Contagious Skin Conditions

We normally think of our skin as our body’s line of defense against infections. Sometimes, however, our skin is the victim of an uncomfortable – and sometime contagious – condition. Here are a few common issues:

Molluscum Contagiosum

These are common warts caused by a virus. The lesions are small skin-colored or pink bumps, which sometimes have a central white indentation and may be called “water warts” because they resemble fluid filled blisters. The bumps can appear on any area of the body including inside the mouth and in the groin area. Molluscum mainly affects children, but adults commonly get this virus, which is spread person to person through close skin contact. By touching or scratching lesions, victims spread the virus on themselves and develop more molluscum, which may itch.

Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is contagious. The virus can spread from human contact and also from contact with infected objects. Use caution when walking around public restrooms, swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, showers and in your private residence when someone in your household has warts. Warts on the hands and feet may grow inward from pressure and pain may develop. They also have a tendency to bleed when injured.

Scabies

Scabies is an intensely itchy and contagious mite infestation. The scabies rash typically develops 2-6 weeks after exposure. The most common complaint is itching which is intensified at night. Scabies typically presents with “burrows” (linear, curved slightly elevated bumps) most commonly found near finger webs, wrists, sides of hands and feet, the penis, buttocks and skin folds. On infants, palms and soles may be affected. The head and neck are uncommonly affected.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of a nail. The fungus that causes it is present just about everywhere. It is found in dead flakes of skin, in pet dander and in the soil. When susceptible individuals (susceptibility is inherited and increases with age), contact the fungus, it invades and infects the nail. The infected nail can appear thickened, discolored or partially removed. Since nails can appear abnormal in a variety of other conditions (psoriasis, eczema, trauma), a fungal culture and nail biopsy are needed to diagnose. Fungal cultures typically take 4-8 weeks.

Dealing with a skin condition? Please request an appointment online or call us at 803.329.6030 for appointment with one of our experts.