Forty million Americans suffered from skin infections in 2013, according to a 2017 AAD reportโ€”many of which canโ€™t be cured with over-the-counter meds and can become contagious or deadly if not treated quickly.And theyโ€™re on the rise: 25 percent more Americans were admitted to hospitals in 2011 versus 2005 for serious bacterial skin infections such as MRSA and necrotizing fasciitis.
โ€œThe public doesnโ€™t understand the seriousness and the burden that skin diseases have on patients,โ€ says Columbia, Missouri, dermatologist Karen Edison, M.D., the deputy chair of the AADโ€™s Access to Dermatologic Care Committee. Here are a few common skin issues of concern:

MRSA

What it is: A contagious antibiotic-resistant bacterial skin infection

Symptoms: Usually starts out as swollen, red, painful bumps that look like spider bites, which then cause fever

Consequences: It can kill in as quickly as one week without careful treatment, typically an IV of an antibiotic to which it is not resistant.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

What it is: A bacterial skin infection that usually enters a cut or scrape, destroys tissue, and spreads quickly

Symptoms: Pain, soreness that feels like a pulled muscle, fever, chills, fatigue; can feel flu-like

Consequences: It can kill in days unless intravenous antibiotics are given. Surgery is sometimes necessary.

Psoriasis

What it is: An inflammatory skin disease that afflicts 7.5 million Americans

Symptoms: Red, scaly patches that itch or burn

Consequences: People with psoriasis often have widespread inflammation, putting them at risk for stroke and depression. Those with severe versions report low quality of life.