Classical scabies is a parasitic infection that is caused by the presence of mites on the skin. The microscopic human itch mites burrow shallow tunnels into the upper layer of the skin.1 The human itch mite is an eight-legged bug that is less that 1mm large, and is nearly impossible to view without a microscope.3 The mites…
Tag: rash
Herpes
Herpes is a viral disease also known as HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). There are more than 70 different strains of the herpes virus, although humans are susceptible to only four of them. There are two types of HSV. Herpes Type I is most commonly found above the waist — in the mouth, nose, and eyes…
Pubic Lice
Trigger warning: This article includes graphic and highly detailed photos of pubic lice infestations that some people may find upsetting. If you wish to proceed, do so with caution of the explicit imagery. Pubic lice, often referred to as “crabs” due to their claw-like front legs, are small parasitic insects.3 Also known as “Phthirus pubis”…
An Overview of Parasitic Infections
A parasitic infection is a disease that is transmitted by parasites. Parasites are microscopic organisms that live inside or on the exterior of a larger host, using the host as their food source.1 There are three types of parasites that target humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can pass to…
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) from the Poxviridae family, which causes pearl-like bumps on the skin. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected skin, indirect contact via objects or materials that carry the virus (e.g., towels, razors, toys, clothing, bedding, gym equipment), and…
An Overview of STIs
The Basics Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread through sexual contact such as intercourse, oral sex, kissing, or shared sex toys. Also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), these conditions are more often asymptomatic than not, which means an infected individual does not show signs of infection. To contract an STI,…
Genital Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become damaged, infected, and inflamed.1 Genital folliculitis, or vaginal folliculitis, is a form of folliculitis that occurs in the female genital area.2 Although the infection is not contagious, the close proximity of hair follicles in that region can allow for the infection to spread.2 This infection can cause the inflamed…
Breast Cancer
The breast is a secondary sex organ located on top of the pectoral muscle of the torso. The breasts, also called mammaries, produce milk (lactate) so that a mother can feed her infant child. Each breast is composed of both fatty tissue and mammary glands. Mammary glands are connected to the nipple via milk ducts,…
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Warning: If you show signs of toxic shock syndrome including fever, vomiting, low blood pressure, or a sunburn-like rash, particularly during menstruation and tampon use or if you have had a recent surgery, we advise you to seek immediate medical attention. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial…