Skin Infections Symptoms

Cellulitis
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the lower legs and the arms or hands. If it involves the face (erysipelas), medical attention is urgent.

• Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
• Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
• Pain or tenderness of the area
• Skin lesion or rash: sudden onset, usually with sharp borders, rapid growth within the first 24 hours
• Warmth over the area of redness
• Fever

Carbunculosis
A carbuncle is a swollen lump or mass under the skin that often occurs on the back of the neck, shoulders or thighs, especially in older men. It may be the size of a pea or as large as a golf ball. The carbuncle may be red and irritated and may hurt when touched.

Carbuncles may:

• Grow very fast
• Have a white or yellow center
• Weep, ooze, or crust
• Spread to other skin areas

Cutaneous Candidiasis
Cutaneous candidiasis usually occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as armpits and groins. Candida infection is particularly common in individuals with diabetes, and in people who are obese. Candida can also cause infections of the nail, referred to as onychomycosis, and infections around the corners of the mouth, called angular cheilitis.

Symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis include:

• Itching (may be intense)
• Skin lesion or rash
• Skin redness or inflammation
• Enlarging patch
• May have satellite lesions (smaller lesions next to bigger ones)
• Located on the skin folds, genitals, trunk, buttocks, under the breasts, or on other skin areas
• Infection of hair follicles ("folliculitis") may have a pimple-like appearance