Skin problems, in whatever form and intensity, are always a nightmare for the victim. However, if the effect remains cosmetic, then these are still bearable and almost always, within cure.
The allergies, conditions and diseases of the skin can vary to a great degree, in terms of intensity, cause, cure as well as the overall impact. Generally speaking, a skin problem turns in to a scare when there is a scope of it turning from a cosmetic issue to a medical one. For instance, a mild and recurring rash on the inside of your elbow could normally be taken as a reaction to a particular cream, lotion or even a medical ointment. However, it begins to take a serious note when the rash refuses to go away, worsening instead and causing pain which could be even intolerable at times.
It is these situations that necessitate that we learn the basics and a few details about the various skin diseases, what causes them, what are the signs and how do we take up the treatment of the same.
For the purpose of clarity, we’ve discussed each of the relevant skin diseases and conditions under the following two categories:
CATEGORY I: Diseases, which can be life-threatening or fatal such as skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema
CATEGORY II: Allergies
As discussed above, these diseases generally appear as a mild symptom of common rash or an allergy. Gradually, they begin to show symptoms of a more serious and deeper problem, which probably calls for an immediate diagnosis and a consequent prognosis.
Treatment is usually intensive and very strong, though such diseases are often fatal. The key point to be noted here is that in majority of life-threatening skin diseases such as skin cancer, the treatment is aimed at a moderate correction of the problem, which means that it will lead to a sure and effective delay in the demise of the patient.
For instance, in the case of skin cancer, chemotherapy combined with other therapies usually cures the patient in such a manner that the further growth of cancerous cells is halted to a great extent, thereby giving a curative effect.
Read on, as we give you further detailed information on many of these diseases and conditions.
Skin Cancer
The medical jargon defines skin cancer as a malignant growth found in the outer layers of the skin.
According to the layman definition, it is a growth of cancerous cells usually first spotted in the outermost layer of skin.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The most common and prominent sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin. For instance, it can present itself as a new growth or a sore that doesn’t heal in the usual time span.
The most common set of signs and symptoms include:
- Crabs and ulcers in the skin
- Changes in existing moles
- Appearance of a raised, smooth and pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. This is normally the case when there is a development of the basal cell carcinoma.
- Development of a red, scaling, thickened patch on the sun-exposed skin, accompanied by ulceration and bleeding. This is most commonly the case when the squamous cell carcinoma begins to develop.
- In case of the third form of cancer, the melanomas are generally brown to black looking lesions. A significant change in the size, shape, color or elevation of the mole is the most important sign of the development of this type of cancer.
KEY CAUSES
Chronic inflammation of the skin is by and large accepted as the primary cause of skin cancer.
Here we’ve listed the main causes and risk factors that can predispose you to the development of skin cancer.
– Sunburn: Excessive sunburn or sun damage is considered quite hazardous, especially if it happens in the early life. Research significantly indicates towards the role of UVA and UVB in causing DNA damage, consequently causing cancer.
– Unhealed Wounds: Chronic burns and wounds which are unhealed can predispose you to the risk of suffering from skin cancer. Known as the Marjolin’s ulcers, such injuries can actually lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma.
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common form of skin cancer. In fact, the basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the US. This particular type of cancer almost never spreads to the other parts of the body. However, they can definitely cause damage by growing and consequently attacking the surrounding tissue as well.
Most commonly affected individuals include those with a light-colored skin and also undergoing prolonged exposure to sun. The most common areas of the body to be affected include the chest, back, arms, legs and scalp.
For further understanding, it is important to know that the basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a small, dome-shaped bump and is mostly covered by small and superficial blood vessels which care called telangiectases. This spot is usually shiny and translucent, often referred to as ‘pearly’.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
This particular form of cancer begins in the squamous cell, which are the thin and flat cells that appear like fish scales under the microscopic vision. These cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin along with the lining of the hollow organs of the body and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
As far as the prevalence of this type of cancer is concerned, it occurs roughly one-quarter as often as the basal cell carcinoma. As in the case of basal cell carcinoma, the most commonly affected individuals are those with a light-colored skin and history of prolonged sun exposure.
In addition, men are also more prone to be affected by this kind of cancer than women.
The above two forms of cancer are also referred to as the nonmelanoma skin cancer. The most common methods of the treatment of these types of cancer include:
- Curettage and desiccation
- Surgical excision
- Radiation therapy
- Cryosurgery
- Mohs micrographic surgery
While these are generally not fatal, but it is important to cure them early on from preventing further damage. Besides, these cancers rarely metastasize to other parts of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the skin known as melanocytes. These melanocytes are basically the cells that produce melanin, which further give the skin its natural color. It is the cluster of these melanocytes and surrounding tissue that form noncancerous growths which are known as moles.
This form of cancer primarily occurs when melanocytes or these pigment cells become malignant. The condition is known as cutaneous melanoma when it starts in the skin. Meanwhile, this form of cancer can also occur in the eyes or the meninges. When it spreads, this type of cancer usually shows up nearby the lymph nodes.
The patients suffering from melanoma can usually opt for one of the below listed treatments or choose to take up any of these in combination.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Biological therapy
- Radiation therapy
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is basically an inflammatory skin condition, typically characterised by the appearance of red and scaly patches on the skin. The patches, known as psoriatic plaques are the center point of inflammation and also excessive skin production.
In this skin disease, the skin begins to accumulate at these spots and begins to take on a different silvery-white appearance. Though such plaques usually occur on the skin of elbows and knees, yet it is also quite common to see these on the skin of scalp and genitals.
Once it has appeared, Psoriasis then tends to develop a chronic recurring pattern. These often vary in severity, ranging right from minor localised patches to the complete body coverage.
Psoriatic dystrophy, an associated condition can also be seen frequently and is characterized by an impact on the fingernails and toenails.
KINDS OF PSORIASIS
In this section, we’ve listed and briefly explained each of the seven main types of Psoriasis, along with their key symptoms.
– Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common form of Psoriasis and affects up to 80% of people suffering from the condition. This form of the disease typically appears as a raised area of inflammation covered with silvery white and scaly skin.
– Flexural Psoriasis: Also known as Inverse Psoriasis, this condition appears as smooth but inflamed patches of skin. It usually occurs in skin folds and more particularly around the genitals, armpits, under an overweight stomach and under the breasts.
– Guttate Psoriasis: This condition is characterized by numerous small and oval spots. Such spots usually appear over the large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs and scalp.
– Pustular Psoriasis: This form of the disease appears as raised bumps, filled with non-infectious pus. The skin under and surrounding this area is red and tender. Though it normally occurs in the hands and feet, yet it can very well be generalized and widespread throughout the body.
– Nail Psoriasis: This condition presents itself in the form of a series of changes in the appearance of the finger and toe nails. The changes can include discoloring under the nail plate, pitting of nails, thickening of the skin under the nail and loosening or crumbling of the nail.
– Psoriatic Arthritis: This involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Though it can affect any of the joints, yet it is most common in the joints of the fingers and toes. It usually results in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes, also known as dactylitis.
– Erythodermic Psoriasis: This form of the disease manifests itself in a widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin across most of the body surface. Usual symptoms include severe itching, swelling and even pain.
CAUSES OF PSORIASIS
Researchers generally vary on listing down the precise causes of the development of Psoriasis. However, in the following section, we’ve listed out the main set of possible causes, culled from various findings across decades.
– Immune Mediated: Psoriasis is often regarded as an immune-mediated condition. This basically means that it is caused by faulty signals that are present in the body’s immune system, indicating to the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin cells.
– Genes: The genetic make-up of a few individuals has also been found associated with the development of Psoriasis. The chances of developing Psoriasis dramatically increase when a close blood relative suffers from the disease.
KEY TRIGGERS
Psoriasis is generally caused by a set of triggers that inflame the condition, either to a small extent or to the level of the full-blown disease.
Read on, as we discuss some of the main triggers of this condition.
1. Infection
There are a number of skin conditions and infections which can further trigger off an episode of Psoriasis. The main amongst these include:
- Candida albicans
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Staphylococcal skin infections (boils)
- Strep throat
- Viral upper respiratory condition
2. Reaction to medication
A number of medications can also trigger off Psoriasis in a few selected set of patients. These include:
- Anti-malarial drugs
- Beta-blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Indomethacin, the nonsteroidal medication used to treat arthritis
- Lithium
3. Skin Injury
New lesions generally appear after suffering from a skin injury or a wound.
Besides, stress and variant climatic conditions are also sometimes considered as trigger points for the development of Psoriasis.
TREATMENT MODALITIES
The various treatment modalities adopted for relief from Psoriasis falls in three main categories, as we’ve explained below:
- Topical, which comprises of applications on the skin and usually ideal for mild to moderate Psoriasis
- Phototherapy, involves the application of ultraviolet light to the skin and useful for moderate to severe Psoriasis
- Systemic, administered orally or by injection or infusion and applicable for moderate, severe or disabling Psoriasis.
Eczema
Eczema is basically an umbrella term used for a group of skin conditions, which typically cause the skin to become red, irritated and itchy. A form of dermatitis or an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, eczema might also be identified by the presence of one or more of the symptoms listed below:
- Skin oedema
- Crusting
- Flaking
- Blistering
- Cracking
- Oozing
- Bleeding
There are basically four common types of eczema, while the other six types of eczema also exist, but are seen quite rarely.
In the following sections, we give you a quick insight into each one of these.
COMMON FORMS
There are four basic common forms of eczema that can occur. Read on a brief a description of each one of these.
– Atopic Eczema: Also known as infantile or flexural eczema or atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema is believed to affect individuals with a family history of the disease. This form of eczema is also seen in families where certain members are afflicted with hay fever and asthma. The most conspicuous symptom in this case is an itchy rash on the face, scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees and buttocks.
– Contact Dermatitis: This form of eczema exists in further two forms, including:
- Allergic – Triggered off by an allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel
- Irritant – Resulting from direct reaction to a solvent
– Xerotic Eczema:This form of eczema occurs when the condition of dry skin worsens beyond such a point that it turns into eczema. Most affected areas of the body include limbs and trunks. Quite common amongst the older population, this form of eczema almost always worsens in winters.
– Seborroheic Dermatitis: Also known as the cradle cap in infants, this form of eczema causes dry or greasy scaling of the scalp and eyebrows. Most conspicuous symptoms include pimples and red patches on the skin.
RARE FORMS
The less common forms of eczema include:
- Dyshidrosis
- Discoid eczema
- Venous eczema
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Neurodermatitis
- Autoeczematization
TREATMENT MEASURES
The main aim of treatment methods adopted for eczema is to reduce the symptoms and relieve the patient from the pain and discomfort. Experts suggest that while there might not be a total cure for the disease, yet resolving the symptoms might act therapeutic to quite an extent.
In the following sections, we’ve discussed each of the options available, along with necessary details.
– Emollients: These are necessary to reduce water loss and hence prevent dryness which is associated with eczema. These are available in the form of ointments for extremely dry skin and creams and lotions for mild to moderate or ‘wet’ eczema.
– Topical Steroids: In the case of a flare-up of eczema, the skin often becomes inflamed, necessitating the use of a steroid cream. Topical steroids basically come in four strengths, including:
- Mild
- Moderately potent
- Potent
- Very potent
Such medications are applied as a thin coat over the affected area or as other wise prescribed by your doctor.
– Oral Steroids: These are prescribed in severe cases, mostly where the use of topical steroids has been ineffective.
– Topical Immunomodulators: This is one of the latest forms of medication available for eczema and should be administered under medical supervision only.
– Other options available include:
- Anti-histamines
- Wet wrap bandaging
- Ultra violet treatment
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Since there is no sure cure for eczema, experts generally advise strictly following a certain set of preventive measures. The main amongst these include:
- Avoiding substances that could irritate or stress your skin, which could mainly include household cleaners, drying soaps, detergents and fragranced lotions.
- Stay away from water as much as possible and take only short and warm baths.
- Keep your environment dust-free and maintain hygienic surroundings.
- Wear only cotton clothes
- Moisturize your skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer such as petroleum jelly to prevent the skin from becoming irritated and cracked
- Avoid scratching on the itchy surface as far as possible.
- Avoid facing any sudden changes in temperature, which could further lead to increased sweating.
- Avoid stress as far as possible and take the prescribed medication regularly.
Allergies
A skin allergy typically causes the human body to display a heightened sensitivity to a specific set of substances. In turn, the immune system overreacts if these substances get in contact with the body or are absorbed by it.
Skin allergies account for at least 70% of all skin-related problems. The most conspicuous and immediate symptom of skin allergies is a red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin. The causative factors can include a vast variety of reasons, ranging from plants, pets, medicines and food, going up to jewellery and even your basic clothing.
TYPES OF SKIN ALLERGIES
Since centuries, both the experts and patients have been getting perplexed over the sudden outburst of allergic reactions in human skin. Very often, the reasons are difficult to make out, though the resulting allergy can very well mar the very quality of your daily life.
Skin allergies usually occur in a lot of forms and due to a series of reasons, which are quite often unknown. In the following sections, we give you a brief description of the most common categories of skin allergies, along with their essential details.
Hives
Often referred to as acute urticaria, hives is a form of allergy that might last from several hours to even a few days and is mostly allergic in its origin. However, the other form .i.e. chronic urticaria is rarely allergic and is usually caused by foods, food additives and medicines. This form of allergy is commonly referred to as pseudo-allergy.
The most conspicuous sign of the appearance of hives is an outbreak of pimples, called ‘nettle rash’. It might appear anywhere in the body and is characterised by red, swollen and itchy welts which form on the skin.
According to various research reports, hives or acute urticaria might result due to one or more of the below:
- Food allergens .e.g. eggs, fish, nuts, fruit
- Medicine allergens .e.g. pencillin, hormones, sulphonamides
- Aeroallergens .e.g. pollen, mildew, animal hair
- Insect stings .e.g. bees, wasps
- Infections .e.g. glandular fever, hepatitis B and the like
Angioedema
Angioedema is a very typical form of urticaria. Its most conspicuous symptom is the swelling on the face, more particularly on the lips, eyelids, a few of the mucous membranes and various other parts of the body, along with a painful and burning sensation.
Though there is no itching in this and Quincke’s disease, another form of urticaria, yet it can actually turn dangerous if it attacks the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx.
Besides, a swollen tongue or swollen back of the mouth can also block the breathing passage, which can further even cause the patient to choke or suffocate.
Besides, bites and stings are also another major cause of skin allergy. The most prominent symptoms of an allergy emerging out of bites or stings include:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
A series of research reports have summarized the possible causes of human skin allergies into ten main reasons. Here’s the list for your perusal:
- Nickel (nickel sulfate hexahydrate) – mostly present in jewelry and clasps or buttons on clothes
- Gold – also found frequently in jewelry
- Balsam of Peru – used often in fragrances and perfumes
- Thimerosal – used in local antiseptics and as a preservative in some vaccines
- Neomycin – a very common topical antibiotic cream
- Fragrance mix – basically a group of the eight most common fragrance allergens found in foods, cosmetics, insecticides, antiseptics, soaps, perfumes and dental products
- Formaldehyde – a preservative found in paper products, medication, household cleaners, and fabric finishes etc.
- Cobalt chloride – found in hair dyes and antiperspirants
- Bacitracin – a topical antibiotic
- Quaternium 15 – a preservative found in many cosmetics, including self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish and sunscreen lotions
In the last chapter, we’ve discussed some of the most common beauty problems, their solutions and a host of other home remedies.
Skin Care Guide – Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Skin Care
Part 1 – Human Skin
Part 2 – Acne: Types, Causes and Treatment
Part 3 – Dry Skin
Part 4 – Anti-aging Skin Care
Part 5 – Skin Care Regimen
part 6 – Facial Skin Care
Part 7 – Skin Diseases and Conditions
Part 8 – Cures, Remedies and Therapies