Skin occlusion occurs when something, usually a topical medication, is trapped on and, as a result, gets absorbed by your skin. If you have ever applied an antibacterial ointment to a cut, then covered that cut with a bandage, you have used skin occlusion to prevent infection and speed the healing process.

Belly button piercing infections are not common if you follow the instructions from your piercer and have your piercing done by a professional who is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers.

Nystatin is an anti-fungal medication available as orally consumed pills or liquids, as a topical cream, and as a cream insertion. Medline Plus notes that nystatin is associated with skin irritation and itching in its cream form, and with diarrhea, nausea and skin rashes as a tablet.

A boil is a tender, warm and swollen red bump on the skin that resembles a pimple. It contains a white material called pus, which is a sign of bacterial infection. Boils -- also known as furuncles -- arise from a deep infection of the hair follicle.

Fungal sinusitis is an inflammatory infection of the sinuses caused by certain types of fungi. There are three major types of fungal sinus infections: fungus balls, allergic fungal sinusitis and invasive fungal sinusitis. The symptoms of these fungal sinus infection vary and range in severity from mild to severe.

Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that are all around us. They come in many different sizes and shapes, and this is a common way to classify them—by their morphology, or shape and appearance. The three basic shapes of bacteria are spherical, rod shaped and spiral.

Bacteria and other pathogens are nearly omnipresent in our world. While our immune system has the ability to protect the body from their harmful effects, it is when these invaders reach toxic levels that infection can occur. Bacterial and other infections should be treated by a trained health care professional.

If you're recovering from an appendectomy, the surgery to remove an inflamed or infected appendix, follow your doctor's orders carefully. Most people recover quickly and uneventfully, but there are things to watch out for. Look at your incision site often and pay attention to any signs of infection.

Toenails are made up of a protein called keratin. This protein works to cover and protect the sensitive skin of the nail bed. Sometimes, when the nail becomes injured, it detaches from the nail bed and turns black. Home removal of a toenail should only be done in this case.

A gum infection, or periodontitis, occurs when bacteria present in dental plaque spread to the gums. MayoClinic.com notes that it is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis can lead to a gingival abscess, which occurs when pus caused by the disintegration of nerves and blood vessels forms in your gums.

Bacteria grow in very diverse conditions, which explains why they are found nearly everywhere on Earth. Although bacteria are good at adapting to their environments, certain conditions promote bacterial growth more than others. These conditions include temperature, moisture, pH and environmental oxygen.

Staph infections occur when staphylococcus bacteria, which normally live on the skin or in the nose, get into the bloodstream and attack other organs, causing diseases like pneumonia, endocarditis, impetigo, blood poisoning, boils and toxic shock syndrome.