Skin infections are often caused by parasites, fungi or other germs penetrating the skin and spreading. At Hope Dermatology, we’re experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin infections. If skin infections aren’t properly managed, they can progress from being mildly irritating to life-threatening, so please consult a dermatologist to correctly diagnose and resolve your infection.
A highly contagious skin condition. It usually occurs on the face, neck, and hands of young children and infants. Impetigo is most commonly caused by two bacteria — streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus.
Molluscum contagiosum is a benign pox virus infection very commonly seen in young children. The cases we see at Hope Dermatology are the treatment-resistant ones.
It is caused by a virus (a pox virus) that, is spread through warm water, such as having baths and swimming lessons in a warm heated pool. Small pearly like umbilicated lesions are seen.
We are able to offer a variety of treatments including liquid nitrogen and other physical therapies, immune-contact therapy (in the forms of highly potent prescription creams) and irritant lotions. Some treatments are dermatologist-only treatments such as DCP cream, cantharidine and imiquimod.
Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection progresses, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails and can take some time to treat. We have a range of effective anti-fungal medications that we can prescribe, depending on your infection.
Ringworm is also called tinea, and is a contagious skin condition occurring in ring like patches. It is, caused by a fungal (dermatophyte infection). It can affect the body skin (tinea corporis), hair (tinea capitis), groin (tinea cruris or “jock-itch”) or the nails (onychomycosis). Depending on the body area affected, the treatment will vary but includes creams, tablets and even laser therapies.
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by parasitic mites leading to red, itching bumps or blisters on the skin. It is highly contagious and hence it is important to treat this condition promptly to avoid spread to others. Treatments include creams and tablets and anti-itch soothing creams.
These are very common, small hard, scaly lesions, caused by a viral infection. The most common location of warts will be on the hands and feet. Children will commonly be affected by warts due to their immature immune system and also direct spread of warts between children.
Viral warts commonly present to us in our clinic when treatments available to patients over-the-counter have been ineffective.
Treatment options include liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) treatments, immno-contact therapy, strong keratolytic creams, irritant drops, oral tablets and rarely local chemotherapy injection for difficult and resistant cases.
Viral warts can also occur in the genital areas and can be treated with a variety of modalities as above also. In the case of genital warts, it is also advisable to have a full STD screen.