Skin Infections

Infections: Common and Surprisingly Stubborn

Athlete's foot may affect as many as 90 percent of Americans. This fungal infection shows up as sores between the toes, or as a blistering rash on the foot. Another type of athlete's foot manifests itself as a very mild inflammation and dry scaling of the entire sole of the foot, along with infection of the toenails. Treatment consists of dressings of tap water or a weak salt solution. Oral antibiotics and topical and oral antifungal medicines are also used. Other fungal infections of the skin include tinea versicolor and dermatophytosis (ringworm).

Other infection-related skin diseases include herpes and warts -- both of which are viral infections; impetigo; folliculitis, furunculosis, carbunculosis, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome -- all bacterial infections; scabies -- caused by the itch mite; cutaneous larva migrans -- a reaction to infestation by hookworms and roundworms; and pediculosis -- caused by parasitic forms of lice.

Also common are such skin conditions as hives, which are treated with antihistamines and the removal of the offending agent; and vitiligo, a condition in which pigment cells are destroyed, which is treated with repigmentation drugs activated by ultraviolet light.

• Acne
• Rosacea and Rhinophyma
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Skin Infections
• Skin Cancer