Skin and Subcutaneous Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Skin and Subcutaneous Infections?
A dermatologist specializes in the skin, hair, and nails. Mild infections are often treated first by a primary care doctor, who may refer severe or recurring cases to a dermatologist or surgeon. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Skin and subcutaneous infections affect the skin or the layer of fat and tissue just beneath it. Germs such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi can get into these layers through a cut, scrape, insect bite, or surgical wound. Once inside, they can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
Symptoms
Common signs include skin that is red, warm, swollen, or tender to the touch. Some people develop a pus-filled bump, fever, chills, blisters, or red streaks spreading from the sore spot. Pain that gets worse instead of better is another warning sign.
Causes and who gets it
Bacteria are the most common cause. Staphylococcus aureus normally lives on the skin until it gets inside, and Streptococcus can cause cellulitis, a spreading infection of deeper skin layers. Fungi cause problems like athlete's foot, and viruses cause warts or cold sores.
Anyone can get a skin infection, but risk is higher in people with diabetes, weak immune systems, poor leg circulation, or obesity. Breaks in the skin also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Most skin infections are diagnosed by looking at the skin and asking about symptoms. Sometimes the doctor takes a sample of pus or skin for lab testing. If the infection seems deep or unusual, imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be used.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the germ and how serious the infection is. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, given by mouth or through a vein in a hospital for serious cases. An abscess, a pocket of pus under the skin, may need to be drained by a doctor. Fungal infections get antifungal medicines, and viral infections may get antivirals. Mild infections often clear within days to a couple of weeks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a sore is getting bigger, more painful, or more red over time. Get care quickly if you have a fever with a skin infection, or red streaks spreading from the area. Also seek care if the skin turns black, feels very hard, or the pain seems much worse than the sore looks.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can handle mild skin infections, offering longer visits and easier scheduling. They can prescribe antibiotics, drain some small abscesses, and refer severe cases to a specialist.
Common questions
Can a skin infection go away on its own?
Some very mild infections may clear up without treatment, but many need medicine. It is hard to tell how serious an infection is just by looking, so it is safer to have a doctor check it.
Are skin infections contagious?
Some are. Certain bacterial, viral, and fungal infections spread through skin contact or by sharing towels and razors. Keeping the area clean and covered lowers the chance of spreading germs.
How can I lower my risk?
Wash cuts and scrapes with soap and water, keep them covered until healed, wash your hands often, and do not share personal items like towels or nail clippers.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
