Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the human body? Skin comprises of the epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous tissues. Our skin performs several essential functions. It regulates the body temperature and helps us by providing us with sensory information regarding the surroundings. Just like any other organ, our skin is also vulnerable. In fact, it is even more vulnerable as it is highly exposed to the environment. This is reflected through the numerous types of skin diseases. If you are looking for types of skin diseases, let me tell you, that the list is huge. Most of us have suffered from some kind of skin disorder at some point or other. Though rare skin diseases might not be known to most people, but most of the people are aware of the common skin diseases such as acne, skin rash, skin allergies, eczema, rosacea and so on. Here's some information on different types of skin diseases.
Skin Diseases: Types
Acne
Acne is perhaps the most common types of skin diseases. It is mainly caused due to hormonal activity during puberty. Increased production of sebum in the sebaceous glands is an important cause of acne. The sebum clogs the pores of the skin and combines with dead skin cells to create clusters which increase in size. The consequent increase in bacterial activity results in acne. Consumption of certain food items might also aggravate acne. You must pay attention to the aspect of skin care in order to get rid of acne. Skin exfoliation too can help as can chemical peels but under proper medical care.
Eczema
Eczema is a term given to a variety of skin disease conditions. It is concerned mainly with the upper layer of the skin. A person suffering from eczema exhibits symptoms such as formation of red bumps or skin rashes, itching, scaling, crusting, flaking, weeping and inflammation of the skin. Different types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema and dyshidrotic eczema. Eczema could be caused due to many reasons. Those with a family history of eczema are vulnerable. Other factors include contact with allergens or irritants. Dust mites, stress and excessive sweating could also trigger eczema. Antibiotics and lotions which help prevent skin dryness may be prescribed by a dermatologist to alleviate symptoms of eczema.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster or shingles is a localized viral infection which hits one side of the body. It causes painful blisters. It is caused by the Varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox. It stays dormant in the body. It could be reactivated by factors like stress and an impaired immune system. Use of immune suppressants drugs has also been linked with an outbreak. Once the virus hits the skin, rashes usually appear after 2-3 days. Specific symptoms include burning, tingling and throbbing sensations. The torso, face and areas near the eye are points where the rash occurs. The rashes usually heal within 10-15 days on their own. But to reduce the pain and itching, doctors may recommend anti viral medication within 24 hours of the start of symptoms.
Herpes Simplex
Usually impacts the face, mouth, buttocks, genital and anal areas. The Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Herpes Simplex Type 2 are the two virus strains that cause this skin condition. Herpes Simplex I causes herpes inside mouth. It leads to the eruption of cold sores or fluid-filled blisters along with symptoms such as itching, fever, weakness and fatigue. Herpes Simplex 2 is responsible for causing genital herpes. Fluid-filled blisters around the genitals appear within 2-20 days of contracting the infection. They usually subside within 2-10 days without treatment. Medication is advised to reduce the pain and prevent any escalation in the sores and prevent secondary infections. The patient must keep the sores clean as far as possible and ensure that his/her clothing are washed separately.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo disease causes the formation of white patches on the skin. The is caused due to decrease in the number of cells that produce the skin pigment called melanin. Apart from the cosmetic impact, it is a harmless condition. Those suffering from pernicious anemia, Addison's disease, diabetes are more prone to getting this disease. If it runs in the family, then you might be at an increased risk of developing this condition. It usually appears as a white patch which grows larger in size and spreads across the body. If the treatment is started early, the prognosis is good. Treatments vary from topical applications to internal medicines and even radiation therapy.
Pityriasis Rosea
This skin disorder usually affects the young. Usually it strikes in the form of a large rash with accompanying irritation. Respiratory infections could also be an indication of the onset of pityriasis rosea. The chest, abdomen and back are the areas of the body most likely to be impacted. The rashes usually start from the middle of the body and take a pine tree branch like shape. The cause for pityriasis rosea is unknown but it is a viral infection which is non-contagious. To confirm pityriasis rosea, a doctor may go in for a skin biopsy or a blood test. Usually anti-viral medications are prescribed along with ointments and creams to alleviate the discomfort.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is mainly linked to issues in the immunity system. Conditions which could cause or aggravate the ailment are thrush, throat ailments, stress and HIV. It is basically an inflammation of the skin cells for a prolonged period. Outward manifestations involve thick, itchy and colorless scales which are quite painful. In the initial stages creams are used for treatment but in cases of aggravation, types of corticosteroids may also be prescribed. Avoidance of triggers, staying clean and keeping the skin moisturized is helpful.
Seborrheic Keratoses
This ailment usually occurs in older adults. It is a pale brownish or blackish scaly growth which is raised over the skin. It is akin to skin cancer but is not malignant. It could cause itching. Over exposure to the sun, heredity and high amount of estrogen in the body are also linked to seborrheic keratoses. Women may develop this condition during pregnancy. Though harmless, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Skin Diseases: Types
Acne
Acne is perhaps the most common types of skin diseases. It is mainly caused due to hormonal activity during puberty. Increased production of sebum in the sebaceous glands is an important cause of acne. The sebum clogs the pores of the skin and combines with dead skin cells to create clusters which increase in size. The consequent increase in bacterial activity results in acne. Consumption of certain food items might also aggravate acne. You must pay attention to the aspect of skin care in order to get rid of acne. Skin exfoliation too can help as can chemical peels but under proper medical care.
Eczema
Eczema is a term given to a variety of skin disease conditions. It is concerned mainly with the upper layer of the skin. A person suffering from eczema exhibits symptoms such as formation of red bumps or skin rashes, itching, scaling, crusting, flaking, weeping and inflammation of the skin. Different types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema and dyshidrotic eczema. Eczema could be caused due to many reasons. Those with a family history of eczema are vulnerable. Other factors include contact with allergens or irritants. Dust mites, stress and excessive sweating could also trigger eczema. Antibiotics and lotions which help prevent skin dryness may be prescribed by a dermatologist to alleviate symptoms of eczema.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster or shingles is a localized viral infection which hits one side of the body. It causes painful blisters. It is caused by the Varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox. It stays dormant in the body. It could be reactivated by factors like stress and an impaired immune system. Use of immune suppressants drugs has also been linked with an outbreak. Once the virus hits the skin, rashes usually appear after 2-3 days. Specific symptoms include burning, tingling and throbbing sensations. The torso, face and areas near the eye are points where the rash occurs. The rashes usually heal within 10-15 days on their own. But to reduce the pain and itching, doctors may recommend anti viral medication within 24 hours of the start of symptoms.
Herpes Simplex
Usually impacts the face, mouth, buttocks, genital and anal areas. The Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Herpes Simplex Type 2 are the two virus strains that cause this skin condition. Herpes Simplex I causes herpes inside mouth. It leads to the eruption of cold sores or fluid-filled blisters along with symptoms such as itching, fever, weakness and fatigue. Herpes Simplex 2 is responsible for causing genital herpes. Fluid-filled blisters around the genitals appear within 2-20 days of contracting the infection. They usually subside within 2-10 days without treatment. Medication is advised to reduce the pain and prevent any escalation in the sores and prevent secondary infections. The patient must keep the sores clean as far as possible and ensure that his/her clothing are washed separately.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo disease causes the formation of white patches on the skin. The is caused due to decrease in the number of cells that produce the skin pigment called melanin. Apart from the cosmetic impact, it is a harmless condition. Those suffering from pernicious anemia, Addison's disease, diabetes are more prone to getting this disease. If it runs in the family, then you might be at an increased risk of developing this condition. It usually appears as a white patch which grows larger in size and spreads across the body. If the treatment is started early, the prognosis is good. Treatments vary from topical applications to internal medicines and even radiation therapy.
Pityriasis Rosea
This skin disorder usually affects the young. Usually it strikes in the form of a large rash with accompanying irritation. Respiratory infections could also be an indication of the onset of pityriasis rosea. The chest, abdomen and back are the areas of the body most likely to be impacted. The rashes usually start from the middle of the body and take a pine tree branch like shape. The cause for pityriasis rosea is unknown but it is a viral infection which is non-contagious. To confirm pityriasis rosea, a doctor may go in for a skin biopsy or a blood test. Usually anti-viral medications are prescribed along with ointments and creams to alleviate the discomfort.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is mainly linked to issues in the immunity system. Conditions which could cause or aggravate the ailment are thrush, throat ailments, stress and HIV. It is basically an inflammation of the skin cells for a prolonged period. Outward manifestations involve thick, itchy and colorless scales which are quite painful. In the initial stages creams are used for treatment but in cases of aggravation, types of corticosteroids may also be prescribed. Avoidance of triggers, staying clean and keeping the skin moisturized is helpful.
Seborrheic Keratoses
This ailment usually occurs in older adults. It is a pale brownish or blackish scaly growth which is raised over the skin. It is akin to skin cancer but is not malignant. It could cause itching. Over exposure to the sun, heredity and high amount of estrogen in the body are also linked to seborrheic keratoses. Women may develop this condition during pregnancy. Though harmless, it is advisable to see a doctor.
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