Skin infection refers to any condition where harmful microorganisms—such as bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus or Streptococcus), viruses (e.g., herpes simplex or varicella-zoster), fungi (e.g., dermatophytes causing ringworm), or parasites—invade the skin through breaks like cuts, scratches, follicles, or compromised barriers, leading to inflammation and potential spread to deeper tissues. Common examples include bacterial types like cellulitis (red, swollen, painful areas often on legs), impetigo (honey-crusted sores, especially in children), folliculitis (pimple-like bumps around hair follicles), abscesses (pus-filled lumps), viral conditions like warts or shingles, and fungal infections like athlete’s foot or candidiasis. Symptoms typically involve redness, swelling, warmth, pain, itching, pus, blisters, rashes, or fever in more severe cases; while many are mild and resolve with proper hygiene or over-the-counter treatments, others require medical intervention such as topical/oral antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals, antivirals, or drainage for abscesses—untreated severe infections can lead to complications like sepsis, so prompt evaluation is advised if spreading redness, high fever, or systemic symptoms occur.