Skin diseases include conditions that clog your pores, damage your skin or cause rashes. They may also lead to cancer.
They can be temporary or chronic. Some can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. Others may not.
Causes
Skin disease is the result of a variety of causes, such as infection, genetics, stress and a weak immune system. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is the most common type of skin disease. It occurs in people who have allergies, asthma, or a defect in the skin barrier. It can be triggered by exposure to certain substances such as poison ivy, perfumes, lotions and nickel.
The main symptoms of skin disease include redness, itching, swelling and pain. These symptoms can be caused by inflammation, which results from the dilation of blood vessels and the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine. Some inflammation is non-inflammatory (non-itching), while other conditions involve a buildup of irritants and may cause itching.
Symptoms can also be caused by fungal infections. For example, ringworm of the scalp, which is called tinea capitis, can cause itching and scaly skin that looks like bald spots on the head or feet. Other fungal infections include athlete’s foot and jock itch, which can occur on the groin or other areas of the body.
Infections can be very serious, and some can even lead to life-threatening conditions, such as melanoma or cellulitis. Some infections can be treated with antibiotics and medicine, but others may require surgery.
Some skin conditions are caused by autoimmune diseases, which are problems where the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the skin. Vitiligo is a condition that causes the loss of pigment in the skin due to this autoimmune disorder.
Many people with skin disease have a family history of the condition. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other types of autoimmune diseases are often passed down through families. If you have a family history of skin disease, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of developing the condition.
There are some ways to prevent some skin disorders, such as avoiding the sun and washing your hands frequently. It’s also important to see your doctor if you have any new or changing skin symptoms.
If you have a skin disease, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible so that you can stop the inflammation and prevent the skin condition from worsening. Your healthcare provider can recommend medications, creams and other treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
Symptoms
There are a variety of skin conditions and symptoms that can affect the body. Some are minor and may be a sign of an underlying problem, while others can be life-threatening.
Some common skin disease symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, and rashes. Healthcare providers usually use a person’s medical history and physical symptoms to diagnose skin conditions.
Symptoms of most eczema (also known as “atopic dermatitis”) and psoriasis are itchy, scaly, or blistered patches of skin. These skin conditions may appear on any part of the body and can be caused by a number of things, such as allergies to certain foods, soaps, or wool.
Blisters, also called vesicles and bullae, form when the immune system overreacts to an allergen or other irritant on the skin. They may be small and look like a watery, clear lump or they may be large and feel swollen or hard to the touch.
Another type of rash that can occur from an allergic reaction is a wheal, which resembles a welt but isn’t itchy. They usually aren’t very big or spread across the skin, but they can form in clusters and last days or weeks.
A carbuncle is an irritated lump that forms beneath the surface of the skin when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria invade hair follicles. The lump is typically red and can have a white or yellow center that oozes out.
Some autoimmune skin diseases, such as psoriasis and rosacea, are characterized by raised plaques of itchy red patches of skin. These plaques can develop on the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin condition. It’s usually mild and doesn’t require treatment, but you can prevent it by avoiding the irritant or using topical medications.
If you have a skin infection, your doctor can tell you what kind of infection you have and prescribe medicine to treat it. If your infection is serious, you may need to get a skin biopsy to find out what’s causing it.
A doctor can also diagnose and treat other skin disorders, such as keloids, birthmarks, and skin warts. A doctor can also tell you whether you have a skin cancer.
Treatment
Skin disease is a broad term that covers many different conditions that affect the skin. These include rashes, infections, and cancers of the skin. Some skin diseases are hereditary, while others develop later in life.
Some common skin diseases can be treated with medication, proper skin care, and lifestyle changes. However, some skin conditions never go away completely.
If you’re concerned about your skin, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist to learn more about the treatments available for your condition. Dermatologists are board-certified physicians who have special training in skin health and diseases.
Treatment for skin diseases may be as simple as using OTC medications to treat itchiness and pain, or it may involve prescription drugs. Some of these medications can help control rashes or eczema, and others can be used to treat other skin disorders.
Itching and scaly patches can also be treated with topical creams or medicines that contain a steroid. These are often applied directly to the affected area, and can reduce or eliminate itching.
Eczema is a long-term skin condition that may require ongoing medication and treatment. It’s most common in children, but can occur in adults as well.
Several kinds of autoimmune diseases can lead to itchy, scaly patches and rashes on the skin. These are caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the skin’s healthy cells.
Inflammation is the process by which your body responds to injury, infection, or allergies. It can result in a red, itchy rash. It may be a result of chemical mediators, such as histamine, peptides (kinins), and fatty acids, which are released into your skin.
Some types of rashes, such as herpes simplex and shingles, can be controlled with over-the-counter medications, such as calamine lotion or a lidocaine and prilocaine mixture. This type of medication helps relieve itching and prevents your rash from becoming infected.
Other skin disease symptoms can be less severe and may be caused by allergies or other conditions. For example, you might develop a rash in response to sun exposure. Other skin diseases may be triggered by an underlying illness or health condition, such as lupus.
Prevention
Skin protects the body against disease and is an important part of wound healing. It also regulates temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D.
There are several types of skin diseases, including bacterial infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infections. Each type can cause different symptoms. Some can be treated with antibiotics, while others require more intensive care.
Some skin problems are permanent, but many can be prevented. You can protect your skin by washing it regularly and protecting it from the sun. Getting enough sleep is also helpful for your skin health.
Other skin disorders are not preventable, but they may improve over time with good treatment. These include eczema and psoriasis. Some of these conditions can be improved by medication or steroid creams, but others may not respond to any treatments.
If you notice any changes in your skin, get it checked by your doctor or dermatologist right away. The doctor or dermatologist can examine your skin and take a sample to diagnose the condition. They may do a biopsy, culture, skin patch test, or black light examination (Wood light test).
The doctor can use these tests to determine the type of skin disorder you have. They may also use a microscope to check your skin.
These tests can help your doctor diagnose your skin disease and prescribe the best treatment for you. They can also help determine if you are allergic to certain foods or drugs.
Some of these tests may not be available at your local clinic, so you might need to see a specialist in dermatology or another medical specialty. Some of these tests may cost money, but they are worth the price.
You can learn about some of these tests by reading the literature or visiting the websites of the American Academy of Dermatology or the Skin Resource Center. These sites offer information on a wide range of topics, including skin cancer and sun safety.
The most important way to protect your skin is to avoid UV radiation from the sun, which can cause skin cancer and other serious skin diseases. This includes staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day and using sunscreen on exposed areas of your skin.