MRSA
What it is: A contagious antibiotic-resistant bacterial skin infection
Symptoms: Usually starts out as swollen, red, painful bumps that look like spider bites, which then cause fever
Consequences: It can kill in as quickly as one week without careful treatment, typically an IV of an antibiotic to which it is not resistant.
Necrotizing Fasciitis
What it is: A bacterial skin infection that usually enters a cut or scrape, destroys tissue, and spreads quickly
Symptoms: Pain, soreness that feels like a pulled muscle, fever, chills, fatigue; can feel flu-like
Consequences: It can kill in days unless intravenous antibiotics are given. Surgery is sometimes necessary.
Psoriasis
What it is: An inflammatory skin disease that afflicts 7.5 million Americans
Symptoms: Red, scaly patches that itch or burn
Consequences: People with psoriasis often have widespread inflammation, putting them at risk for stroke and depression. Those with severe versions report low quality of life.