When school is in session, there are plenty of opportunities to obtain contagious skin disorders. The close contact between children in the classroom, in the gym, and on the playground make them highly susceptible to obtaining an unwanted skin problem that is a nuisance. These skin disorders also carry a social stigma, indicating that if you have lice, ringworm, or scabies, you come from an unclean home environment. This is not true, as anyone can contract these skin conditions given the right environment. The most important thing you can do is address the problem and treat it effectively.
Ringworm – This is caused by several types of fungi that infect the skin and cause a red rash. The rash is often circular and scaly and also itchy. This can be similar to other types of skin rashes, so a dermatologist should be consulted if over-the-counter anti-fungal medications do not work. They can perform a skin scrape and look for fungal material under the microscope. This skin disorder is often found in wrestlers, who have lots of skin contact with minimal clothing to protect the skin.
Scabies – This skin disorder involves mites that burrow themselves under the skin and leave red bumps that are extremely itchy. The mites lay eggs under the skin and scabies can stay in the skin for a couple weeks. They like to be in areas where there is friction, so armpits and groin areas are favorite locations. Prescription cream will be necessary to get rid of the scabies and the entire family may need to apply to ensure they haven’t traveled to other family members.
Lice – These are small bugs that latch onto the hair shaft and crawl down to the scalp and bite. They move at the root of the hair and can be very itchy and uncomfortable. Special chemicals can be used to treat the lice and special combs can be used to comb them off of your hair shaft. You will also have to treat the whole family, to ensure there isn’t a re-infestation. Some people will shave their head, which is not that bad for boys, but girls may not want to lose their locks. The bedding and sheets should also be cleaned with high temperature water to ensure that none of the lice have burrowed in the fabric.
All of these skin conditions are extremely common and can be very hard to treat in certain circumstances. However, they are not life-limiting nor do they have any long-lasting effects after the treatment occurs. They are extremely annoying and unwanted visitors on our skin that will be banished with the proper course of action. This is why it is extremely important to meet with your local Batesville dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Hatfield, to determine what type of skin condition is occurring and to get the proper course of treatment. We will work with you to analyze the area of concern, perform a skin scrape, look under the microscope and come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you need help with any skin disorders in Batesville, Arkansas or surrounding areas, contact us today.