Skin Disorders
What are skin disorders?
The skin is the largest organ of the body and covers the entire body. It is a sensory organ that regulates body temperature, stores water and fats, prevents dehydration, keeps harmful bacteria away, and produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun.
Skin disorders are conditions that affect the skin. They encompass all conditions that irritate, clog, or inflame the skin, which can cause rashes, redness, swelling, itchiness, and other changes in the appearance of the skin. Skin problems can be caused by allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, and immune system problems due to other underlying conditions or medical treatment.
There are numerous skin conditions or disorders that differ in terms of symptoms and severity. There are some skin conditions that can last a lifetime, while others are just temporary.
Some skin conditions may be painful, while others may be painless. Some skin conditions appear on a small area of skin. Other conditions can go deep into the skin, spreading to a larger area. While most skin conditions are minor, others can be life-threatening, suggesting a more serious problem. Some skin conditions can be addressed safely at home, while others need medical intervention. Therefore, it is pivotal to know about the symptoms or conditions and consult healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment methods.
What are the types of skin conditions?
Some of the most common skin conditions include:
- Acne
Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and oil glands of the skin, bacteria, and dead skin buildup in the pores, mostly triggered by hormonal changes. Acne not only appears on the face but also on other parts of the body, such as the back and chest. - Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
It is a dry, itchy skin condition that leads to swelling, cracking, or scaliness, which can appear on the face, hands, or feet, or in the creases and folds of the skin. It is one of the most common forms of eczema affecting infants. - Alopecia Areata
It is a condition that attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss in small, round patches. - Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic swelling of the face, with flushed, prominent blood vessels, thick skin, and pimples. - Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen, or hot. - Raynaud’s phenomenon
It is a condition that affects blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the fingers, toes, or other body parts and causing numbness or a change in skin colour. - Vitiligo
It is a skin condition that causes patches of skin that lose pigment or become white. It occurs as a result of damage to the cells that make skin colour. - Skin cancer
It is a condition of uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells which can happen anywhere.
What causes skin conditions?
Some of the common causes of skin conditions are:
- Bacteria caught in skin pores and hair follicles
- Fungus, parasites, or microorganisms living on the skin
- A depleted immune system
- Exposure to environmental triggers, such as allergens, irritants, or another person’s infected skin
- Genetic factors
- Viruses
- Conditions that affect the kidneys, thyroid, or immune system
What are the risks of developing a skin condition?
There are various underlying health conditions and lifestyle factors that increase the chances of developing a certain skin condition. There are some skin conditions with no known cause as well. Health conditions that can increase your chances of developing a skin condition include:
- Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes experience skin problems as a result of their condition because the disease raises the risk of infection and blood circulation problems. Diabetic patients also suffer trouble with their wound healing. Diabetes-related skin conditions include bacterial and fungal infections, such as boils, styes, folliculitis, athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections, acanthosis nigricans, diabetic blisters, and digital sclerosis. - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of bowel-related disorders that cause sustained inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to the development of skin conditions. Some IBD medications can lead to skin problems such as skin tags, anal fissures, stomatitis, vasculitis, vitiligo, and allergic eczema. - Lupus
Lupus is a chronic or long-term condition that can lead to inflammation and skin problems, such as rashes, sores, or scaly skin patches; round lesions on the face and head; red, purple, or black spots on fingers and toes; and mouth and nose sores.
There are other factors that can lead to skin conditions, such as pregnancy, stress, and hormonal changes. For instance, melasma is a common skin disorder that generally affects pregnant women. Stress can trigger certain skin conditions, such as eczema, alopecia areata, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and vitiligo. Moreover, sunlight exposure can also aggravate skin conditions such as sunburn, actinic keratosis, photosensitivity, and skin cancer.
How are skin conditions treated?
There are numerous skin conditions that can be treated. Based on the skin condition, a dermatologist will recommend treatment methods. Some of the common skin treatment methods are:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Medicated creams, ointments, or gels
- Laser therapy or laser skin resurfacing
- Prescriptive medications
- Vitamins, steroid pills, or injections
There are some skin conditions that do not respond to treatment as well as those that disappear without treatment. However, some skin conditions that are temporary and cosmetic can be treated with:
- Medicated makeup
- Over-the-counter skin care products
- Good hygiene practises
- Minor lifestyle changes
What are the preventive measures for skin disorders?
Although all skin diseases or disorders cannot be prevented, such as skin disorders caused by genetic conditions and other underlying conditions, other skin conditions can be prevented.
The following steps could help prevent infectious or contagious skin disorders or problems:
- Regular hand washing with soap and lukewarm water is crucial.
- Sharing utensils, personal items, or cosmetics with other people should be avoided.
- Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet are pivotal.
- Avoid direct contact with the skin of other people who have an infection.
- Disinfect objects in public spaces before use, such as gym equipment.
- Good sleep is important for healthy skin. Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night.
- Get inoculated for infectious skin problems or conditions, such as chickenpox.
- Limit contact with irritants or harsh chemicals.
- Use sunscreen to protect the skin from sunburn and sun damage.
Making lifestyle changes can also help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions such as:
- Limiting intake of sugar or dairy products.
- Managing stress is crucial for your skin’s health.
- Practising good hygiene and maintaining a proper skincare routine.
- Refraining from excessive drinking and smoking.
It is crucial to know proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders for the health of your skin. Book an appointment or contact highly efficient dermatologists at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital & Research Centre for consultation and the best results.
Meet the specialists at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad.
Dr. Anup Kumar Tiwary (Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, Dermatology & Cosmetology)
Dr. Anup Kumar Tiwary is a highly proficient and skilled consultant in the fields of Dermatology and Cosmetology at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Ghaziabad. He has been awarded the prestigious national observership and fellowship in Dermatology, Hair Transplant and Laser MIADVL. Dr. Tiwary is highly skilled in cosmetic procedures such as PRP therapy, fillers, botulinum toxins, and lasers for various skin and hair problems. Moreover, he has vigorously presented numerous oral and poster presentations at various state, national, and international platforms.
Dr. Rajeev Jain (Consultant, Skin & VD, Dermatology)
Dr. Rajeev Jain is a highly experienced venereologist and dermatologist who has dedicated 18 years to treating various skin conditions and diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. He is presently working as a senior consultant in the dermatology department at Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad. Dr. Jain has had comprehensive training in performing various types of skin surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, and is meticulous in her procedural work. He demonstrates extensive knowledge of cutting-edge practises in skincare and participates vigorously in various research pursuits.