These parasites break the barrier formed by the skin and allow bacterial infections to occur. They also may lead to allergic conditions. Diagnosis is achieved with gross observation and microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Treatment depends on the parasites present and include antiparasitic drugs and antiparasitic shampoos and rinses. Diagnosis is achieved via culture of the organisms, microscopic examination of skin scrapings and blood tests which identify antibodies to Coccidioides immitis.
Treatment includes topical and systemic antifungal drugs and antifungal shampoos and rinses.
Food allergies are usually diagnosed by ruling out other possible conditions. Treatment is trial feeding of hypoallergenic diets for a minimum of six weeks. Contact allergies are diagnosed based on history of contact and clinical presentation. Treatment includes washing the exposed areas to remove the irritant. Patients that are itchy are given steroids for a short period of time.