Topic of the Month

Different types of Skin Disorders:

Skin Allergy:

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic to. The reaction usually appears within 48 hours after the initial exposure to the allergen. Symptoms that are commonly seen include the following: redness, swelling, blistering, itching, and weeping. The allergen can be a substance in a product that you have used for many years; it does not have to be a new product. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs more commonly in adults.

Acne:
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The glands become clogged, leading to pimples and cysts.Acne most often begins in puberty. During puberty, the male sex hormones (androgens) increase in both boys and girls, causing the sebaceous glands to become more active - resulting in increased production of oil (sebum).

The sebaceous glands produce sebum that normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. However, skin cells can plug the follicles, blocking the sebum coming from the sebaceous glands. When follicles become plugged, skin bacteria (called Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes) begin to grow inside the follicles, causing inflammation. Acne progresses in the following manner:

1. Incomplete blockage of the hair follicle results in blackheads (a semisolid, black plug).
2. Complete blockage of the hair follicle results in whiteheads (a semisolid, white plug). Infection and irritation cause whiteheads to form.

Eczema : (for more details click here.......)

The terms ‘Eczema’ or ‘vicharchika’are synonymous. They refer to distinctive reaction patterns in the skin , which can be either acute or chronic and due to a number of causes.

Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken & raw. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

Dry Skin:

Dry skin is a very common skin condition, usually characterized by irritated skin and itchiness. Dry skin often worsens in the winter, when the air is cold and dry. In addition, frequent bathing can aggravate dry skin. Dry skin may become flaky or scaly.

However, dry skin symptoms may resemble other skin conditions or result from other disorders such as an underactive thyroid or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Treating dry skin may be as simple as keeping the skin moist - by taking fewer baths and using ointments or creams that keep the moisture in. 

Treatment may also include:

• avoiding harsh soaps, detergents, and perfumes, which tend to dry the skin

• avoiding rubbing or scratching the skin, which can aggravate the symptoms and cause infection

Psoriasis: (for more details click here.......)

Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn skin disease. It is a chronic disease, characterized by thick, red silvery, scale patches of the skin. This disease affects both sexes equally. The skin cells multiply so quickly, causing the skin to shed every three to four days. Though not contagious, the condition is hereditary. Psoriasis is often recurrent and occurs in varying severities.

The following are the most common symptoms of psoriasis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, as psoriasis comes in several forms and severities. Symptoms may include:

• discoid psoriasis
  Also called plaque psoriasis, this type of psoriasis is the most common. Symptoms may include patches of red, raised skin on the trunk, arms, legs, knees, elbows, genitals, and scalp. Nails may also thicken, become pitted, and separate from the nail beds.
• guttate psoriasis
  This type of psoriasis affects mostly children. Symptoms may include many small patches of red, raised skin. A sore throat usually proceeds the onset of this type of psoriasis.
• pustular psoriasis
  Symptoms may include small pustules (pus-containing blisters) all over the body or just on the palms, soles, and other small areas.

Ringworm:  (for more details click here.......)

Ringworm is a fungus infection of the scalp or skin. In the skin ringworm causes a reddish, ring like rash that may itch or burn. The area may be dry and scaly or it may be moist or crusted. 

The kinds of fungi (plural of fungus) that cause ringworm live and spread on the top layer of the skin and on the hair. They grow best in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds.

Ringworm is contagious. It spreads when you have skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal that has it. It can also spread when you share things like towels, clothing, or sports gear.

You can also get ringworm by touching an infected dog or cat.

Ringworm of the skin usually causes a very itchy rash. It often makes a pattern in the shape of a ring, but not always. Sometimes it is just a red, itchy rash. 

Ringworm of the hand looks like athlete's foot. The skin on the palm of the hand gets thick, dry, and scaly, while skin between the fingers may be moist and have open sores.

Keratosis Pilaris:

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder characterized by small, pointed pimples. The pimples usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. The condition worsens in the winter and usually clears up in the summer.

Rosacea:

Rosacea is a common skin condition that usually only affects the face and eyes. Characterized by redness, pimples, and broken blood vessels, rosacea tends to begin after middle age (between the ages of 30 and 60) and is more common in fair-skinned people. Rosacea often begins with easy blushing and flushing of the facial skin. Eventually, redness will persist around the nose area, extending to the rest of the face.

Eye symptoms may include:

• redness
• burning
• tearing
• inflamed eyelids
• sensation of a foreign object in the eye

The symptoms of rosacea may resemble other dermatologic conditions, such as acne.

Leprosy:

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae; M. leprae multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear; Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.

Sebaceous Cysts:

Sebaceous cysts are harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin, often appearing on the scalp, face, ears, back, or groin area. The cysts usually contain dead skin and other skin particles.

Sebaceous cysts can usually be treated by a physician by puncturing the top and removing its contents. However, large cysts may reappear and may have to be surgically removed. If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may include administering antibiotics and then surgically removing the cyst.