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in a narrow strip on one side of the body such as around the waist, on a shoulder, or down the hip (right). Before the rash appears, a person will feel burning or stinging in the affected area. The rash is made up of many small blisters that usually dry up and scab over within a week. A shingles rash that occurs near an eye can cause severe pain, redness, and tearing.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus (see page 1071) usually occurs as a rash of tiny, purplish red lumps on the inside of the wrist. The cause is unknown.

Impetigo

Impetigo (see page 1067) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that usually appears as small blisters around the mouth and nose, although the blisters can appear anywhere on the body. The infection spreads quickly. The blisters eventually break open and form a yellowish brown crust.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum (see page 1061) is a harmless, highly contagious viral infection characterized by small, shiny, circular, pearly lumps. The lumps have a tiny depression in the center that produces a white, waxy substance when squeezed. The infection is most common in children but can also be transmitted sexually.

Anthrax lesion

Cutaneous anthrax (see page 1074) usually begins as an itchy, swollen sore that resembles an insect bite on exposed skin areas such as the head, neck, or hands. The sore forms a blister, which develops into an ulcer that eventually turns into a scab.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis (see page 1067) is a skin and tissue infection caused by bacteria that usually enter the skin through a wound or other break in the skin. The affected area is often hot, red, and tender, and red lines may run from the infected area to nearby lymph glands. The face, neck, and legs are the areas affected most frequently.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis (see page 1076) is inflammation of hair follicles resulting from a bacterial infection. It can occur almost anywhere on the skin but frequently occurs on the neck, thighs, buttocks, or armpits, causing boils (see page 1060). In men, a severe form of folliculitis can produce pus-filled blisters on the face in the beard area.

Varicose ulcers

Varicose ulcers are open, infected sores caused by twisted, swollen veins in the legs (varicose veins; see page 602) that result from insufficient circulation to the legs. Varicose ulcers usually appear around or on the ankle.

Bites and Infestations

Scabies

Scabies (see page 938) is an itchy skin condition caused by the bites of scabies mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs. The bites cause small red bumps; the burrows look like thin white lines. The bites usually occur in warm, moist areas of the skin such as on the genitals, buttocks, wrists, and around the waist and between the fingers.

Flea bites

Flea bites produce small, inflamed, itchy spots on the skin. Fleas usually bite around the ankles or lower part of the legs, although the bites can occur anywhere on the body. The area may also be swollen and turn white when pressed.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease (see page 942) is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. A red dot may appear at the site of the bite. The dot gradually gets larger and forms a circular red rash. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle and joint aches.

Tick bite

To feed on blood, ticks use their hooked mouthparts to pierce and attach themselves to the skin. After they finish feeding, they drop off, leaving a small wound and an area of inflammation.

Mouth and Lip Disorders

Canker sores

Canker sores (see page 743) are small, round, painful ulcers (open sores) that usually occur inside the mouth, on the tongue, or around the lips. Canker sores can be white, gray, or yellow and are surrounded by red, inflamed tissue.

Cold sores

Cold sores (see page 744) are small blisters caused by a herpes virus. They frequently occur on or around the lips but can occur anywhere. The blisters, which are usually preceded by a tingling sensation, are small at first but