Most of us must have experienced problems with the skin such as rashes, itches, burns, ooze or a sting. Not all skin problems are serious. Some of the skin problems may be caused by infections that may be contagious. When such skin diseases occur, it is important to consult with a skin specialist or visit a skin clinic immediately.
Scabies
Scabies is an itchy rash that is found between the fingers, on the knees and buttocks, or near the waist and belly button. It may take the form of blistery bumps and can be transmitted from one person to the other. It is caused by a mite named Sarcoptes scabei. Scabies usually spreads through physical contact or in crowded areas such as hospitals and nursing homes.
A topical lotion or shampoo is prescribed for the treatment of scabies. Hot water should be used to wash the bedding and clothes of the patient, and they should be dried under a hot drier. People who come in contact with the affected person should be treated as well.
Athlete’s foot
It is a fungal infection that causes unpleasant symptoms in the feet, such as an itching or burning sensation in the foot, or cracking and peeling of the skin. It usually spreads in public places like in a locker room, gyms or public shower etc. Toe-nails may turn thick and discolored, if the infection spreads to the toes.
Normally, topical lotions and oral antifungal medicines are prescribed for treating an athlete’s foot infection. Besides the treatment, the infected person should keep their toes dry after they take a shower. Other preventive steps include, wearing wide shoes, discarding old worn-out shoes that have been used for exercising, avoiding putting on other’s shoes, wearing loose shoes such as flip-flops, water shoes or sandals in the public areas and avoiding barefoot walking.
Impetigo
It is one of the most common skin infections observed mostly in kids aged 2 to 5. This is a relatively mild infection and can be treated with a topical antibiotic. For serious cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Ringworm
It appears as a red, scaly and itchy rash that looks like a ring. Similar to fungal infections, ringworms are also contaminated in public places such as in a locker room. It usually spreads through the feet. Sources of contamination may include sharing towel of an infected person, using gym equipment that has been used by an infected person and has not been cleaned. Ringworms may also be spread from pets.
Ringworms are usually treated with lotions or oral antifungal.
Jock Itch
Usually observed among teenage boys or young men, it is an infection that infects the upper region of the thighs beside the scrotum, which causes red and itchy lesions. Men involved in sports who need to wear athletic equipment regularly tend to develop this infection. Jock itch can be spread through a skin-to-skin contact or unwashed clothes.
Thus these are some of the skin diseases that you need to be aware of and if you are experiencing any problem with your skin and not sure about an appropriate skin treatment, you may visit a skin clinic and consult with a skin specialist.