Skin conditions

What diseases affect the skin? Allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, certain diseases, and immune system problems can cause skin conditions. Acne. Alopecia Areata. . Atopic Dermatitis. Cicatricial Alopecia. Epidermolysis Bullosa. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Ichthyosis. Lichen Sclerosus.

Acne One of the most widespread skin conditions, acne comes in many forms. Pustules are the common red pimples that have pus at their tips. Papules are the raised red bumps caused by infected hair follicles. Nodules are the painful lumps that lie underneath the surface of the skin. Cysts are the typically larger painful, pus-filled infections that lie beneath the skin. All types of acne are commonly treated with creams, and sometimes medication is necessary. Hives Hives are itchy welts that are raised up from the normal layer of the skin. They may be caused by an allergic reaction in the body or outside factors, such as stress, illnesses, or even tight clothes. Hives are treated with antihistamines and preventive practices. Warts The common raised bumps on the skin known as warts are actually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are contagious, and can appear on any part of the body. Common warts typically grow on the hands, feet, and joints, though they can appear anywhere. They often go away on their own, though unsightly warts can be treated with liquid nitrogen or medicated creams. Fungal nail infection A condition in which fungus lives near, under, and around the nails, usually in the feet. The fungal buildup causes the nail's edges to crumble away, producing white-yellowish scaling and flaking on the surface of the nails. Treatment is usually an anti-fungal cream or other fungal treatment. Cold sore A cold sore is a red, fluid-filled blister usually found near the mouth. The sore itself is painful or delicate. Other symptoms include itching or burning sensations on the site before the sore is visible. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and there is no known cure for the virus. The sores may return and last for up to 2 weeks. Medical treatment includes creams and medications. Candidiasis The overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus on the body is called Candidiasis. This causes irritated patches of skin, usually found in the armpits, groin, or under folds of skin such, as the knee. Candidiasis can usually be prevented with home remedies, proper hygiene, and avoiding the overuse of antibiotics. Athlete's foot A rash caused by a fungus that rapidly multiplies in warm, damp conditions, such as athletic shoes. Symptoms include dry, itchy, red skin. The skin between the toes or under the foot may be soggy, white, cracked, or scaly. It often itches and causes soreness. The problem usually arises quickly. Athlete's foot is treated with medicated ointments and good foot hygiene Internal conditions Carbuncle When Staphylococcus aureus bacteria make their way into the hair follicles and cause an infection, a carbuncle is produced. This is a red, irritated lump underneath the skin. Carbuncles can be nearly any size, and the lump quickly fills with pus and becomes swollen. Other symptoms include tiredness, itching on the site of the lump, and fever. Carbuncles are treated with antibiotics, drainage, and antibacterial washes. Carbuncles usually respond well to medical treatment. Cellulitis A bacterial infection in the deeper layers of the skin, which develops quickly and can spread rapidly throughout the body. An area of the skin may become red and swollen, and feel hot, painful, and tender to the touch. It is most common in the legs, but can occur everywhere. Severe infections may be life-threatening. Most cases are treated with antibiotics. Shingles (herpes zoster) Shingles is caused by the return of the infection that causes chickenpox. It most commonly occurs in the elderly, but can affect anyone. It starts with a painful sensation in the body and is followed within 2 days by a reddish, blistering rash that is widespread on the surrounding skin. Antiviral treatment within the first 48 hours after the eruption can help limit the pain. Vaccines are said to help prevent shingles. Seborrheic keratoses These are harmless bumps that commonly show up on people as they age. They may appear as black, dark brown, or sometimes yellow bumpy patches of skin that can look like they are stuck to the skin. Seborrheic keratoses are sometimes confused with skin cancers, though they themselves have no medical significance. Any spots that doctors are uncertain about should be tested. Age spots Age spots or liver spots are flat spots on the skin with more pigment than the surrounding area. This may be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun over the years. These spots cause no symptoms themselves, but most patients do not like their appearance. They can be treated in a variety of ways, but medical treatment is not necessary. NOTE: When facing any skin disorder, it is important for people not to do so alone. Teaming up with a doctor or dermatologist to diagnose any skin disease is the only way to be sure it is correctly diagnosed and dealt with.