While both involve inflammation, an infection of the skin is different than dermatitis. Skin infections are caused by an invasion of pathogenic microorganisms (germs) that multiply in the skin tissue. This can result in subsequent tissue injury and progress to overt disease.

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  Viral:

• Herpes simplex (cold sores)

• Herpes zoster (shingles)

 

  Bacterial:

• Impetigo: a highly contagious infection, usually caused by bacteria, that is characterized by blisters and sores that can break open and ooze. Impetigo is most common in very young children.

 

 Boils (Furuncles and Carbuncles)

• painful, pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected,  inflamed hair follicles.

                     

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• is an infection of the hair follicles (usually bacterial but in rare cases can be caused by a fungus).

                             

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• is an infection of the soft tissue.

 

                (ringworm)