What Are Skin and Soft Tissue Infections?
Skin and soft tissue infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens invade the skin, underlying tissue, or hair follicles. Common conditions treated by Dr. Rao include cellulitis (a spreading bacterial skin infection), abscesses (pus-filled pockets under the skin), infected wounds or cuts, folliculitis, and fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and candidiasis. Symptoms vary but often include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and in more serious cases, fever or discharge.
When to Seek Care
Many skin infections can be effectively managed in a primary care setting, particularly when caught early. Dr. Rao evaluates the type, severity, and extent of the infection to determine whether oral antibiotics, antifungal medications, or in-office procedures such as abscess drainage are appropriate. Prompt treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading to deeper tissues or entering the bloodstream, which can become a more serious medical concern.
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What to Expect
During your visit, Dr. Rao will examine the affected area, review your medical history, and discuss any prior skin conditions or antibiotic use. A wound culture or swab may be taken to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic selection. For abscesses requiring drainage, the procedure is performed in-office with appropriate anesthesia for patient comfort. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to monitor healing progress, and any concerns can be communicated directly through the patient portal.