Know 3 contagious skin diseases

There are contagious skin diseases and others that are not dangerous to those around. Stay up to date with the most common contagious.

Suspect you may have one of the contagious skin diseases? There are several types of skin diseases, some of which are contagious and some are not. That’s why it’s important to recognize them as soon as possible so you don’t pass them on to your family or friends.

When we notice something strange on the skin of someone sitting next to us, we wonder what it could be. From weird spots, extreme dryness or even scales, the appearance can be different.

But fortunately, most skin conditions are not contagious. That is, there should be no alarm signal. we talk about seborrhea or psoriasisfor example, that they are not contagious pathologies.

However, another type of skin disease requires special attention precisely because it is contagious. Stay with us and know how to identify them.

The 3 most common contagious skin diseases

One of the most common contagious skin diseases is human scabies or scabies. It is an infectious and contagious skin disease.

It is caused by a parasite that lives in our skin, and the female digs a tunnel where she deposits her eggs, eventually causing an allergic reaction.

As for the symptoms of this disease, they usually appear between 3 and 4 days after infection and can even last for several weeks. Are they:

• itching or itching (especially at night);
• rashes (looks like pins and needles) in areas of the body – on the hands, between the fingers, breasts, armpits, abdomen, genitals and buttocks;
• scabs and flaking.

Care to be taken with scabies

If you suspect that you may have scabies, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you can receive an assertive diagnosis. Then, in order not to transmit the disease to anyone else, you must:

• thoroughly wash all underwear, bedding and pajamas in boiling water;
• if the doctor recommends, extend the treatment to your family or to all those with whom you live and share the same space.

With regard to treatment, this essentially consists of the topical application of specific solutions indicated by the doctor.. In some cases, it may be necessary to resort to oral treatment as well.

Mycoses are infections caused by fungi that affect our skin, nails and hair. Deep down, they are present everywhere and can be found in animals and on the ground.

Due to the substance that is present on the surface of the skin, nails and hair (called keratin), fungi love to proliferate in these places as it is a source of nutrients.

There are several types of mycoses on the skin, but the most common are pityriasis versicolor, candidiasis, ringworm and onychomycosis.

What are the symptoms we should be on the lookout for?

In most cases, the first manifestations of mycoses are mild and can even result in the appearance of blisters, fissures, spots, itching or even scales.

It all depends on its evolution, location and, of course, the patient’s state of health.

How is mycosis treated?

Treatment depends on the type of ringworm and its severity. So:

• for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, topical or oral antifungal drugs are usually used;
• when it comes to mycosis due to Candida (candidiasis), these are easily cured with the use of antifungal creams. Normally, they should be applied between 7 and 10 consecutive days;
• for ringworms, treatment is with antimycotic creams;
• with regard to onychomycosis, local or oral medications are usually used. These are the most difficult and time-consuming nail mycoses to treat (which can last for more than 12 months).

If in doubt, contact your doctor.

Also known as Shingles, herpes zoster is a communicable skin disease that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. The virus is transmitted through direct and indirect contact. That is, by contaminated objects for a week after the appearance of lesions.

Symptoms to watch out for

Usually, the symptoms begin with intense pain and after a few days, red spots appear that develop into blisters and later into crusts.

In addition, these bubbles appear over a red area and in a kind of band. We can list the following symptoms:

• ache;
• fever and chills;
• abdominal discomfort;
• feeling of heat;
• itch;
• hyper or Hypo skin sensitivity;
• tingling or numbness in the affected areas;
• headache.

It all depends on the state of the disease and of course the state of the patient. Therefore, if you think you may be facing this disease, contact your doctor.

What kind of treatment is performed in these cases?

Treatment for Herpes Zoster is done using antiviral drugs and pain relievers prescribed by the doctor. The aim is to alleviate symptoms and promote rapid healing of wounds in order to decrease the risk of transmission.

When in doubt as to whether or not you are facing one of these contagious skin diseases, always talk to your doctor. After all, only in this way will you be able to obtain an assertive diagnosis and adapt the treatment to your body and the state of your disease.