Up to 9 lbs. of skin hang on the human frame, according to Medline. The skin is the body's largest organ and its first line of defense against infection. This protective barrier is valued for its aesthetic beauty, and billions of dollars are spent in the frantic quest to maintain its youthful appearance. When the health of skin is compromised, psychological and physical well-being can suffer. Skin disease can be caused by a variety of factors.
Infections
Before an immunity is established, individuals are vulnerable to the effects of viral infection. Common childhood illnesses, such as measles and chickenpox, are caused by viruses that create infectious pustules to erupt on the skin. After the initial infection or inoculation, the body develops antibodies that prevent repeat viral infections.
DermNet NZ warns that various types of bacteria can be innocuous or painfully damaging to skin. Impetigo is an extremely contagious bacterial infection that spreads a rash of crusty sores across exposed skin and in skin folds. It commonly affects school children. Streptococcal bacteria cause the illness known as scarlet fever, which cause a rash of small red bumps across the body.
Fungal infections, such as ringworm and candida, are caused when fungi have invaded the skin. These parasitic organism and plants feed off dead tissue and can cause serious repercussions in those whose immune systems are compromised by pre-existing health conditions.
Allergic Reactions
When the body responds defensively to a foreign substance, it releases histamines that cause the skin rashes and hives characteristic of an allergic response. Allergic responses can occur when an allergen is ingested, or in some cases, when the skin makes physical contact with an allergen, a condition known as allergic contact dermatitis.
Medicines are commonly the culprit in allergic responses that result in skin rashes. Many people also have allergic sensitivities to foods, such as nuts and shellfish. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology further mentions that latex is often responsible for cases of allergic contact dermatitis, and that latex allergies can escalate to the life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Genetic Disorders
Some skin diseases are written in the individual's DNA. Genetic deviations can cause disturbances in the way skin cells function.
The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that the most common genetic skin disorders, psoriasis, occurs when an individual possesses the gene combination associated with the disease, and is also exposed to certain environmental triggers that cause psoriasis to manifest. Psoriasis causes red lesions and a buildup of scaly dead skin cells.
A less common genetic skin disorder, Darier disease, causes odorous yellow warts to erupt on the face, arms, torso and back, and pitting on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Harlequin ichthyosis is an example of a very rare genetic skin disease. The Genetics Home Reference describes this condition as forming hard thick plates of skin, separated by deep fissures, over most of the body.
Cancer
Skin cancers occur more often than any other form of cancer in the United States, according to Medline. Sun exposure is a factor in these cancers. Areas of skin, which frequently go unprotected by clothing, such as the face and arms, are most often affected.
Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assures that the most common skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are easily curable.
Melanoma is less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, and also far more dangerous. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
