Skin Infections
There are many types of infections that can affect the skin.
Fungal infections
These can affect the top layer of the skin, hair or nails causing scaly red patches on the skin or thickened nails. Fungal infections are very common in our hot tropical climate, and usually affect the feet, groin, buttocks and torso. A very common type of body yeast (fungal) infection tend to affect younger adults or athletes (tinea versicolor) causing white or brown scaly patches on the chest and back.
Bacterial infections
When the skin barrier is disrupted (such as broken skin from eczema, or any skin injury), bacteria can enter the skin surface to infect deeper layers of the skin. There may be wet weepy patches or deeper more painful redness and swelling of the skin. Soft tissue bacteria infection can range from small boils and carbuncles, to deeper skin abscesses. Impetigo is a type of bacteria infection at the skin surface. Deeper infections can result in cellulitis or erysipelas, and patients may become unwell with fever and chills.
Viral infections
Common skin viral infections include viral warts and molluscum contagiosum, resulting in multiple skin growths. Other viral infections include chickenpox, herpes simplex virus infection (cold sores), and shingles (herpes zoster infection)
Treatment for Skin Infections
Treatment is targeted at specific skin infections.
Fungal Infections Treatment
Topical anti-fungal creams and washes can be applied on the affected areas. Very often, oral anti-fungal medication needs to be prescribed for more extensive fungal infection or for cases of nail fungal infection which can be more resistant to topical treatment. Recurrence of the fungal infection is a common problem.
Bacterial Infections Treatment
Oral antibiotics are usually sufficient to treat simple infections. For more severe cases, intravenous infusion of antibiotics may be required. Surgical drainage is usually required for deeper skin abscesses.
Viral Infections Treatment
Skin growths of viral warts and molluscum contagiosum can be treated with regular cryotherapy, or cantharidine application. For stubborn warts, options of electrosurgery or laser ablation may be considered. Herpes virus infections (cold sores, shingles) can be treated with oral anti-viral medication.
Book a Consultation & Protect Your Skin
Early detection is key to effectively treating Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Our team of experienced dermatologists and skin surgeons are here to help you identify, diagnose, and manage any suspicious skin changes with precision and care. Don’t ignore unusual spots or slow-healing lesions — book your appointment today for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
Our Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
Background
- UK (Oxford) Fellowship trained Dermatologist, specialising in Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
- UK-educated with more than 25 years clinical experience
- Accredited Dermatologist by Ministry of Health and Specialist Accreditation Board, Singapore
- Former Senior Dermatologist in private dermatology group practice
- Former Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology Surgery Services and Eczema Clinic at Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Former Visiting Consultant Dermatologist at Military Medical Institute Specialist Centre, Singapore Armed Forces
Fellowship & Accreditation
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology), Singapore
- Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, University of Oxford, UK
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Contact Information
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465
Email Address
- contact@stratumskin.com.sg
Book an Appointment
Please fill in this form and we will give you a call back to arrange an appointment with our dermatologist.
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465