Several viral skin infections exist, ranging from those manageable with home remedies to those necessitating medical intervention.
Viral skin infections encompass a broad spectrum, varying from mild to severe, common to rare, and infectious to disease-causing. Some extend beyond the skin, affecting the entire body and leading to systemic discomfort and illness. Identifying these infections is crucial for appropriate treatment. Here, we discuss four common types of viral skin infections, their characteristics, and treatment options. Additionally, you can watch a video to learn about basic skincare during the rainy season.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
There exist two variants of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), namely HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 typically manifests as oral herpes or stomatitis, HSV-2 primarily presents as genital herpes, although this pattern can be reversed in some cases. HSV-1 infections commonly occur during childhood but can recur later in life triggered by factors such as stress and fever. Reactivation of HSV-1 may result in symptoms like scabbing, vesicular eruption, and paraesthesias, with treatment typically spanning about two weeks.
Conversely, HSV-2 is more commonly found in sexually active individuals, transmitted through direct exposure to mucous membranes. Unfortunately, HSV-2 represents a lifelong condition and remains incurable.
Varicella zoster
Varicella zoster virus is widely known as the causative agent of chickenpox during childhood and shingles in adulthood. This infection typically results in the formation of pus-filled lesions that typically take around two weeks to heal completely. Chickenpox, or varicella, is characterized by symptoms such as fever and cold, which rapidly progress to lesions evolving through various stages from eruption to shedding to crust formation.
In certain instances, complications may arise, including viral pneumonia, sepsis, bacterial infections, and even encephalitis. Pregnant women with varicella may face risks of fetal damage as well.
Shingles
Shingles, also known as zoster, primarily affects older adults, manifesting as a painful vesicular skin rash. Unlike chickenpox (varicella), shingles tends to localize in the lumbar and thoracic regions and is often associated with conditions causing immunosuppression, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and malignancies. The condition typically presents with a skin rash preceded by sensations of pain, burning, and paraesthesia.
Zoster can also involve cranial nerves, leading to complications such as encephalitis and Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. Interestingly, approximately 5% of individuals affected by shingles do not develop skin lesions. One of the most concerning complications of shingles is persistent pain, termed post-herpetic neuralgia, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection caused by the poxvirus, which spreads through skin-to-skin contact, autoinoculation, sexual contact, or contact sports. Essentially, this skin condition occurs when a healthy individual comes into close contact with an infected person carrying the virus. The characteristic lesions result from epidermal hyperplasia, appearing as papular rashes or waxy pearly blisters. Typically, an immunocompetent adult develops fewer than twenty nodules, with lesions appearing throughout the body except on the palms and soles, commonly found on the thighs, genital area, and neck. The duration of the infection can extend up to 8 months, with individual lesions taking about 1-2 months to fully resolve. However, immunocompromised patients or those with weakened immune systems may experience prolonged durations of infection.