Showing posts with label skin diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin diseases. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Skin Diseases Vitiligo

Skin Diseases Vitiligo
Not many people know much about Vitiligo. Well, it is a skin condition whereby patches form through loss of the brown pigment or melanin. When one suffers from Vitiligo, the cells that are responsible for production of the brown color pigment are destroyed. The melanocytes are thus unable to produce any new cells.



The patches where there are no melanocytes retain a white color. Sometimes, the melanocytes from unaffected areas might migrate to the affected area and cover the areas which were affected. This might make it difficult for some people to notice that they are suffering from Vitiligo.



There are many theories that try to explain what brings about skin diseases and Vitiligo complications. In one of the theories, the immune system attacks and eventually kills melanocytes. This scenario is known as an autoimmune reaction. This means that the immune system reacts to 'itself' rather than external invaders such as viruses and bacteria.



Another theory is about chemical reactions that are lethal. These reactions often take place when melanin is being produced. One of the effects of this reaction is destruction of melanocytes. The third explanation relates to function of skin nerves. These nerves sometimes produce signals that trigger destruction of melanocytes. This view is reinforced by the fact that Vitiligo affects some segments on the skin rather than the entire skin surface. A single patient may suffer from this condition through the work of more than one of one of these mechanisms.



This disease can affect people of all races. It can also affect people with different skin types. In a typical community, one percent of the population suffers from Vitiligo. Fifty per cent of all Vitiligo patients will show pigment loss by the time they are 20 years old. The disease is known to run in families.



People with Vitiligo in most cases also suffer from autoimmune disorders. The most common disorders in this case include thyroid disease, alopecia areata, Addison's disease among others. Addison's disease manifests itself through inability by the adrenal glands to function well.



Vitiligo mainly occurs in the face and both hands. The patches might affect the areas that are near the eyes and nose. This causes the patient to have a rather bizarre appearance of someone who is wearing a mask. The face looks disfigured. In this case, lesions are the main causes of disfiguration. One might easily be embarrassed to the extent of finding it difficult to make new friends. This can ultimately lead to loss of friends.






Skin Diseases Treatment

Skin Diseases Treatment
The most common indicators of skin diseases are itching and change in appearance and skin texture. In case you have noticed these changes of late, it is time to start thinking about treatments. The treatment options available today differ depending on the cause of the skin infection. Sometimes, treatments are classified based on the cause. For instance, some treatment procedures work well only for cases of fungal infections.



In general, it is not easy to establish the cause of a general skin itch especially when it not accompanied by skin rashes. In this case, you need to run to your doctor and tell him why you think he should carry out a diagnosis on your skin condition. The rest is up to him. He will decide whether you are suffering from fungal skin infections or not. He will even know whether the itch is a symptom of an underlying condition or not.



However, some general treatment measures apply to all skin diseases. Skin diseases treatment especially when it comes to itching problems should have an element of anti-itch medication. The skin should always be kept moist. It should also be protected by sunscreen in order to reduce the risks associated with the harmful rays of the sun.



The medications that reduce itching are known as antihistamines. Remember that itching can be because of underlying conditions such as kidney failure and malignant tumors. In this case, use of antihistamines will not bring about the intended effect. Otherwise, if the doctor has recommended the medications, you have to adhere strictly to the instructions given.



Lukewarm water is ideal for all patients with skin diseases. Bath oil should also be added in the water in order to ensure that the skin remains supple for a long time after the bath. The oil is also important since it ensures that the skin does not become excessively dry. Emollient cream should also be applied once your skin is dry. Drinking a lot of water keeps the skin healthy. You also need juices as well.



Red meats are not good for the skin. The same case applies to fast foods and fried eggs. Instead, you need to eat as many vegetables as you can. Wear cotton clothes and avoid blankets made of wool. Avoid prolonged exposure of the skin to the sun since this can trigger itching. Alcohol is another item that you have to avoid completely since it will only increase your skin's sensitivity to itching sensations.






Skin Diseases Symptoms

Skin Diseases Symptoms
A skin disease is a condition which involves the largest organ in the body - the skin. The fact that the skin is largely exposed makes it more susceptible to diseases and symptoms. Still on point, as it is a highly visible organ, the symptoms of skin diseases are mostly identified early by keen patients who pay attention and take note of the changes in the skin. Unfortunately, skin diseases can be a source of embarrassment and humiliation, thanks to its extremely visible nature.



Skin diseases can be acquired or congenital. Acquired skin diseases are those that target the skin superficially and are mostly caused by fungi and bacteria such as impetigo that affects the face and athlete's foot that affects people in between their toes. Acquired skin diseases are treatable with topical application of medications. Allergic reactions, contact with irritating substances, and insect bites can also cause skin diseases.



Congenital diseases on the other hand are genetic in nature, a perfect example being Harlequin ichthyosis, an extremely painful skin disease whose symptoms include scaling of the skin, blistering, and discoloration. To manage such a disease one would need to be very comfortable and the symptoms should be dealt with as the disease may be incurable.



Other causes of skin diseases, which may reflect underlying medical complications include eczema, hives etc. skin diseases can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, prolonged exposure to UV rays, stress etc. depending on the nature of your disease, skin disease symptoms have different manifestations. First symptom is that the skin tends to change the color as well as the texture, it become hot, slimy to touch, and swollen.



Embarrassing symptoms of skin diseases include acne, chiggers, lichens, cysts, rosacia, boils, psoriasis etc resulting in symptoms such as itching, swelling, redness, irritation, etc. Every skin disease is characterized by its own distinct symptoms, in addition to the common symptoms that generally affect all skin diseases. It is however easy to identify a skin disease because it will change the appearance of the skin and as mentioned cause irritation.



Many skin diseases are generally identified by simply their appearances as well as their symptoms, although there are still other conditions that will call for a blood test for proper diagnosis and right treatment to be administered. This is particularly important because most skin diseases are cyclic in nature hence right diagnosis is needed if they are ever to disappear completely.






Skin Diseases Disorders

Skin Diseases Disorders
There are so many skin diseases that are known to afflict both human beings and other animals today. Most of these are not skin diseases per se but are just symptoms of other deadly diseases for example parasitism while other skin ailments occur on their own, like rabies.



They cause a lot of discomfort especially when they appear on sensitive areas such as the face. The good news though is that they are not only completely curable but also relatively easy to cure.



The most common skin diseases are the pimples and the blotches. These may occur on any part of the body though they are most prominent on the face, neck; chest and back. Pimples are more prevalent in boys during puberty stage than in girls. This can be attributed to different factors including increased appetite which means no restriction on the intake of fats.



Another common skin ailment apart from pimple is acne. This is a chronic inflammatory disease which is characterized by an imbalance of lesions in the skin. They could be minute or large and disfiguring. Normally, the size of the lesion is small red or dark red pinhead or papules the size of the pea. They cause the skin to appear greasy, thick and untidy. Oftentimes, pus and sebaceous stuff can be seen from the lesions. When these lesions reach a certain point, they may erupt and at the same time some form, mature and heal. These are usually disfiguring and irksome, but they can completely be removed. However, the scars left are not easily removed.



Another of the known skin conditions that affect people most commonly is eczema. It is also an inflammatory condition of the skin which appears on any part of the body and is more or less chronic. It is characterized by intense itching and irritation which results to the surface or the skin being either moist or dry.



One of the causes of the skin conditions named above is a general or systematic toxemia. This is as a result of constipation which alternates with diarrhea. Sometimes, there is just normal frequency of the stool but which is extremely foul. This is because the blood stream has absorbed a lot of foul elements which must be released.



Another cause of the lesions is the irregularity of the menstrual condition. Also, hygienic conditions, especially in dirty or dusty environs cause skin conditions.






Skin Diseases And Disorders

Skin Diseases And Disorders
Skin diseases and disorders are among the most common types of diseases that you are likely to come across. They have no respect for whatever age and are especially most uncomfortable if they occur in areas that cannot be easily hidden like the face. They not only make the skin look rough and bumpy, but also make it look very hideous.



Sometimes, the condition does not respond to medication and only worsens. This causes great pain and misery to the victims. Among the leading causes of skin diseases in the entire universe is the sun.



Skin-related diseases account for a greater share of misery, affliction, incapacity and economic loss. The fact that they are physical diseases which anybody can see makes them all the more exasperating. The scars left by these diseases are equally ugly. Fortunately, as a result of developments in this field, plastic planning, skin grafting or laser therapy technologies can be used to remove cutaneous scars successfully.



Proper care of the skin can also maintain your skin in good shape and help prevent skin diseases. You should make sure that you observe general hygiene to avoid contracting ailments such as rabies and ringworms. Your skin should also not be left to dry too much. Regular application of petroleum oils is very important in keeping your skin in good condition. The following are some skin care tips that will help you keep skin-related disorders at bay.



* Before you bathe, always see to it that you massage the middle area of your forehead with good oil such as sesame mustard oil etc for at least five minutes. This will improve your memory as well as make the hair shining black and soft.



* When diagnosed with severe acne, prescribed medication may just be the best way to go.



* Always consult a skin specialist when worried about an unrelenting skin glitch.



You need to detect the earliest signs of the disease and immediately consult a dermatologist. Ability to pay attention to detail is also important as it demands that you note even the most trifle of changes.



The diagnosis of skin ailments is essentially objective and this calls for attention. As a general rule, do not share things like combs and personal clothing to avoid contracting these diseases. At the end of the day, you will not only be free of such diseases but will have saved a lot of money.






Skin Diseases - Psoriasis

Skin Diseases - Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly. This is a common skin condition but for most suffers it's a nuisance and an annoying condition. This skin condition makes the skin take on a thick silvery scale appearance. Patients with this skin condition often get very depressed especially women.



Here is a look at some of the reason for psoriasis,



This skin disease is hereditary. It could develop in adults as well as children.



Climate changes



Other infections



Work and extreme stress,



Consumption of excess alcohol



Dry skin



Skin condition brought on by the use of medicated drugs



Extreme cases or flare up in the case of immune system disorders



There are various symptoms and forms of psoriasis, which are



Redness and scaling of the skin



Itching



Burning



Symptoms are shown on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and palms or soles of the feet.



The skin may split or crack in areas that contact each other such as arm pits, elbows and groin



Discomfort of the joints and restricted movement



Show arthritis related symptoms as well.



Symptoms could also spread to the fingertips, toenails, genitalia and mouth.



Treatment is usually based on the severity of the disease. The mildest form of treatment is topical medicine that can be applied to the skin. Other types of treatment include phototherapy and medication that is prescribed to be taken internally.



Treatment is combined or increased based on the level of the skin disease. Sometimes medication is also rotated to reduce immunity and other reactions. When it comes to treatment it is not the same for everyone, treatment can be effective for one while it may not have any effect on another. After some time psoriasis will resist the treatment.



Some of the treatments used for psoriasis is Topical corticosteroids (topical "steroids"),



Dovonex, a synthetic and activated form of vitamin D3, Coal tars, SCAT treatment or Anthralin, Salicylic acid is added to creams, Tazorac gel, medicated baths which include Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts or Tar, Ultraviolet light treatment, PUVA therapy, UVB Phototherapy,



Other form of medication that is prescribed by a physician that should be taken internally are Soriatane, Methotrexate, Hydroxyurea (Hydrea), Antibiotics and Neoral. All types of medication for psoriasis should be taken after a physician's consultation and prescription.






Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Skin diseases are the most common affections. They occur at people of all ages requiring long term treatments. One of the impediments is that they are visible leaving marks not only on our bodies but mentally too. Fortunately most of them can be cured and the eventual scars can be removed by plastic surgery, laser therapy or skin grafting. Skin inflammations require clinical help by healthcare specialists.



Eczema also known as Atopic Dermatitis is an epidermal disorder which affects mostly young children and lasts until adolescence or even adulthood. It's also hereditary therefore parents who have eczema are likely to have children with the same problem. For a complete diagnostic, affected people must take blood tests in order to define whether they are prone to have the disease. A medical history is also required. Thus if a mother is allergic it's very possible to have children with eczema. The symptoms are dry, reddish and inflamed skin, thickened skin and itching. Every individual has different reactions regarding the treatment. It is determined taking into account the medical history and the tolerance for the prescribed medications, in order to reduce the inflammation and the itch, to moisturize the skin and to prevent any infection.



Furuncle is a painful skin inflammation caused by bacteria named "Staphylococcus aureus" or by fungi found on the skin. Patients have symptoms such as local pains, fever or skin redness. Before the furuncle develops, the infected person feels itching skin. They usually are medium sized but they grow rapidly. The furuncles can multiply as they are connected through hair follicles. Sometimes they heal without a treatment after bursting and draining. If they last more than tow weeks, a special treatment is required.



Acne is a skin disorder which affects 90% of the global population. When oil glands produce more oil, which normally lubricates the skin, it gets trapped in the oil ducts resulting acne. It has several forms: pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. The acne is treatable depending on its gravity and deepness.



A very severe skin disorder is necrotizing fasciitis also know as flesh eating disease or flesh eating bacteria. This skin condition is very rare and it's fast spreading, destroying the flesh tissue as the bacteria installs deep in the flesh. Patients have intense pains and as the disease develops, the skin's colour becomes violet. Infected persons complain of fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Improperly treated, with antibiotics or surgery, this disease leads to death.





Skin is like a visiting card. To prevent skin diseases strict hygiene is required. It is important to consult your doctor as soon as you notice that something is wrong. You should not ignore any discomfort. Prevention before treatment is the key of having a beautiful and healthy skin.






Monday, June 23, 2014

Common Skin Diseases

Common Skin Diseases
The largest organ of the human body is the skin. The function that the skin serves in the human body cannot be overlooked. It is through the skin that the human body is protected from the hazards of the harsh environment. We are protected from the ultra violet rays of the sun by the melanin in our skin which also gives the skin its pigmentation. Pigmentation is different in different races; which makes some people darker than others. The skin helps to regulate the body's temperature by sweating, which cools the body. Sweat is also form of waste removal from the human body.



The skin is subject to skin disease if not taken care of well, if a person comes across an allergen or due to genetic predisposition. Protecting the skin from the rays of the sun is one way of preventing skin disease. The rays of the sun are harmful in large amounts and can lead to skin cancer and sunburn. Stay indoors on a hot day or wear a hat. Better yet, you can apply some sunscreen on your way out. Other common skin diseases are eczema dermatitis, herpes and warts.



You are susceptible to getting warts on your skin if you walk barefoot and on wet surfaces. They mostly affect the soles of the feet and the palms of the fingers. It is caused by a virus. A red itchy skin is a sign of dermatitis. Dermatitis is caused by an allergen. If you are allergic to any substance, you need to steer clear of the allergen to prevent a reaction which could cause your skin to get rashes.



The above four diseases are common since they are spread by contact. Other skin diseases like vitiligo and skin cancer are not spread by contact and a person will more often get it due to genetics. Skin cancer is curable through chemotherapy if diagnosed in the early stages. Vitiligo is not curable and is accompanied by depression and other psychological effects due to the effect it has on the physical appearance of the person. It manifests itself as irregular loss of pigmentation on the skin, which advances to other parts of the body thus altering the appearance of the sufferer. It can be hidden by makeup in the early stages.



Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent skin disease. Eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water. Avoid smoking and cleanse the skin several times a day. Use moisturizer on the skin to keep it soft and supple






Autoimmune Skin Diseases

Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can be varied, and there are certain variations of this disease that are known to primarily target the skin. That said, it is also important to also mention that most, if not all autoimmune diseases are known to cause skin conditions such as rashes, skin irritations and signs of ageing. Therefore, besides being a manifestation of the autoimmune syndrome, skin problems can actually also be a form of autoimmune disease per se.



The main symptoms of autoimmune skin diseases are more or less the same that are exhibited by things such as smoking, stress and nutrient deficiencies, among others. This is because the skin simply responds to a deficiency in some or all of the nutrients it needs to be in a perfectly healthy condition. With such a lack or deficiency, the skin begins to show signs of ageing, wrinkles and other symptoms that clearly indicate that it is not perfectly healthy.



For a person found to be having a condition related to autoimmune skin diseases, a diet with increased levels of fresh fruits, vegetables and plenty of clean water is one way of prevention of autoimmune skin diseases and similar conditions. Another way is the use of diet supplements. These supplements are important for maintaining and restoring a good, well toned and healthy skin, and improving the condition of a patient. Vitamins, and more specifically vitamin A is known to protect against the development and progression of skin cancer, and skin conditions related to autoimmune skin diseases. Basically, the condition requires high standards of healthy nutrition for effective management.



Research has also shown that oral supplements like the use of glucose, minerals and several antioxidant compounds can significantly benefit the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for autoimmune skin diseases patients. In management of autoimmune skin diseases, it is necessary to maintain moist skin. This would help in reducing rashes and other effects of autoimmune skin diseases.



As evident in the points noted above, it is clear that autoimmune skin diseases can mainly be managed by observing strict and specific dietary routines. Different diet supplements are good for management of the condition, and they include vitamins, minerals and several other types of diets. It is important to consult a specialist for a prescription of the right foods and food supplements that can be relied on to manage autoimmune skin diseases.






Diseases and Other Conditions

Diseases and Other Conditions