks leading away from the area
• Swelling around the eye or a painful rash on the face
• Possible infection in a baby or in someone with a weak immune system
• No improvement after a full course of treatment

If you are in the UK and need urgent advice, contact NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe symptoms.

Is ringworm the same as a worm?

No. Ringworm is a fungal infection. It causes a ring-shaped rash with a clearer centre.

Can athlete’s foot spread to my nails?

Yes. The fungus can move from the skin to the toenails and cause thick or discoloured nails. Treat athlete’s foot early to lower the risk.

Are staph infections serious?

Many are mild and cause boils or small abscesses. Some can spread deeper and need prompt medical care, especially cellulitis or suspected MRSA.

How long do treatments take to work?

It varies by cause and site. Many fungal infections improve within 1 to 2 weeks, but keep using treatment for the full recommended course. Bacterial infections can start to settle within a few days once the right antibiotic is used.

Can I buy skin infection treatment online?

Some products are available without a prescription. For prescription medicines, you will complete an online clinical consultation with UK Meds and a registered independent prescriber will decide if a prescription is appropriate for you.

Related terms people search for

• Skin rash treatment
• Itchy skin patches
• Fungal rash cream
• Antibiotic cream for skin
• Boils and abscess care
• Cellulitis symptoms
• MRSA on the skin
• Impetigo in children
• Best treatment for athlete’s foot
• Ringworm on scalp

• Skin infections are usually fungal, bacterial or viral
• Ringworm and athlete’s foot are common fungal infections and respond well to antifungals
• Impetigo and staph infections are bacterial and may need antibiotic treatment
• Seek urgent help if redness spreads fast, you feel unwell or the infection is near the eye
• Good hygiene and finishing treatment reduce the risk of spread and return
• For prescription treatments at UK Meds you will complete an online clinical consultation and a registered independent prescriber will decide if prescribing is suitable

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your own doctor or pharmacist.

[1] Yee G, Syed HA, Al Aboud AM. Tinea Corporis. [Updated 2025 Feb 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544360/

[2] Ringworm (tinea) - World Health Organization

[3] Nigam PK, Syed HA, Saleh D. Tinea Pedis. [Updated 2023 Oct 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470421/

[4] Leung AK, Barankin B, Lam JM, Leong KF, Hon KL. Tinea pedis: an updated review. Drugs Context. 2023 Jun 29;12:2023-5-1. doi: 10.7573/dic.2023-5-1. PMID: 37415917; PMCID: PMC10321471.