Common Skin Issues
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up
Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, trauma, stress, smoking, binge alcohol intake,certain medications etc.
There are several types of psoriasis, each of which varies in its signs and symptoms:
- Plaque psoriasis. The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis causes dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales. There may be few or many. They usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. The patches vary in color, depending on skin color. The affected skin might heal with temporary changes in color (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly on brown or Black skin.
- Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe disease may cause the nail to crumble.
- Guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the trunk, arms or legs.
- Inverse psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. It causes smooth patches of inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
- Pustular psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis, a rare type, causes clearly defined pus-filled blisters. It can occur in widespread patches or on small areas of the palms or soles.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common and the most severe type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. It can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Eczema
Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types can also cause blisters.
There are several types of eczema. Besides atopic dermatitis, other types include:
- Allergic contact dermatitis: This is a skin reaction that occurs following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: This refers to irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is characterized by blisters.
- Neurodermatitis: This leads to scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It occurs due to a localized itch, such as from an insect bite.
- Discoid eczema: Also known as nummular eczema, this type presents as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
- Stasis dermatitis: This refers to skin irritation of the lower leg. It is usually related to circulatory problems.
Rashes
Skin rashes are caused by a variety of factors and present in different ways in the affected areas. Your primary care provider or dermatologist will be able to determine the cause based on the type of rash and other factors.
- Atopic dermatitis, or eczema. One of the most common rashes, this is a chronic condition that periodically causes red, itchy skin on the hands, feet, ankles, neck, upper body and limbs.
- Bug bites. For some bites, like ticks, sometimes you should get medical attention to check for Lyme Disease.
- Cellulitis. A bacterial infection, causing a red, swollen and painful rash. See your provider right away, because the infection can become life-threatening if left untreated.
- Chickenpox. A virus that causes red, itchy blisters all over the body. Chickenpox usually affects children. The same virus causes shingles in adults.
- Contact dermatitis. This common rash occurs from direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, such as:
- Beauty products, soaps and laundry detergent.
- Chemicals in rubber, elastic or latex.
- Clothing dyes.
- Poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac.
- Diaper rash. A common skin irritation caused by chafing, sensitive skin or sitting too long in a dirty diaper.
- Fifth disease. A viral infection that causes a red, flat rash on the cheeks, upper arms and legs.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease. A viral infection that causes red lesions on the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
- Heat rash, also called prickly heat and miliaria. Caused when blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration under the skin, resulting in itchiness and blisters or deep, red lumps.
- Hives. An allergic reaction that causes sudden swollen, red bumps that may itch.
- Impetigo. A contagious bacterial infection that causes an itchy, crusty rash and yellow, fluid-filled sores on the face, neck and hands.
- Kawasaki disease. A rare but potentially fatal illness that present with a rash and fever in the early stages. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Lupus. An autoimmune disease that triggers a butterfly-like rash on the cheeks and nose.
- Measles. A viral respiratory infection that causes widespread itchy and red bumps.
- Medications. Rashes can form due to an allergic reaction, side effect or photosensitivity.
- Psoriasis. A scaly, itchy, red rash forms along the scalp, elbows and joints.
- Ringworm. A fungal infection that causes a distinctive ring-shaped rash. The same fungus causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.
- Rosacea. A chronic skin condition of unknown cause, characterized by redness on the face.
- Scabies. An infestation by tiny mites, causing a bumpy, itchy rash.
- Scarlet fever. An infection due to group A Streptococcus bacteria that causes a red, sandpaper-like rash.
- Seborrheic eczema. A type of eczema that affects the scalp and causes redness, scaly patches and dandruff. In babies, it is called crib cap.
- Shingles. A viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles causes a painful rash, usually appearing as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They’re normally harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some are transmitted by insects or other animals. And you may get others by consuming contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the organism causing the infection, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may need hospitalization.
Many infectious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can be prevented by vaccines. Frequent and thorough hand-washing also helps protect you from most infectious diseases.
Symptoms
Each infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
Peadiatric skin problems
Contact Dermatitis ( add this under the rash segment)
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction from contact with certain substances.
Diaper Dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis, commonly known as a diaper rash, is a term used to describe different skin rashes in the diaper area.
Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations
Hemangiomas and vascular malformations are commonly known as “birthmarks.” They can be present at birth or appear in the first months of life.
Lymphatic Malformations
A lymphatic malformation is a lymphatic vessel that isn’t formed correctly.
Non-Infectious Skin Conditions
Learn about the many different non-infectious skin conditions that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.