Skin Infections
Expert assessment and treatment for bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections. Skin changes are sometimes caused by an infection rather than a long-term skin condition, and telling the two apart is important because the treatments are very different. Whether you’ve developed spreading redness, blisters or a fungal infection that keeps coming back, an accurate assessment is the first step towards effective treatment. Where clinically appropriate, treatment can often begin during your appointment.
Is This Appointment Right for You?
This consultation may be suitable if you:
- Have a skin infection that isn’t improving
- Notice redness, swelling or tenderness
- Have blisters, crusting or weeping skin
- Have a fungal infection affecting your body, feet or groin
- Get recurrent skin infections
- Aren’t sure whether your rash is an infection at all
Not sure it’s the right fit?
We commonly assess fungal skin infections (including athlete’s foot and ringworm), impetigo, cold sores and shingles, viral warts and molluscum contagiosum, and folliculitis.
About Skin Infections
Skin infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, and their appearance varies widely — redness, swelling, pain, blisters, crusting or scaling. Because many infections — and some non-infectious skin conditions — can look very similar, an accurate assessment is essential to guide the most appropriate treatment. Occasionally, further investigations such as skin swabs or fungal tests may be recommended if needed to confirm the diagnosis.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Assessment
We’ll discuss your symptoms, history and how your skin changes have developed.
Examination
The affected area is examined carefully to identify the likely cause.
Your plan
We’ll explain our findings, discuss the most likely diagnosis and agree a personalised treatment plan. Where clinically appropriate, this may include prescription antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral medicines, advice on self-care, or further investigations if needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Follow-up
Where appropriate, a review can be arranged to confirm the infection has fully cleared.
Your Consultation Includes
- Comprehensive skin assessment
- Diagnosis and a clear explanation of your condition
- A personalised written treatment plan
- Prescription treatment where clinically appropriate
- Advice on preventing recurrence and protecting others where relevant
- Time to ask questions
Skin Infections FAQs
In many cases, yes. Skin infections can often be distinguished from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis during the consultation. Occasionally, further investigations may be recommended if needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Only if the diagnosis calls for it. Using the right medication — and avoiding unnecessary ones — is central to how we practise.
Some spread through close contact; others don’t. If yours is contagious, we’ll give you simple, practical steps to protect the people around you.
Some skin infections require urgent assessment and treatment. If you develop rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, facial swelling, extensive blistering, a high fever, or feel generally unwell, you should seek urgent medical advice from NHS 111, your GP, or attend your nearest Emergency Department if appropriate.