Contagious Skin Problems
There are certain types of skin rashes and irritations that can be transmitted and spread from person to person. These contagious skin problems can be caused by a number of factors, and contact with others should be avoided to reduce the chances of passing the rash on to others.
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Scarlet Fever
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Scarlet fever is an extremely infectious illness that causes a rash on the skin. This rash makes the skin appear red and blotchy. Scarlet fever is often accompanied by a painful sore throat and a fever and is treated with antibiotics. It is important to know that scarlet fever is a serious illness that was potentially fatal before antibiotics were used to treat it.
Chicken Pox
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Chicken pox creates a skin problem characterized by the presence of blistery spots covering the skin. Typically a child's illness, chicken pox is a contagious ailment that is usually very itchy and seen with a mild fever. Treatment involves applying anti-itching lotion and rest. People who have chicken pox should avoid contact with others until the blistery spots are healing.
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Poisonous Plants
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Certain woodland plants are poisonous, and if someone is afflicted with a skin problem resulting from contact with a poisonous plant, it can be contagious to others. The poisonous plants will secrete a chemical defense onto the skin when touched, which causes an extremely itchy rash. If someone else touches this rash, the chemicals can spread to that person's skin as well. The most common poisonous plants include poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, which are located in woodland forests and thickets. Treatment involves application of an anti-itch lotion.
Scabies
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Scabies is a contagious skin problem characterized by an extremely itchy rash that covers certain parts of the body, including the abdomen, genitals and between the fingers and toes. Scabies are tiny mites that live on the skin and can lead to severe itching that can cause a person to actually scratch their skin off. It is treated with topical anti-microbial creams, and anyone that has been in close contact with the infected person should be treated.
Shingles
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Shingles is a rash that appears on the abdomens, arms and upper legs and resembles chicken pox in appearance. It is very contagious and usually affects people with autoimmune problems and the elderly. Shingles is usually accompanied by a fever, and treatment should be overseen by a medical doctor.
Measles
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