SKIN CARE: INFECTIONS

The four major types of skin infection are bacterial viral fungal and parasitic. These groups will be considered in turn and examples of the most common forms of infection described Bacteria live permanently on the skin surface, and are known as the permanent bacterial flora. In addition, transient organisms are constantly arriving at the skin surface but are usually prevented from multiplying by the normal defence mechanisms. Under certain circumstances either the permanent or transient organisms may become established, multiply excessively, and then cause disease or infection. The factors governing the host resistance or defence mechanism are several. Firstly there are the factors inherent in the skin itself, for example the amount of moisture or other secretions present, and whether there is a point of entry or an abrasion on the surface. Secondly there is the degree of interaction between the permanent flora and the invading organism. Finally, there is the factor of the various cellular and circulatory interactions provoked by the invasion. These may be influenced by the body’s general health or level of immunity.

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