Viruses, the microscopic parasites, can only thrive and reproduce within a living host cell. When these viruses invade the cells of our skin, the human body's largest organ, they cause viral skin infections.
Such infections can range from mild to severe and often have a possibility of recurrence even after the symptoms have subsided. This is due to the fact that we have not yet discovered a cure for viral infections. However, there are several effective prevention and treatment methods available. In many instances, viral skin infections can be managed simply and promptly. However, the virus remains dormant in the body, leading to the possible recurrence of infection symptoms and extended treatment durations.
Let's delve into four common viral skin infections – their prevention and treatment:
Warts
Warts, the small bumps on your skin, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite our advancements in medical science, we have not yet been able to completely eliminate any virus, including HPV. We can control, prevent, and treat them, but their potency has been a challenge for humans for millennia.
Warts, although not a severe health issue, can be unsightly and contagious. They can sometimes be mildly painful and cause severe itching. These can appear anywhere on the body. More than 100 types of HPV can cause warts, the most serious type leading to genital warts, which can eventually cause cervical cancer in women.
The five most common types of warts are:
- Common Warts: These often appear on fingers and toes but can crop up anywhere on the body. They are usually grayer than surrounding skin, have a rough texture, and are rounded at the top.
- Plantar Warts: These grow on the soles of the feet, grow into the skin, and can cause discomfort while walking.
- Flat Warts: They appear as pink, slightly yellow, or brown spots on the arms, thighs, and face.
- Filiform Warts: These are found around the neck, under the chin, and near the mouth and nose. They appear as a tag or small flap of skin.
- Periungual Warts: These grow around and even under toenails and fingernails and can be extremely painful.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. It is highly contagious and primarily affects children. It starts with an itchy skin rash, which develops into blisters that burst, leak, and then crust over before healing.
Recovery usually takes about two weeks. Symptoms appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to an infected person. In rare, severe cases, the chickenpox blisters can spread to the genitals, nose, mouth, and eyes. A vaccination is available to prevent chickenpox.
Shingles
The Varicella-Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, can also cause shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster. The primary symptom is a burning or tingling sensation on the body, followed by clusters of red bumps that develop into painful blisters. These blisters, which can be itchy and tender, may burst and leak pus.
Long after the shingles infection has subsided, 1 in 6 people, particularly the elderly, may experience intense pain. Over half of all shingles cases occur in people over 60 years of age. Emotional or physical trauma, steroids, certain medications, or a serious illness can reactivate a dormant shingles virus.
Molluscum Contagiosum
The Molluscum Contagiosum virus causes a skin infection characterized by raised bumps or lesions on the skin. These lesions, usually painless and rarely leaving scars, disappear without treatment in most cases. They can spread through direct contact with an infected person or a contaminated object.
Although there are surgical and medical treatments available, treatment is typically not pursued as the condition is not a health concern and the lesions disappear within a few months in most cases. These smooth and shiny lesions can appear individually or in a group of up to 20 and can be found on hands, feet, abdomen, face, genitals, arms, or legs.
