As someone who struggled with irritating skin infections for years, trust me – I know how unpleasant and frustrating they can be! But with some simple daily habits, you can minimize flare-ups and get relief fast.
Whether you’re prone to eczema flare-ups, battling a fungal infection, or just seem to catch every skin bug going around, you don’t have to suffer endlessly.
Here are my top 10 tips for defeating skin infections once and for all:
#1. Apply warm compresses
Whenever those under-the-skin pus-filled lumps would start forming, I prepared a clean washcloth, ran it under warm tap water, wrung it out so it was damp but not dripping, and then gently placed it on the boil for 10-20 minutes. I did this 3-4 times a day.
The moist heat really seemed to help draw out the infection and pus in a natural way. It also relieved some of the throbbing pain and redness. I could actually see and feel a difference in the size and hardness of the boil after removing the warm compress.
Applying this simple homemade warm washcloth treatment consistently seemed to help the boils heal up faster, with less pain and less scarring than if I had just left them alone.
It sped up my body’s natural healing process and prevented the infections from getting worse. Give it a try next time you feel a boil forming – the relief is worth it! Source: WebMD
#2. Avoid sharing personal items
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way – avoid sharing personal items when you have a skin infection.
Believe me, I used to share towels and even pillowcases with friends and family when staying over, no big deal. But then I realized this was one reason my infections kept spreading and returning!
Now I’m super vigilant about not sharing anything that touches my infected skin. No sharing towels, clothes, bed sheets, hats, helmets, hairbrushes, razors, or even headphones. I keep everything separate.
I also wash all my laundry and bedding in hot water to kill any germs and prevent reinfection. Even though it’s more hassle, it has really cut down on flare ups.
The discomfort and embarrassment of skin infections is bad enough without passing it around! Keep your personal items personal. Resist sharing until the infection has fully cleared. Your skin will thank you. Source: Tua Saúde
#3. See a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment
Attempting to self-diagnose and treat a skin infection can make the problem much worse. I learned this the hard way after many miserable months!
Now, at the first sign of a flare-up, rash, or boil, I go straight to my dermatologist. A professional medical expert can properly diagnose what type of infection it is – bacterial, fungal, viral etc.
Once they’ve identified the cause, they can provide the proper prescription treatment, whether that’s topical creams, oral antibiotics or antifungal pills. I know it’s tempting to self-medicate and avoid going to the doctor, but don’t risk it.
Seeing a qualified skin specialist gets you on the right treatment plan much faster. And faster treatment means less scarring and less chance of spreading it to others.
Don’t mess around with infections – get thee to a dermatologist! With the right meds, your skin infection can be cleared up in no time. Source: Medical News Today
#4. Practice good skin hygiene
When I’m battling a skin infection, practicing good hygiene is so important for healing quickly. Here are a few simple things I do daily that make a difference:
- Gently wash the infected area with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water twice a day. This helps remove bacteria, sweat, and irritants.
- Thoroughly but gently pat dry afterwards. Dampness can allow fungi and germs to thrive.
- Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton. This prevents sweat buildup and irritation. I avoid scratchy wool or synthetics.
- Change out of sweaty clothes and shower after exercise to wash away germs.
- Try to expose infected areas to open air when possible.
- Resist scratching or touching lesions – I don’t want to spread the infection further!
With some mild soap, water, breathable fabrics and resisting the urge to scratch, I’m able to keep the infected areas cleaner. This really speeds up healing time and prevents infections from worsening or spreading. Give it a try! Source: Canesten
#5. Treating Skin Infections with Topical Antibiotics
When I notice early signs of a bacterial skin infection brewing, the first thing I reach for is an antibiotic ointment. Applying it at the first hint of redness or itching can help stop many infections in their tracks.
The key for me is using topical antibiotics as directed. I apply a thin layer only on the affected area, 2-3 times a day. This prevents the infection from worsening and spreading further across my skin.
Some over-the-counter options I rely on are Neosporin or Bacitracin. They provide antibacterial action to control infection and promote healing. I make sure to only use antibiotic ointments for bacterial infections – they won’t help with viral or fungal flare ups.
While oral antibiotics may be needed for severe cases, starting out with prompt application of topical ointments keeps many of my breakouts localized and manageable.
Just be sure to closely follow the directions on the package. With the right topical treatment, you can get ahead of infections before they become a bigger issue. Source: Healthline
#6. Cover open wounds – A must for healing skin infections
When I’ve got a weeping, oozing sore or open cut from a skin infection, my natural instinct is to leave it open to “air out.” Big mistake! I’ve learned the hard way that leaving open wounds exposed actually makes infections worse.
Now, as soon as I notice an open sore or cracked raw skin, I clean the area, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze pad. This protects the wound from dirt, debris and touching/scratching which could drive bacteria deeper or spread it.
I change the bandages at least daily, washing hands thoroughly before and after. It’s tempting to pick off scabs, but I resist! Keeping wounds adequately covered helps create the protected environment my skin needs to heal.
For quick healing of any oozing, raw skin infections, clean dry bandages are a must. I should have known this basic first aid tip years ago – would have saved me a lot of misery. If you’re battling a skin infection, don’t leave those wounds uncovered! Protect them so they can heal. Source: Dr. Aleksana Viana – Dermatologist
#7. Protect Your Feet with Flip-Flops in Public Areas
After battling athlete’s foot one too many times, I finally wised up. Now I always wear flip-flops whenever I’m walking around public areas like gyms, locker rooms, pools, and showers.
These warm, damp communal spaces are breeding grounds for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. The fungi can live on shower floors and locker room tiles for months, eagerly waiting for warm bare feet like mine to infect.
No more! By keeping flip-flops on, I create a protective barrier between my skin and the fungus-laden floors. Shower shoes may not always be fashionable, but they save me from irritating fungal flare-ups like itchy, peeling, red skin between my toes.
I slip on my rubber thong sandals the second I get to the gym and don’t take them off until I’m safely home. No more walking barefoot – even for a second – in any public space. Trust me, throw some flip-flops in your gym bag and slip them on. Your feet will thank you! Source: Casey Gallagher, MD
#8. Reduce Moisture to Clear Skin Infections Faster
Moisture is the enemy when I’m trying to clear up a skin infection. Fungi, bacteria, and yeast all thrive in damp environments. So I take steps to keep affected areas as clean and dry as possible.
After showering or washing the infected skin, I gently pat dry with a clean towel. I never just let it air dry, since lingering moisture promotes more growth.
I also avoid getting the area wet for prolonged periods – no long soaking baths when I have a flare up! And I wear very breathable fabrics that wick sweat away.
If I have an infection in a skin fold area, I’ll apply a bit of antifungal or antibacterial powder. This helps absorb excess moisture so the area stays dry.
By diligently reducing dampness and promoting dryness, I see faster healing. The infections have no fertile ground to grow and spread. So remember – when battling skin infections, keep it clean but also keep it dry! Source: State of Michigan
#9. Add Probiotics to Balance Skin Bacteria and Beat Infections
After way too many bouts with weird rashes and boils, I discovered an unlikely remedy – probiotics!
I started eating a cup of plain yogurt every day, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement, and even using a probiotic skin cream. The good bacteria from probiotics help balance out the bacteria on your skin and improve its protective microbiome.
When my skin’s microbiome is in balance, with lots of healthy bacteria, it’s much harder for bad bacteria, fungi and viruses to take hold and create an infection. The good guys crowd out the bad!
I definitely notice a difference in my skin’s health when I’m regularly consuming probiotic-rich foods and supplements. I have fewer mysterious breakouts, faster healing when I do, and healthier skin overall.
So when battling skin infections, don’t forget the probiotics! Replenish your skin with friendly bacteria both inside and out. Your skin’s microbiome will thank you. Source: PharmEasy
#10. Your Lifestyle Choices Can Defeat Skin Infections
After contracting infection after infection, I finally realized my daily lifestyle habits were partly to blame. The bacteria and viruses were winning because my immune system was worn down.
Now I’m vigilant about maintaining healthy routines that boost my body’s infection-fighting powers:
- I fuel up with nutritious whole foods – lean proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, probiotic yogurt. This gives my immune cells what they need.
- I minimize stress through yoga, meditation and relaxing me-time. Stress is an infection enabler!
- I aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Rest repairs my skin and recharges defenses.
- I stay hydrated with water and herbal tea. Dehydration suppresses immunity.
With discipline and consistency, I’ve built lifestyle habits that keep my immune system resilient and ready to combat infections. Healthy skin starts from the inside out. Don’t just treat the symptoms – fortify your whole body to resist infections in the first place! Source: Newport Urgent Care
Conclusion
With some small daily lifestyle adjustments and learning what triggers your skin, you absolutely can get breakouts, rashes and itchy flare-ups under control. Don’t lose hope – clearer, healthier skin is within your reach! Let me know if any of these tips work for you.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/boils
- https://newporturgentcare.com/protecting-yourself-from-bacterial-infections-tips-for-prevention-and-early-detection/
- https://pharmeasy.in/blog/try-these-simple-home-remedies-for-fungal-infections/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-boils
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bacterial-infection-symptoms
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/boils
More resources:
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- What Does Ozempic do to Your Face? What is Ozempic Face?
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
