Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Besides covering and protecting the body, it plays a range of pivotal roles. It helps stabilise body temperature and safeguards the body from external infections. The skin helps in the synthesis of Vitamin D upon exposure to sunlight. But it, too, is marred by threats. Every change, whether external or internal, reflects directly on the skin. Some of them end up becoming skin diseases. There are different types of skin diseases and each condition is managed and treated differently.
Types of Skin Diseases
Skin diseases vary in symptoms and severity. While some are temporary disorders, others are chronic. Understandably, they are caused by different reasons. Listed below are the different types of skin diseases and their causes and symptoms:
Temporary Skin Problems
Skin diseases that fall in this category are minor with topical reaction/symptoms. These are short-lived and temporary and clear off when their cause is treated. These include:
1. Acne
Commonly known as pimples, acne is marked by a breakout of small pimples on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. It is caused when the skin pores get clogged by hair, sebum, bacteria, or dead skin cells. The breakout can be mild, moderate, or severe depending upon the number of pimples and whether they are infected or not.
Acne is usually treated with the help of over-the-counter remedies and prescription medication. Acne may or may not result in acne scars.
2. Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, are tiny red, itchy, raised marks on the surface of the skin. They are usually a result of an allergic reaction triggered due to food, medication, or stress. The condition usually settles in a few days but chronic hives can last for about six months. The condition can recur anytime on exposure to the same allergen. Treatment of hives involves the use of antihistamines (anti-allergic) or corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory) drugs.
3. Warts
The HPV (human papillomavirus) is known to trigger warts. It is a contagious skin condition that is marked by dome-shaped bump-like eruptions on the hands, feet, and genital area. Warts are usually painless unless they develop an infection. Treatment for warts includes the application of topical ointments and removal through medical procedures.
4. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is marked by the overgrowth of fungus typically on the feet. The skin problem is triggered by warm, damp, and unhygienic conditions. It leads to dry, itchy, and peeling skin. In severe cases, one may develop blisters that may bleed and cause pain while walking. The condition is typically treated with antifungal creams and sprays.
5. Ringworm
Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. The lesions caused by the disease resemble a worm in the shape of a ring, hence the name. The lesions are discoloured and often scaly. The patches can be itchy and often cause hair loss in the affected area. The condition spreads easily and affects the scalp, feet, hands, and groin area. Ringworm treatment typically includes the use of antifungal drugs and creams.
6. Cold Sore
The HSV (herpes simplex virus) virus is known to cause cold sores. The condition is marked by the appearance of red, fluid-filled blisters typically around the border of the lips. The condition is communicable and can spread to other locations as well as other people through kissing and personal contact. Cold sores usually heal in 7-10 days. The use of antiviral tablets and creams can speed up the healing process.
7. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. It typically affects the skin on the scalp. It weakens the body’s hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Genetics play a major role in its onset and are usually triggered by a viral infection or underlying medical condition. Alopecia areata is incurable but can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs and medication for pattern baldness.
8. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that manifests in the deeper layers of the skin and underlying skin tissue. It is most common on the legs and is characterised by red spots on legs. The affected skin becomes swollen, hot, painful, and tender. The condition spreads rapidly and can be life-threatening. It generally involves treatment with antibiotics.
Permanent Skin Problems
Skin diseases that fall in this category are chronic conditions. While this is no permanent cure for these, the symptoms can be managed through proper treatment. They are usually caused due to a weakened immune system or genetics.
1. Lupus
It is one of the autoimmune skin problems. It leads to inflammation and pain and is marked by the presence of red ring-like patches that usually mimic a sunburn-like rash. The outbreak is commonly seen on the nose and cheeks. The skin rashes do not itch or hurt but the condition is accompanied by headaches, fever, and swollen, stiff, and painful joints. Disease management typically includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.
2. Eczema
Medically known as atopic dermatitis, it is a skin disease that results in dry, itchy, and red skin. It is caused when the skin barrier function of the skin gets disturbed. This makes the skin sensitive and prone to infections and dryness. The condition is non-contagious. Its symptoms can be effectively managed through home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs.
3. Psoriasis
Like alopecia areata, Psoriasis too is an autoimmune disorder. It causes itchiness and discomfort and is marked by the development of thick, scaly skin called plaque. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with no cure. However, its different types can be managed through steroid creams and prescription drugs. In severe cases, treatment methods that target reducing skin inflammation, like light therapy and immunotherapy, are adopted.
4. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s syndrome is marked by episodic spasms of the small blood vessels, restricting regular blood supply. This leads to discolouration of the fingers and toes. Other symptoms include cold skin and a pin-pricking sensation. Every episode of Raynaud’s attack lasts for about 15 minutes before the normal blood supply resumes and the skin starts getting normal. It is triggered by extreme cold, air-conditioned rooms as well as anxiety.
5. Rosacea
Rosacea is a facial skin disease characterised by redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. The skin problem of blushing and flushing, is believed to be caused by a disorder of the blood vessels. If left untreated, the condition may lead to eye irritation, skin thickening, and plaque formation. It may also develop beyond the face to areas including the neck, chest, and scalp. Rosacea is generally treated through medicines and surgery.
6. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a detrimental problem. It is caused due to unwanted and uncontrolled cell growth and division. This is often triggered by prolonged exposure to the UV rays of the sun. Skin cancer is of three types – Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, or Melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is potentially life-threatening. However, early diagnosis and treatment through excision, cryotherapy, Mohs surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can help cure skin cancer.
7. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is one of the painless skin diseases. It simply causes the skin to lose its colour as the melanocytes responsible for producing melanin are destroyed by the overactive immune system. The condition is marked by the presence of white spots on face. As the condition progresses, it gradually spreads over the body. There is no cure for Vitiligo. The possible treatment options include re-pigmentation to restore colour or de-pigmentation to eliminate the remaining colour. These are done through camouflage therapy, re-pigmentation therapy, and light therapy.
Conclusion
A correct diagnosis by a certified dermatologist is the key to the best treatment. It is important to note that many skin problems are invariably incurable and never go away completely. On every recurrence, the symptoms are managed through proper skin care and medication.
