Skin Infections

Your skin happens to be the largest organ in your body! One of the major functions of the skin is to be the first line of defense against the outside world around us. When the skin becomes infected itself, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild skin infections can mostly be treated with over-the-counter remedies. However, the more serious infections may require urgent medical attention.

If you think you have a skin infection, visit Bayside Urgent Care and be seen by one of our expert medical professionals to be diagnosed and treated. Our medical staff is happy to help you and your family treat these and other non-life-threatening emergencies.

How to Identify Skin Infections

Skin infections may be present on the skin as a rash, sore, or blister. They can be the result of a bacteria, virus, or fungi coming in contact with a cut or open wound. Symptoms vary, depending on the type of skin infection. However, they all typically include redness and a rash that may be accompanied by itching, pain, and tenderness.

Some other common signs include:

• Fluid or pus
• Sores
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain in the area
• Fever
• Skin discoloration
• Skin shedding or breakdown

What Is the Cause?

Skin infections can happen for a number of reasons. The most common of these are:

• Bacterial infection — occurs when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin from a scratch or a cut.
• Viral infection — occurs commonly from these three viruses: human papillomavirus, herpes virus, and poxvirus (chickenpox and shingles).
• Fungal infection — occurs commonly as a result of a lifestyle that creates warm and moist environments for fungi to grow on the body. For example; athlete’s foot.
• Parasitic infections — occur as a result of tiny insects or microorganisms laying eggs on or under the skin.

You may have an increased risk of contracting a skin infection if you have a compromised immune system.

How are Skin Infections Diagnosed?

The best way to diagnose a skin infection is through a medical exam. Looking at color, appearance and location will help us identify the type of infection.

How Are Skin Infections Treated?

The type of skin infection determines the method of treatment. Mild infections can often be treated with over-the-counter creams or lotions. More severe or aggressive infections may require prescription-strength topical ointments. Some bacterial infections are best treated with oral antibiotics.

What To Bring When You Visit

Know your family medical history and be prepared to give this information to the doctor and medical staff. To help us treat you more effectively, tell us about any medications you are taking. This includes any vitamins or supplements as well. Let us know if you have any allergies, past illnesses and surgical history. Finally, bring your primary care doctor’s phone number and address so we can transfer records, if necessary.

Does Bayside Urgent Care Accept Insurance?

Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, that is no problem. Our services are reasonably priced and much less expensive than an ER visit.

Bayside Urgent Care Center Can Get You on the Road to Recovery Quickly

Our center is located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, and Tampa. If you are experiencing a skin infection, visit our office or call 727-441-5044.

*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.

Bayside Urgent Care is your alternative to the high costs and long waits at hospital emergency rooms. We believe that excellent healthcare should be affordable, and it’s our goal to never rush patients.

We are conveniently located in Clearwater, Florida. The center is only a short drive from nearby Clearwater Beach, Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Countryside, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, and Indian Rocks Beach.