Purulent inflammation of the skinOur skin is colonized by billions of bacteria in a balanced equilibrium. They are part of the natural skin flora. Serve as a protective shield against external influences. However, with even the smallest injuries or a weakened immune system, bacteria and pathogenic germs can invade the skin and cause inflammation. Depending on the localization and pathogen, this causes different skin diseases.
Skin regions at risk. Increased risk of infection.
Some skin regions are more prone to inflammatory processes. This is especially true for areas with many glands and hair. Heavy sweating in areas where skin lies on skin or rubs is a further risk factor, which is additionally promoted by heavy overweight. In addition, certain working and living habits, as well as sporting activities, can contribute to the development of skin inflammations.
Skin inflammation is common in these areas:
Why does a bacterial skin inflammation occur??
Among the most common causes of bacterial skin infections are bacteria that invade the body. It can be caused by external injuries (e.g.B. Cuts, chafed areas, or animal bites), surgery, other tie damage, or a weakened immune system develop.
Certain habits and situations increase the risk of inflammatory processes
…for example, through incorrect care and the excessive use of disinfectants – changes the pH of the skin and thus damages the natural acid mantle. Inflammatory agents can thus penetrate the skin more easily.
…the blades of the razor often also injure parts of the outermost skin layer. Bacteria or germs can enter through these minimal wounds and cause inflammation.
Friction on the skin.
…as it occurs, for example, during sports due to constantly identical movements, can damage the epidermis and facilitate the penetration of pathogens.
Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.
…with wrong nutrition and excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes impair the immune system. The weakened body cannot fully defend against inflammatory pathogens, which it could otherwise withstand.
…can particularly endanger those areas of the skin on which one's own body weight is permanently applied. This is usually related to the limited mobility of the affected person as a result of a serious illness or old age. Permanent exposure makes corresponding skin areas particularly susceptible to inflammation.
A weakened immune defense.
…inflammatory skin processes favored by chronic pre-existing conditions. So suffer z.B. Diabetics suffer from poor circulation and very dry skin, which can contribute to the development of inflammatory skin diseases.
Purulent skin inflammations. Origin and treatment.
If harmful bacteria get into the skin, inflammatory processes are set in motion, which are manifested by different symptoms depending on their localization and severity. Bacterial infections should always be taken seriously. If detected in time, painful skin infections can be treated by the skin itself in a gentle and skin-friendly way and serious health consequences can be avoided.
Pimples: inflamed pus nodules
Pimples are reddish elevations or inflammatory skin changes that often form from a blackhead. They are often filled with pus. Adolescents in puberty are particularly affected, but pimples can occur at any age.
Pimples develop mainly in areas with many sebaceous glands: on the face, neck and back, decollete, shoulders and upper arms.
If hormonal changes, stress and incorrect care lead to excessive sebum production, the sebum can no longer flow away and clogs the glands. Initially, a white blackhead develops, which turns black in the course of time. If the clogged sebaceous gland becomes infected by bacteria, the blackhead turns into a festering pimple. As a result, extensive, purulent inflammations may develop.
Squeezing out pimples is not recommended. The open wound can become even more inflamed as bacteria penetrate into neighboring skin areas. In addition, squeezing may leave unsightly scars. A healthy lifestyle can lead to a clear complexion. Contribute to the reduction of pimples. In the diet, fatty and sugary foods and too many dairy products should be replaced with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is necessary to abstain from alcohol and cigarettes.
Hectic and stress in everyday life should be largely avoided, as stress hormones stimulate sebum production. Regular exercise, preferably in the fresh air, increases the well-being and at the same time stimulates the blood circulation of the skin.
If pimples do form, various creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Gentle treatment with herbal preparations such as z is recommended. B. with ilon ointment classic. If acne is suspected, seek the advice of a dermatologist.
Abscesses: Encapsulated collections of pus
Abscesses occur when pathogens enter the body and multiply, for example through small skin injuries, such as those that can occur during shaving or improper manicuring. The body reacts with a defense mechanism and forms a pus capsule to prevent the infection from spreading. However, this makes it difficult for healthy cells to reach the site of inflammation and stimulate the natural healing process.
Abscesses can occur in a wide variety of places on the body. Smaller abscesses and abscess-like inflammations can be treated in the initial stages with medications such as z.B. ilon ointment classic well treatable to prevent a possible expansion of the inflammation. However, in the event of prolonged symptoms, worsening of symptoms or possible side effects, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. This is especially true when abscesses occur on the face.
Shaving pimples: skin irritations caused by hair removal and shaving
Shaving pimples are small red pustules that are partially filled with pus. If the areas of inflammation join together to form larger areas, this is also known as razor burn.
The individual tendency to skin irritation when shaving varies and depends on the degree of skin sensitivity and the quality of the hair. People with curly hair are more often affected, because the regrowing hair pushes itself under the skin instead of following the hair channel in its growth direction. This can lead to inflammation. In addition, even the smallest injuries caused by improper shaving are gateways for bacteria that cause shaving pimples.
Shaving pimples can appear on any hairy part of the body. In men, the face and neck are usually affected, as daily shaving can cause serious damage to the sensitive skin. In women, shaving pimples are more likely to appear in the groin and intimate area if tight-fitting, abrasive clothing is worn after intimate shaving. The sensitive skin under the armpits can also be attacked by shaving or epilation and become inflamed.
To prevent shaving pimples, a switch from dry shaving to wet shaving can be helpful. For protection and care of sensitive skin, the use of mild aftershave lotions or balms such as z.B. the skinicer REPAIR BALM after every hair removal. This soothes and moisturizes the skin, disinfecting and antibacterial properties can prevent inflammation.
If shaving pimples have already formed, special medical ointments can combat the inflammation. Skin-friendly, plant-based preparations such as ilon ointment classic have proven their worth.
Folliculitis: bacterial infection of the hair follicle
Hair follicle inflammations are small reddish thickenings on the skin at the exit point of a hair, which are usually surrounded by purulent, yellow-green or whitish pustules.
Folliculitis can basically affect any hair. The face, neck and scalp are usually affected, as well as the buttocks and genital area or arms and legs. Typical signs of hair follicle inflammation are reddened areas and small, pus-filled pustules around the hair as well as pain sensitivity when prere is applied. In addition, accompanying symptoms such as itching and pain can occur.
Hair follicle inflammation is often caused by injuries to the skin surface, for example when shaving. Even a minimal cut, an abrasion or the tearing of a hair is sufficient for germs to penetrate the uppermost layer of skin. Another risk factor is the clogging of the hair follicle due to an overproduction of sebum on the hair shaft. The resulting accumulation of sebum can promote a bacterial infection – people who are already prone to skin inflammation are particularly affected.
Inflammation of the hair follicle should be treated as quickly as possible to prevent possible spreading. To bring the course of the disease under control, it is advisable to use special ointments, such as ilon ointment classic. B. ilon ointment classic, which eliminates inflammation, swelling and pus foci. To prevent the infection from spreading, all items of clothing and other textiles that come into contact with inflamed areas such as.B. towels and bed linen, washed as hot as possible.
Paronychia: Painful inflammation of the nail bed
Nail bed inflammation is an infection of the tie area from which the nail grows and which is covered by the nail. The so-called circulation, the tie around the nail, can also be inflamed. Nail bed inflammation can occur on fingers and toes.
Nail bed inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, especially staphylococci. On undamaged skin these microorganisms do not cause any damage. However, they can enter the body through small cuts and tears, irritated skin areas or ingrown nails and cause acute, sometimes purulent inflammations.
Although basically anyone can be affected by nail bed inflammation, some groups of people have a higher risk of infection:
– Women are more likely to suffer from nail bed inflammation because they generally practice more intensive manicure and pedicure than men and are thus more likely to injure themselves. – Occupational groups such as doctors, hospital staff, hairdressers or cleaners who regularly come into contact with chemical substances are often affected by skin irritations and subsequently by bacterial skin inflammations. – People with very dry skin and conditions such as neurodermatitis and diabetes are more susceptible to nail bed inflammation. – There is also an increased risk of infection for people who bite their fingernails.
The first signs of nail bed inflammation are usually a reddening of the affected skin area and itching around the nail. Subsequently, the area swells, the skin shines reddish and there is a local overheating. Initially, the area only hurts when prere is applied to the nail plate or the surrounding skin. As the condition progresses, the pain may increase. A throbbing in the affected finger or toe occur. Inflammation of the toe is often more painful because the body weight rests on the toes when walking.
Treatment with home remedies such as tea tree oil, chamomile or poultices with healing clay, which are often advised, can only very rarely keep the inflammation at bay. Instead, the timely application of medicines, such as ilon ointment classic, is recommended already at the first symptoms. Treatment of inflammation in the nail area is always associated with risks. Therefore, if possible, a doctor or pharmacist should always be consulted, especially in the case of prolonged symptoms of the disease, aggravation of symptoms or possible side effects.