Generally, a skin infection occurs only after a known injury to the skin. However, a very minor injury may go unnoticed and may become infected. In cases like this, what looks like a rash may actually be a skin infection.

A rash breaks down the skin barrier and makes the skin more susceptible to infection. It is possible for a serious skin infection to develop in an existing rash. Signs of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever or chills with no other known cause.

Prompt treatment of a skin infection can prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding tissues or throughout the body.