Contagious Skin Diseases
Many Different Causes

The next major cause of these diseases is bacterial, and a third major cause is fungal. If you're interested in discovering more about these types of skin diseases as well as seeing pictures of them, you've come to the right place. Dive in...

Contagious Skin Diseases
Bacterial Diseases

• Scarlet Fever - This skin rash is actually caused by a toxin released by the same bacteria that causes strep throat. It was a major cause of death before antibiotics were widely used. It causes a rash that usually lasts about a week along with a fever and sore throat.
  It can usually be diagnosed by a throat culture, and should always be treated with antibiotics to avoid complications.

  If it is left untreated, further complications can develop such as rheumatic heart disease, meningitis, ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, or generalized "sepsis" (blood poisoning) which frequently results in death.

  When treated with antibiotics, the infection is usually cured within ten days, but it may take a few weeks before lymph node swelling goes down.
  

• Impetigo- Is a skin infection caused by either staph or strep bacteria. It usually affects small children the most, but children of any age may be infected, particularly if they play contact sports. It is characterized by fluid filled blisters that ooze and then crust over with a yellowish looking scab. It is very contagious.

  There are two major types. The first is less serious and only affects the upper layer of skin. It is known as Bullous Impetigo. It usually affects children under the age of two.

  The second is known as Ecthyma Impetigo. It penetrates into the dermis of the skin, and can cause ulcers, followed by scarring.

  Both types are usually treated with antibiotic creams. The more serious type is also sometimes treated with oral antibiotics. A more natural treatment is hydrogen peroxide, or a cream containing a 1% hydrogen peroxide mix.

  It is spread by direct contact, or some people can carry the bacteria in their nose. It isn't contagious to unbroken healthy skin, but if there is a cut, or rash, the bacteria may cause impetigo there.

Contagious Skin Diseases
Fungal Diseases

• Ringworm -Ringworm is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte. It can be passed from person to person, or from animals to people. Both dogs and cats can get an infection and then pass it to their owners.

  It can be diagnosed by scraping the skin rash and examining it under the microscope. If the fungus isn't immediately apparent, the skin cells are then cultured to be sure of an accurate diagnosis. Ringworm is treated with anti-fungal creams, or if the creams don't cure the infection oral anti-fungal medications can be taken.

  Living in crowded humid conditions, sweating heavily, and having a weakened immune system can all make a person more susceptible to ringworm. I'm thankful to say I haven't suffered from this condition, but I understand it can be extremely uncomfortable, and can occur almost anywhere on the body.
  

• Athlete's Foot - Is a fungal infection caused by the Trichophyton fungus. It usually grows in moist places such as public showers and bath houses.

  It is spread by people walking bare foot in places where others with the infection have walked. It usually infects people's feet, but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the groin area. When it spreads to the groin it is usually referred to as "jock itch".

  If you get athlete's foot you'll know you have it because the skin of your feet with start to flake, scale off, and itch all the time. You may also develop blisters and cracks in your skin, especially between the toes.

  Of course, that will hurt, swell, and cause inflammation.

  Keeping your feet dry and well ventilated will help, but you will probably need to use anti-fungal medicines to get rid of the infection once you have it.

  It can be treated with the same types of medicines used to treat ringworm. Either topical anti-fungal creams, or anti-fungal medications taken internally should enable healing from this condition.

Contagious Skin Diseases
Conclusions

But, if you are interested in those caused by viruses, you'll want to visit the skin disease photos page, where we cover them in depth.

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of these diseases so you don't ignore them instead of getting the necessary treatment to speed healing.

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