What are Skin Disorders?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Skin Disorders?
Skin disorders include all the conditions that irritate, inflame, or clog the skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the body that protects and covers the body. In some people, skin disorders get cured on their own. While in others, skin disorders are caused by internal diseases. According to the doctor, the health status of a person can be comprehended by a skin disorder.
Signs and symptoms of skin disorders and skin diseases can look different. For example, some conditions can cause both pain and irritation. In many people, skin disorders occur due to genetic causes. Apart from this, in many cases, an allergic reaction occurs on the skin due to viral or bacterial infections.
If there is any problem related to the skin, contact a dermatologist immediately.
Let us tell you in detail about skin disorders in today’s article.
- What are the types of Skin Disorders?
- What are the causes of Skin Disorders?
- What are the symptoms of Skin Disorders?
- How to diagnose Skin Disorders?
- What are the treatments for Skin Disorders?
- How to prevent Skin Disorders?
What are the types of Skin Disorders?
The following are the different types of skin disorders and infections:
- Psoriasis: It is a case of scaly skin that may feel hot or may swell.
- Alopecia areata: A disorder in which the hair is lost in small patches.
- Acne: When the blocked skin follicles lead to the buildup of bacteria, oil, and dead skin in the pores of the skin it leads to acne formation.
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- Warts: It is a disorder in which small, fleshy bumps are seen on the skin or the mucous membrane.
- Ringworm: It is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or the scalp.
- Skin cancer: It occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of the abnormal skin cells.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: A periodic reduction in the blood flow to the fingers, toes, or other parts of the body, that leads to a change in the color of the skin or causes numbness is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Rosacea: It is a condition of thick, flushed skin and pimples that are usually seen on the face.
- Vitiligo: It is a condition in which some patches of skin lose their pigment and appear as white patches.
- Eczema / Atopic dermatitis: A condition that develops when the itchy, dry skin leads to cracking, swelling, or scaliness is known as eczema.
( Know more about- What is Eczema? Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention )
- Chicken Pox: It is an extremely contagious viral infection that leads to the formation of a blister-like, itchy rash on the skin.
- Melanoma: It is the most life-threatening type of skin cancer.
- Some other common skin disorders include dry skin, oily skin, boils, and rashes on the skin.
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Some of the rare skin disorders include:
- Actinic prurigo: It is an itchy rash that occurs in response to exposure to the sun.
- Chromhidrosis: It is a condition in which the sweat of a person becomes colored.
- Argyria: A condition in which changes in the color of the skin are seen due to the buildup of silver in the body.
- Harlequin ichthyosis: This condition includes the presence of hard, thick plates or patches on the skin present at birth.
- Epidermolysis bullosa: This is a connective tissue disorder that leads to fragile skin that tears and blisters easily.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica: A condition in which the rashes on the lower legs develop into ulcers or sores.
- Lamellar ichthyosis: It is a condition in which the waxy skin layer sheds in the first few weeks of life revealing red and scaly skin.
What are the causes of Skin Disorders?
Skin disorders may have the following causes:
- Genetics
- A weak immune system
- Diseases affecting the thyroid, immune system (disease-fighting system of the body), kidneys, and other body systems
- Allergic substances or infections that come into contact with the skin
- Viral infection
- Fungus or parasites living on the skin
- Consumption of certain medications
- Presence of bacteria in the pores of the skin or the hair follicles
- Excessive sun exposure
- Diabetes
( Know more about- Home remedies for Sunburn )
What are the symptoms of Skin Disorders?
The following are the symptoms of skin disorders:
- Dry and chapped skin
- Open lesions, sores, or ulcers
- Rough or scaly skin
- Red or white bumps
- Clots and warts
- Skin bulge
- Skin discoloration
- Excessive flushing
- Painful or itchy rashes
The following are symptoms of severe skin infection:
- Pus
- Dull and painful skin
- Blisters (raised, fluid-filled bubbles)
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How to diagnose Skin Disorders?
The doctor will first clinically examine the skin of the patient and ask the patient about the symptoms and presence of any underlying conditions, along with the medical history of the patient.
Different types of skin tests are done to diagnose skin disorders and other problems affecting the skin. These tests are done to tell the difference between cancer cell growth and other conditions.
The doctor can perform the following tests:
- Skin patch test: A patch test helps to detect skin allergies. In this test, a sticky substance is applied to the skin. After some time, the skin’s reaction is noticed.
- Biopsy: Biopsy is used to diagnose benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) skin disorders. During the biopsy, small sections of the skin are removed and sent to the lab for examination.
- Culture test: This test helps to identify the infecting microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The skin, hair, or fingernails may be tested to detect the presence of these microorganisms.
- Blacklight examination (wood light test): An ultraviolet (UV) light is used to view the pigment of the skin (which gives color to the skin) more clearly.
- Dermoscopy: A handheld device known as a dermatoscopy is used to diagnose skin disorders.
- Diascopy: It is a procedure of pressing the microscope slide against a patch of the skin to see if there is any change in the skin color.
- Tzanck test: The fluid from a blister is checked for conditions like herpes simplex virus (a contagious viral infection that affects the genitals, mouth, or anal area) or herpes zoster virus (the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body leading to the formation of a painful rash).
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What are the treatments for Skin Disorders?
There are several treatment options for skin disorders, which include:
- Medicated cream or ointment application: These may be prescribed by the doctor for certain skin conditions and parasitic infections.
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- Antibiotic medicines: These are useful for reducing infection.
- Antihistamines: These are medications given to cure allergic reactions on the skin.
- Laser skin resurfacing: This therapy is helpful in reducing the wrinkles and scars, to even out the coloring (pigmentation) of the skin, for tightening of the skin, and for removal of cancerous and non-cancerous lesions. Lasers are beams of light that help in vaporizing the outer layers of the skin and promote the growth of new collagen fibers.
- Steroid supplements: The doctor may recommend the use of steroid pills, injections, or creams. Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs and help in reducing the inflammation on the skin.
- Targeted medicines: These medicines are targeted at specific skin disorders.
- Surgery: Some skin disorders may require surgical removal.
- Lifestyle changes: The following lifestyle changes help in easing the symptoms of skin disorders:
- Maintain good hygiene and skincare routine.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage your stress levels.
- Avoid allergic food items, as suggested by your doctor.
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How to prevent Skin Disorders?
Some skin disorders are not preventable. However, one can follow a few steps to prevent infectious or contagious skin diseases. These steps include:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Use sunscreen to prevent damage due to sun exposure and sunburn.
- Avoid contact with harsh chemicals and irritants.
- Avoid sharing personal objects, cosmetics, and utensils.
- Disinfect any objects that you may use in public places, like gym equipment.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Drink an adequate amount of water and fluids every day.
- Sleep for seven to eight hours every day.
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We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding skin disorder through this article.
If you want more information about the treatment of skin disorder, you can contact the Dermatologist.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.
