1. Carbuncle - is an infection of the You can generally treat small boils at hair follicle(s) that extends into the home by applying warm compresses to surrounding skin and deep relieve pain and promote natural underlying subcutaneous tissue. drainage. They typically present as an erythematous, tender, inflamed, For larger boils and carbuncles, fluctuant nodule with multiple treatment may include: draining sinus tracts or pustules on • Incision and drainage. Your doctor the surface. Systemic symptoms may drain a large boil or are usually present, and regional carbuncle by making an incision in lymphadenopathy may occur. it. Deep infections that can't be completely drained may be packed with sterile gauze to help soak up and remove additional pus. • Antibiotics. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help heal severe or recurrent infections. 2. Hives - also known as urticaria, are The standard treatment for hives is itchy, raised welts that are found antihistamines that don't make you on the skin. They’re usually red, drowsy. These medications reduce pink, or flesh colored on lighter skin itching, swelling and other allergy and may be flesh colored or symptoms. They're available in slightly lighter or darker than your nonprescription and prescription skin tone on brown or black skin. formulations. Drugs that suppress the immune system. Sometimes they sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or are a reaction to an irritant in the environment. 3. Chickenpox - also known as For most people, chickenpox causes mild varicella) is a highly infectious viral illness that gets better without specific infection caused by the varicella- treatment. You can relieve symptoms zoster virus. and prevent complications by: • resting It usually causes mild illness but • drinking plenty of fluids to prevent can reappear later in life as dehydration shingles. Newborn babies, • using paracetamol to bring down pregnant women and people with fevers a weakened immune system are • using creams or lotions, such as at increased risk of serious illness. calamine lotion, to reduce the Anyone who has not had itching – if you have a skin chickenpox or who has not been condition such as eczema ask your vaccinated against chickenpox is doctor or pharmacist about other at risk of infection. available creams • wearing mittens to prevent scratching – these can be worn by babies and young children • having colloidal oatmeal baths may also help reduce itching.
People with serious illness may need
treatment with antiviral medication and hospital admission. 4. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) - There are several medications and Atopic dermatitis, often referred to therapies that can help manage atopic as eczema, is a chronic (long- dermatitis symptoms. These include: lasting) disease that causes inflammation, redness, and • Topical steroid creams. irritation of the skin. It is a common Corticosteroid creams or ointments condition that usually begins in keep itching under control and childhood; however, anyone can help repair your skin. You should get the disease at any age. use them exactly as directed, as overuse can cause unpleasant side effects like thinning skin or loss of pigment.
• Oral steroids. In severe cases, your
healthcare provider may prescribe prednisone or other oral corticosteroids to help control inflammation. Follow all instructions. These drugs are only used short-term due to potential side effects, such as high blood sugar, glaucoma, slowed growth in kids and slower wound healing.
• Dupilumab (Dupixent). This new,
FDA-approved injectable medication can treat people with severe atopic dermatitis who haven’t had success with other treatment options.
• Antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals.
If atopic dermatitis becomes infected, your healthcare provider will prescribe these medications to eliminate infection and relieve your symptoms.
• Wet dressings. This intensive
approach involves applying steroid creams, then wrapping the skin with wet bandages. If you have a severe flare-up, a provider may perform this treatment in a hospital setting.
• Light therapy. People who have
severe flare-ups after traditional treatments often benefit from light therapy. During this treatment, your provider will use controlled amounts of ultraviolet rays on your skin. This type of therapy isn’t recommended long-term, as it can eventually increase your risk for skin cancer and premature aging. 5. Ringworm - is a common skin Several nonprescription (over-the- infection that is caused by a counter) and prescription antifungal fungus. It’s called “ringworm” medications are available to treat because it can cause a circular ringworm. Antifungals come in various rash (shaped like a ring) that is forms like creams, gels or powders. Your usually red and itchy. Anyone can healthcare provider can treat more get ringworm. The fungi that cause widespread ringworm with oral antifungal this infection can live on skin, medication. surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding. References: Hall, C. A. & Troxell, Todd (2023). Carbuncle. Star Pearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554459/#:~:text=A%20carbuncle%20is%20an% 20infection,or%20pustules%20on%20the%20surface Modglin, L. (2023). Hives: Pictures, Causes, and How to Treat Them. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/hives Chickenpox (n.d.). Better Health Channel. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chickenpox Atopic Dermatities (n.d.). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic- dermatitis#:~:text=Overview%20of%20Atopic%20Dermatitis,the%20disease%20at%20any %20age Ringworm (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4560-ringworm