Skin Diseases

 

 

Skin diseases come in many different forms and are usually classified into four separate categories, hereditary, bacterial, viral and fungal. Below are some of the more common types of skin diseases and the methods used to treat them.

 

Acne - Acne is perhaps one of the most common skin diseases and is experienced at some point during most people's lives. This is a disease that affects the oil glands. These glands produce a substance called sebum. When this substance plugs up a hair follicle on the skin, a pimple forms. Bacteria then builds up and produces swelling.

 

Increased levels of hormones in the body can increase the presence of acne. Depending on the severity acne can be treated with over the counter skin care products such as benzoyl peroxide all the way up to advanced laser treatment to prevent the creation of an acne scar.

 

Impetigo - This is a common skin disease and affects the upper layers of the skin. The main cause of Impetigo is the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus and can be introduced through breaks in the skin that occur during injury, bites and scrapes. People with other conditions such as eczema, herpes and dermatitis are at increased risk for developing Impetigo. It is very contagious and often spreads easily in humid environments where close contact occurs.

 

Impetigo is treated with topical antibiotics, primarily Mupirocin (more aggressive forms of Impetigo may require ingestible antibiotics) and patients can expect the condition to diminish over the course of a few days.

 

Psoriasis - Psoriasis is one of the more common skin disorders and affects both the skin and the joints. It is characterized by large scaly patches on the skin (known as plaques) that are inflamed due to an increase in excessive skin production.

 

Psoriasis is a recurring condition and can be present on localized portions of the skin or the entire body. This condition is widely believed to be hereditary. Treatment for psoriasis patients include topical steroids, photo or light therapy, photochemotherapy as well as oral medications and injections.

 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) - Eczema is the broad term used to describe dermatological problems related to inflammation of the skin. Eczema is also commonly referred to as Atopic Dermatitis and can come in several varieties. Eczema can affect people of any age and it is widely believed to be hereditary in nature and related to a malfunctioning immune system.

 

Affected skin is characterized by itching and burning and may also be accompanied by lesions. Dermatitis treatment includes corticosteroid creams and the topical medications Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus (which are often used as a last resort). Antihistamines are also used to treat this chronic skin disease.

 

Folliculitis - This is a skin disease that affects the follicles of the hair and the scalp. It is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas and is commonly found in hot tubs and heated pools (it is also known as Hot Tub Folliculitis). The medical symptoms of folliculitis are a rash accompanied by small pustules and eventually leaves dark spots on the skin which fade over time.

 

This is one of the skin diseases that does not usually require medical treatment. Vinegar and Sliver Sulfadiazine are commonly used to treat folliculitis as well as some oral antibiotics (ciprofloaxin).

 

Carbuncles - Also known as Boils, this disease of the skin also affects groups of hair follicles which become infected forming a mass. This mass may or may not contain fluid. Like Impetigo, Carbuncles are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus.

 

Carbuncles are contagious and may appear anywhere on the body. They are usually treated by draining them through a procedure called "lancing". Antibacterial soaps, skin health products and antibiotics may also be used. If this skin condition lasts for more than 2 weeks, contact a physician.

 

Dermatophytes - These are fungal skin infections that are commonly associated with areas around nails and hair and cause inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Unlike other skin diseases, Dermatophytes live off of dead keratin that is found only on the top layer of the skin. Some of the skin infections associated with these fungi are Ringworm, Jock Itch and Nail infections (onychomycosis). Skin treatment usually consists of topical antifungal agents although oral medication may be required.

 

Aloe vera gel wixed with vitamin E oil and baking powder can be an effective anti-itch formula for diseased and irritated skin.