Infected Skin

Skin infections occur when pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses are able to penetrate the skin and spread. In healthy skin, both harmful and beneficial microorganisms coexist within the skin microbiome in balance with the skin barrier, without causing infection. However, when this balance between the skin microbiome and the skin barrier is disrupted—for example, due to an overgrowth of infectious microorganisms or damage to the skin such as cuts or burns—the skin barrier weakens, making the skin more susceptible to infections.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are a common type of skin infection and include conditions such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. In athlete’s foot, for example, fungi overgrow in warm, moist environments such as shoes and socks. The condition often appears on the soles of the feet and between the toes, where moisture and warmth are most prevalent. Fungal infections are typically characterised by itching, cracking, burning sensations, or breakdown of the skin.

Many types of fungi naturally exist in the human body. One particularly resilient type is Candida. When environmental conditions allow it to grow uncontrollably, this yeast-like fungus can cause several skin infections, including yeast infections and candidiasis. For effective management, the overgrowth of such microorganisms should be controlled while avoiding further damage to the skin.

Bacterial Infections

As the name suggests, bacterial skin infections are caused by bacteria. One common example is a staph infection, which is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Staph infections typically begin when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, bite, or wound. Bacterial skin infections can range from conditions such as cellulitis and impetigo to more severe, antibiotic-resistant infections.

Regardless of the specific type, a common preventive and supportive approach to managing bacterial skin infections includes the use of appropriate sanitising products that help keep the skin hygienic for a certain period without causing irritation or sensitisation. In many cases, over-the-counter topical products may help reduce mild skin infections, including early-stage staph infections.

Sanitising Creams for Skin Infections

There are many skin-cleansing creams available on the market, but choosing the right one is important. Creams containing harsh ingredients may worsen skin infections by further damaging the already compromised skin barrier. For this reason, it is advisable to review product ingredients carefully and opt for mild sanitising formulations that gently disinfect the skin.

Propolis is known for its fungicidal and bactericidal properties. When included in the formulation of a sanitising cream, propolis may enhance the disinfecting effect alongside other active ingredients. At the same time, it is essential to remember that skin infections often involve a weakened skin barrier, which also requires support from key barrier components such as moisture. Therefore, Coresatin® Propolis Itch Relief-Purifying Cream can be safely used to gently cleanse the skin from infections while penetrating the essential skin-conditioning ingredients.