Lice are tiny insects that live on human hair and clothing fibers and can be seen with the naked eye. These tiny bugs attach to the hair and feed on human blood, causing intense itching in the affected areas. People can suffer from 3 different types of infestation: head lice (pediculosis capitis), body

Scabies is an intensely itchy rash caused by an infestation with a burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Infected individuals develop pink papules, excoriations, nodules, and burrows (thread like tracks in the skin). These findings mainly affect the hands, wrists, axillae (armpits), feet, waistline,

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper structures of the skin. The infection presents as a focal area of redness, swelling, and pain which is warm to the touch. These skin findings can be accompanied with fevers, chills, fatigue, and malaise. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body,

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida. Candida skin infections (cutaneous candidiasis) can occur at any site, but tends to favor warm, damp environments such as the skin folds and the groin region. Candida infections can also occur in the mouth (oral thrush) and in or around the nails

A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a painful, pus-filled bump that results from a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. It is a common skin infection, typically caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. The infection usually starts as a tender, pinkish-red, bump which fills with pus- becoming

Warts are non-cancerous, benign growths on the skin that are caused by infection from viruses known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common type of warts include: common warts, plantar warts (warts that appear on the soles of the feet), flat warts, and genital warts. Warts can present as rough,

Tinea versicolor, also called pityriasis versicolor, is a common skin infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast. Typically, it presents as patchy areas of lighter or darker discoloration on the trunk and shoulders that can be scaly in appearance. It can affect anyone, but is more common in teens

Tinea refers to a group of fungal infections which can affect the skin, hair, and nails. The specific name of the infection depends on the affected area of the body. A few common examples include: tinea capitis (infection of the scalp/head) - often referred to as ringworm tinea corporis (infection

Shingles is a rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (also known as the varicella zoster virus or VZV). Classically, the rash affects only one side of the body, within a single stripe or band known as a dermatome. There may be a prodrome consisting of pain, itching, or tingling localized

A cold sore is a blister or a cluster of blisters that typically form on or around the lips and mouth. Affected people can experience recurrent bouts of blister outbreaks, often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, stress, illness, or injury. The condition is caused by an infection by the

Molluscum, or molluscum contagiosum, is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). This benign condition typically presents with pink, round bumps with a central indentation. The number of bumps can range in number (few to hundreds) and in size (1-6mm). The bumps can

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (commonly the deer tick). Early symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects young children. It is most often caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Affected individuals present with sores that break open leading to honey-colored crusts and scabs. Though lesions can be found

Gential herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the herpes simplex virus- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Either type can cause genital herpes, but HSV-2 is responsible for

OVERVIEW You might have heard or been told that one way to prevent certain diseases is to avoid contact with the sick person, items used by such a person, or disinfect surfaces you suspect the ill person might have touched. At such times, you may wonder why such a precaution is taken. The answer is simple;

OVERVIEW There are many different types of fungal infections that can affect your skin. One of the most common types is Ringworm or Tinea Corporis. This condition impacts several people, but fortunately, there are treatment options that can help curb the symptoms. What is Ringworm? Ringworm d is a rash

OVERVIEW Infections caused by ticks are widespread in warm weather because more people are spending time outdoors, leading to an increase in infections. This infection can be lethal and life-threatening, so you should seek medical attention right away once you see signs of infection. What is Rocky Mountain

OVERVIEW The skin is the body's first line of immunity, also referred to as the innate immune system. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is also the first place where bacteria enter our bodies. Most infections occur when bacteria or germs find their way into the skin; this happens in the case of

OVERVIEW Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a virus known to cause a very common infection called herpes. Oftentimes, the infection can be asymptomatic and go undetected. However, it can also manifest in some people with painful blisters and sores on the skin- commonly around the mouth or in the genital area.

OVERVIEW A cold sore is a blister or a cluster of blisters that typically form on or around the lips and mouth. The condition is commonly referred to as herpes, herpes simplex labialis, or fever blisters. It is a life-long condition with affected people experiencing recurrent outbreaks of blisters from