There are many different organisms that can infect skin. These range from viral diseases like warts, molluscum contagiosum, and herpes (cold sores), to bacterial diseases like impetigo and folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles), to fungal diseases such as ringworm and tinea versicolor (“haole rot”), to parasitic infections such as scabies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to be treated?
When in doubt, get checked out! The only sure way to know what you are experiencing is to get it evaluated by the experts themselves.
What types of treatments are available?
Treatments vary depending on the diagnosis. Your dermatologist will go over all your options when examining you. He or she may take a skin scraping or culture to confirm your diagnosis. Treatment can vary from creams, pills, lotions, soaps, injections, or even laser therapy.