Overview and facts
Skin is the largest organ of the body, which acts as a barrier between internal and external environments of the body. It not only protects the body but also provide active role in the metabolism and temperature control of the body. Every year more than 50 million of the people in US are directly affected by some skin disorders. Out of which 37.9 million visit to the doctors while the rest treats themselves by the help of over the counter available medications.
There are dozens of skin disorders that can affect a person. To simplify the skin disorders are divided into the following groups
- Bacterial Skin Infections- Our skin is not only home to millions of bacteria, but it also provides the barrier for external bacteria to attack the inner environment. Bacterial infections can range from a small local mild bacterial infection to a large scaled life threatening one. People suffering from diabetes, AIDS (because of a depressed immune system that is unable to fight the infection) and skin damage by sunburn or scratching are more susceptible to bacterial infection due to the breach in the skin. Boils, cellulitis, scarlet fever, carbuncles, folliculitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome are to name the few.
- Fungal Infections- Skin fungi live in the dead, top layer of skin cells in moist areas of the body, such as between the toes, groin, and diaper area. Some fungal infections cause only a small amount of irritation. Other types of fungal infections penetrate deeper and may cause itching, swelling, blistering, and scaling. In some cases, fungal infections can cause reactions elsewhere on the body. For example, a child may develop a rash on the finger or hand associated with an infection of the scalp or foot. Candidiasis is the most common form. Tinea infections and Tinea Vesricolor are also fungal infections.
- Parasitic Skin Infections- Parasites are usually small insects or worms that burrow in skin or live on skin for their life. Lice and scabies are the most common examples of skin parasitic infections.
- Viral Exanthemas- Many viral infections of the childhood are categorized under this category. Measles or rubeola, rubella, varicella (or chickenpox), fifth disease, roseola are the most common conditions all over the world. Immunizations have lead to a decrease in the number of cases of measles, mumps, and rubella. The above viral exanthems have distinct patterns of rashes which aid in the diagnosis of the virus.
- Viral Skin Infections- These are categorized separate from the childhood conditions. Viral skin infections are of more serious nature. Commonly affecting virus groups are human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus and poxvirus. The conditions they cause are herpes zoster (shingles), molluscum contagiosum, pityriasis Rosea and warts.
- Non Infectious Skin Conditions- Apart from the infectious skin conditions, there are various non infectious skin conditions. These primarily include dermatitis, drug rashes, poison ivy, poison oak, acne, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Skin disorder as a symptom- Many skin conditions are signs and symptoms to other systemic conditions. These generally include rashes, color changes, skin structure deformity, skin growths etc.
- Benign Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders- Abnormal skin growths and abnormal pigmentation of the skin may be present at birth, or develop later in life. Although harmless in most cases, skin growth and pigmentation disorders should be monitored for any changes that may indicate a development of cancerous skin cells. Birthmarks, other benign skin growths, skin cancer and skin pigment disorders are the common ones.
Symptoms
Though there are many skin disorders but the symptoms are only a few. Most of the conditions share at least two to three symptoms. Common symptoms are
- Skin rash
- Skin swelling
- Bruising
- Wound
- Itching
- Paresthesia
- Feeling of something crawling on skin
- Inflammation
- Discoloration
- Pruritus
- Irritation
- Pain
- Edema
- Skin inflammation
- Urticaria
- Angioedema
- Scaling
Diagnosis
Diagnosis for the skin conditions can be made upon the following tests
- Allergy tests (patch tests)- Patch tests are used to help diagnose skin allergies. Identified allergens are applied to the skin with adhesive patches and left for a period of time. The skin is then examined for any reaction.
- Biopsies- A skin biopsy is the removal of skin for laboratory analysis. The sample of skin may be removed with a scalpel or a cylindrical punch, after local anesthesia. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose skin cancer or benign skin disorders.
- Blood tests- Blood tests are also done in some cases to check for ESR levels and increase and decrease of WBCs.
- Cultures- Skin, hair, or nails may be cultured to detect bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
- Dermascopy-This non-invasive procedure involves the use of a dermatoscope, a special magnifying lens and light source, to microscopically examine lesions or other spots on the skin. A digital or photographic image of the spot may also be taken.
Treatment & care
There are several treatment options available for skin disorder treatments. But all of these need special care to be taken and the treatment should be done under supervision of a dermatologist. Treatment options include medications, surgical interventions, complementary and alternative treatments, cosmetic treatments, dietary solutions, laser treatments, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, and others; all depending upon the condition. In medications, medications can be of oral use and or topical. Commonly prescribed ones are antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, steroids (oral and or topical), topical ointments, dressings etc.
Care is also very important in skin diseases as skin is exposed to the outer environment. Proper care guidelines are instructed by the dermatologist depending upon the skin disorder.
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