Infections are a surprisingly common occurrence on the skin, and can affect individuals at any age. At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center in Wilmington, NC, our team of board-certified dermatologists are experienced in identifying and treating all varieties of skin infections to help eliminate symptoms, minimize discomfort, and get patients back to doing the things they enjoy most.
What is a Viral Skin Infection?
Viral skin infections are a broad medical category encompassing a wide variety of conditions caused by a virus (rather than a bacteria or other organism). This type of skin infection can be a reaction from a virus inside the body (systemic infection) or an infection of the skin itself (cutaneous infection).
Viral skin infections can range from mild to severe, common to rare, and self-limited to highly contagious, depending on the type of infection.
What are Some Common Types of Viral Skin Infections?
There are many types of viral skin infections, too numerous to list here. But to help you get a better idea of what a viral skin infection is, here are some common types you’re more likely to come across:
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Measles
- Rubella
- Fifth Disease
- Roseola
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Warts
- Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease