Coping with SKIN INFECTIONS

These are common and contagious. They can affect anyone and need prompt treatment

- Dr Gill

Scabies is very infectious. It’s caused by tiny mites laying eggs in the skin, leaving lines with a dot at one end. The rash is an allergic reaction to the mite or droppings, often between the fingers, and can cause intense itching, especially at night. The rash or spots may look red, spreading across the body, not usually on the head. Scabies isn’t usually serious, but needs treating. Your pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion to apply over the body, which you need to repeat one week later. Everyone in the home, and anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past eight weeks, needs treating at the same time, even if symptomless. Scabies can make other skin conditions worse.

Impetigo is common in children. It will improve in seven to 10 days if treated. Starting with itchy, red sores or blisters usually on your face or hands, they burst, leaving crusty, golden-brown patches. A GP will check it’s not more serious, then prescribe antibiotic cream, or tablets if it’s bad. If it keeps recurring, they’ll take a swab from the nose to check for bacteria and may prescribe an antiseptic nasal cream.

Other bacterial skin infections include cellulitis, erysipelas, folliculitis and boils, and are usually caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, typically diagnosed clinically and treated with specific antibiotics.