[Common skin infections in primary care]

Skin infections are common in primary care and have varied manifestations, most often benign. Careful assessment of lesion morphology and distribution, combined with history-taking and evaluation of host factors, generally helps guide management. This article provides a practical approach to five common conditions: impetigo, folliculitis, skin abscesses, dermatophytosis, and scabies. For each, it reviews the main clinical features, differential diagnoses, indications for microbiological sampling, and appropriate treatment. Special emphasis is placed on hygiene measures, management of close contacts, and judicious use of anti-infectious treatments. Recognizing extensive or recurrent disease and warning signs helps identify situations requiring systemic treatment or specialist advice.