Are you aware that skin is the largest organ in the human body? Well, It is, in terms of both surface area – which can range up to 2 square yards and weight – that is approximately between 6 and 9 pounds. The skin separates and protects the insides of the body from the outside world, preventing bacteria & viruses from entering your body while regulating your body’s temperature.

Conditions or diseases that clog, irritate, or inflame the skin can cause mild to severe symptoms such as swelling, redness, itching and burning. Allergies, irritants, individualgenetic makeup, immune system problems and certain diseases can cause hives, dermatitis and other skin disorders. Many skin problems, like acne, can also leave a permanent mark on the appearance. Delay in the treatment of some these conditions can also cause malignant diseases like cancer.

Patients often ignore these visible symptoms and allergies on the skin, till they turn into something major, because of the lack of awareness about skin conditions.

This article is focused on educating the reader about some of the common types of skin conditions, and their treatment so, that patients can manage these diseases when it is still benign, and prevent it from altering with their appearance.

Types of Skin Disorders

Acne

Acne is one of most common skin condition which affects 8 out of 10 people around the world. Majority of teenagers suffer from acne while hitting puberty. Acne is a disease which affects the oil gland present in the skin. The small holes (pores) in the skin are connected to oil glands present under it. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum. The canal which connects the pores and the glands are called follicles. When this follicle clogs up with the sebum, it produces a pimple. More than 80% population has faced acne at some point in their life. If left untreated, it can leave permanent marks, which might only get removed via laser treatment. However, it can be prevented with early treatment. Patients can consult a dermatologist who might suggest some OTC (over-the-counter) prescribed medicines to prevent their growth.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is an undiagnosable long-term skin disease. It’s most common symptoms include itchy & dry skin, and rashes on the elbows, hands, feet, behind the knees and the face. Currently, there are no evident tests which can diagnose eczema, so usually, doctors study the patient family history for determining the case. Mostly, dermatologist recommends regular use of ointment, moisturizer and vitamin supplements for managing the disease.

Hives

Hives are red and in some cases itchy bumps that are present on the skin. Hives are usually caused because of food and drug allergies. Individuals who are allergic to other things have a higher likelihood of getting hives. Sometimes, stress and infections can also cause hives. This is a very common, and treatable skin disorder, which if produced, because of a skin allergy can fade within a few hours naturally or after consumption of an anti-allergic medication.

However, the aggressiveness of the allergic reaction can demand urgent medical attention, which if ignored can cause death.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a type of skin infection caused because of a bacteria. Usually, it is caused by staphylococcal (staph), but streptococcus (strep) can also be a reason for its development. Impetigo is most common in young children between the age group of 2 and 6. It starts when the above-mentioned bacteria enter into the broken or scabbed skin, such as a scratch, cut or insect bite. Its symptoms start with a pimple like red-colored sores which surround the infected area. These sores can occur on the patient’s face, legs, or arms. The sores eventually fill with pus, and break open after a couple of days and create a thick crust. Impetigo can be treated easily with antibiotics. The patient should seek healthcare assistance from a general skin care specialist for its treatment.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a very critical & potentially life-threatening skin cancer. It usually looks like a mole, so here is the "ABCD's" that can help patients detect a melanoma afflicted mole on their skin:

Asymmetry: the shape of half mole is different from the other

Border: the edges on the mole are blurred, ragged, or irregular in shape

Color: the color of the mole is distinctive, uneven and might include shades like brown, tan, and black.

Diameter: the mole is growing in size.

People with melanoma have to receive cancer treatment which might include surgery, biological therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or their combination.

Moles

Moles are a type of growth on the skin. They usually develop when, melanocytes (a type of skin cell), grow in a cluster with skin tissues surrounding them. Most people have around 10 to 40 moles on their body. Moles can develop on people from time to time, usually until they turn 40. Usually, these moles are harmful. But most people can also have a weird looking mole which can eventually develop into melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. This makes it important for patients to consult their dermatologist if they see a usual looking mole on their skin.

Psoriasis

Scaling and swelling are one of the most common symptoms experienced because of Psoriasis. Most psoriasis cause patches of thick dry reddish skin with silvery scales on the patient’s body. These patches can be itchy and often feel sore. They usually develop on the knees, elbows, scalp, face, lower back, palms, and the soles of the feet. But they can also be found in other areas. It is hard to diagnose this condition as it looks like other skin diseases. Doctors usually analyze the skin sample of the patient under a microscope for studying the disease. Psoriasis treatment usually depends on its severity and growth.

Rashes

Rashes aka (basic dermatitis) cause the patient’s skin to become dry and itchy. They are often found on the face, behind the knees, inside the elbows, and on the feet and hands. It is relatively common and can be managed and prevented by following a good skin care regime. Patients can consult a dermatologist who will help them select a few lotions and supplements that will help in moisturizing their skin.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a form of persistent redness (flushing) on the face that some people envy without realizing that it is a type of skin disorder. Some of its symptoms include inflamed eyes/eyelids, small red lines on the skin, thicker skin, and a swollen nose. Rosacea can be diagnosed with a general physical examination and thorough medical history of the patient. However, there is no cure for Rosacea, but it can be managed and controlled.

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is the most dangerous form of skin disease. It is also the most common cancer afflicting the US population. It’s most common types include squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. They usually develop on the face, neck, head, hands, and arms. Melanoma is another kind of skin cancer, which can be quite life-threatening as discussed above.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural phenomenon which occurs because of the growing age. As humans grow old, they start noticing age spots, wrinkles, and dryness on their skin. Skin aging can speed up because of sunlight. Cigarette smoking can also contribute to the intensity of wrinkles. There are several products in the market which claim to revitalize the aging skin or reduce the visibility of wrinkles, but there are only a couple of products which have been approved by the government Food and Drug Administration for aging and sun-damaged skin. There are several laser and cosmetic treatment that can help in removing the wrinkles of the patients giving them a youthful appearance.