Viral skin infections affect millions of Americans each year. These viruses are often extremely serious, and can affect a patient’s overall health.

Causes
Viruses are typically contracted as a result of contact with an infected person. Viruses are more likely to infect you if your immune system is depressed.

Four main groups of viruses cause the majority of viral skin infections:

• Herpes simplex virus (causes cold sores)
• Herpes Zoster (causes shingles & chickenpox)
• Papillomavirus (causes
  warts
• Poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum)

Treatment Options
Treatment varies by disease. Often, viral infections run their course, and your immune system develops anti-bodies to fight the virus (as in chicken pox). In other cases, anti-viral medications can be used. Preventative measures such as vaccinations are available for many viruses.

Contact us to learn more about Viral Skin Infections, or to schedule a consultation to discuss the treatment options available to you.