Top 10 contagious skin rashes (with photos)
In this article we will show you the top 10 contagious skin rashes (with photos). You should avoid contact with people that have one of these until their problem has gone away (or largely).
1. Athlete’s foot
- Athlete’s foot is a skin fungal infection, caused by Tinea pedis, that affects the feet
- It is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact
- Walking barefoot around the pool or in the shower at the gym increases the chance of contracting athlete’s foot
- People who have diabetes are at greater risk
- Antifungal topical medications are effective.
2. Cold sores
- Cold sores are small blisters or cluster of blisters that often develop around the mouth or on the lip
- This skin infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- They spread from person to person by close and direct contact, such as kissing
- It is contagious until all the sores have scabbed over.
- You should avoid kissing people or having sex until the sore has completely healed
- This takes about 10 days, but there are also antiviral medications and ointments available to treat them.
3. Chickenpox
(and shingles)
- A highly contagious viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
- Mainly affects children, and there are outbreaks in schools
- Clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body
- Rash usually accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite
- Remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over.
Shingles
Can affect the body (one sided)
Or the face
Blisters, close up- Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it
- It is also caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, VZV but more common in adults
- Causes a painful, burning rash that affects one side of the body, mainly the body or face – usually in a band-like pattern
- It may burn, tingle, or itch even if there are no blisters present
- There are clusters of fluid-filled blisters that break easily and weep fluid
- The risk of spreading the virus is low if the infected person covers their shingle blisters. Once the blisters scab is over, they’re no longer contagious.
4. Genital herpes (or ‘herpes’)
- Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) also caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- This virus affects the anal region, external genitalia, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body
- It is a long-term condition of which signs and symptoms are often not very visible (e.g. if on the cervix)
- It spreads from skin-to-skin contact often during oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, and kissing.
5. Impetigo
- This is a highly contagious bacterial infection usually due to either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
- Most common in children 2 to 5 years olds. However, adults can get it too. It is most likely to occur in humid and warm environments
- Usually located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose
- Irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-coloured crust
- It can also be on the arms, or legs; and less commonly in form of large blisters which affect the armpits or groin
- Other factors increase the risk of contracting impetigo: dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency disorders, HIV/AIDS, and other prickly skin disorders
- It is treatable using topical antibiotics.
6. ‘Jock itch’
- This is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy and annoying rash in people who sweat a lot, such as sportspeople
- It is caused by Tinea Cruris
- Often found in the buttock, genital, and thigh region
- It spreads from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact as well as contact with unwashed clothing
- Responds well to topical antifungal creams, through oral medication is needed sometimes.
7. Ringworm
- This is a fungal infection – caused by Tinea Corporis – which spreads on the top layer of the skin. As per its name it appears to be a ring-like red rash that causes intense itching
- Itchy, circular scaly patches with raised borders
- On lighter skin tones, the patches can appear pink or red
- Skin in the middle of the ring appears clearer, and the edges of the ring may spread out
- Spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with a contaminated person or animal. Anyone can contract ringworm by touching infected objects, such as clothing, hair accessories, or towels
- Mild ringworm usually responds to antifungal cream. Though there might be a need to take antifungal medication for several weeks.
8. Scabies
- A contagious skin infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei
- Symptoms may take 2-5 weeks to appear
- Extremely itchy rash with small bumps that may be scaly
- It can occur anywhere on the body, but the mites tend to prefer certain areas, especially the hands (especially the skin between the fingers and around the nails. Can also be found around the belly button and waist, or on the knees or on the buttocks
- Scabies is communicable through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
- To cure scabies, a prescription for a topical lotion or shampoo is required.
9. Oral thrush (candidiasis)
- Thrush is an oral candida (a yeast) infection that causes yellow or creamy white patches to appear on the roof, sides, lips, gums, and tongue
- It can easily spread to the throat, tonsils, or oesophagus
- Antifungal topical creams are very effective in treating this infection
- Most skin conditions get better within a week or two, although recurrences are common.
10. Warts and verrucas
Warts
- Warts are non-cancerous skin growths that show when a virus contaminates the upper layer of the skin
- Generally harmless lesions caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that eventually clear up without treatment, but take a long time to do so
- These are usually skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark brown or grey, flat, and smooth.
- There are also a number of treatments available, including freezing them, acid treatments, laser treatments or gels.
Verrucas
- A type of wart that commonly appears on the foot (plantar wart)
- They sometimes have a black dot in the middle of them, and can cause a lot of pain when walking
- Most verrucas go away on their own, but if they are painful you may want to remove them
- There are a number of different gels available to treat verrucas. They can also be frozen.
Summary
We have shown your the top 10 contagious skin rashes, with photos of them. We hope it has been helpful.
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