Contagious skin diseases

1. Scabies. This itchy skin condition is caused by a tiny, eight-legged burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of the mites leads to itchy, blistery bumps in the area in which it burrows. In adults, scabies is most often found between fingers, in armpits, around the waist, along the insides of wrists, on the inner elbow, on the knees, and on the buttocks--but can be found in many other locations, too. In children, common sites of infestation include the scalp, face, neck, palms of the hand, and soles of the feet. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, daycare, school class, or nursing home.

2. Impetigo. Most common in children, this highly contagious skin condition often follows a recent upper respiratory infection. Impetigo begins as itchy, red sores that blister, emit fluid, and eventually becomes covered with a tightly adherent crust. Impetigo can easily be spread from one area of the body to another area through direct contact with sores and discharge on the skin. In most cases, impetigo can be treated with a prescription antibacterial cream, while more severe cases may require oral antibiotics. Although the sores of impetigo tend to heal slowly, they seldom scar.

3. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This common fungal infection can be easily spread in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms, and fitness centers. The symptoms can be numerous, ranging from itching, stinging, and burning between the toes to cracking and peeling skin on various areas of the feet. Sometimes the toenails become thick, ragged, or discolored and pull away from the nail bed. The good news is that athlete's foot usually responds well to antifungal ointments, lotions, powders, or sprays, although more severe cases may require oral medications.

4. Ringworm (tinea corporis). Characterized by an itchy, red circle of rash with healthy-looking skin in the middle, ringworm is closely related to athlete's foot and jock itch. This fungal infection develops on the top layer of the skin and can affect the arms, legs, stomach, and face. Although unsightly, ringworm usually isn't serious in healthy individuals. Extremely contagious, ringworm can be spread in the following ways: human to human (often through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person); animal to human (it's commonly spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats); object to human (it can live on clothing, towels, bed sheets, or brushes touched by an infected person); and soil to human (in rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans through contact with infected soil.

6. Vaginal yeast infection. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi are normally found on all surfaces of the body. However, under certain conditions, they can become so numerous that they throw of the body's natural balance, causing infections. In particular, they thrive in warm moist areas. In women, signs of a vaginal yeast infection are a white cheesy discharge that typically itches and irritates the vagina and surrounding outer tissues. On occasion, it may cause pain with sexual intercourse or burning with urination.

7. Thrush. Also caused by the candida fungi, thrush (oral candidiasis) produces thick, white patches on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the mouth. Thrush can make it difficult and painful to eat or drink, so it's important to avoid becoming dehydrated. Superficial candidal infections appear as a red, flat rash with sharp scalloped edges and may cause itching or pain. Most candidal infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter and clear within a week. In some cases, a prescription may be required.

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