Diseases of the skin take many different forms. Some are painful, some itch, and some cause no unusual sensation, they just look strange. Skin diseases also vary in their degree of severity. Some are minor nuisances; others can be fatal if left untreated. The skin is the body's most exposed and accessible organ, and this leaves it vulnerable to a host of diseases.
Warts
Warts are contagious. The human papillomavirus causes them, and the virus is easily transmitted through direct contact. Dermnetnz.org reveals that warts are actually small tumors. Despite that ominous label, most warts are harmless and disappear on their own with time. Genital warts, however, can predispose an individual to cancers of the reproductive system.
Fungal Infections
Ringworm is an example of a skin disease that is caused by a fungus. Fungi are parasites that feed off dead tissue. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that fungal infections can be transmitted via contact with a infected human or animal or by contaminated soil. The hot, moist conditions inside an athletic shoe are ideal for fungi growth, which is why athlete's foot is a common occurrence.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an itchy rash that can appear suddenly or manifest as a chronic condition. Chronic dermatitis is known as eczema. Dermatitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to a consumed substance, such as medication or food, or a substance with which the skin makes physical contact, such as nickel metal, cosmetics or latex.
Irritants such as acids or detergent, and even excessive hand washing, can cause irritant dermatitis.
Psoriasis
The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that psoriasis occurs when a genetic predisposition to the disease is triggered by environmental factors, such as stress or infection. Psoriasis most often appears as raised, red patches of skin that are covered by a scaly buildup of dead cells. Up to 7 1/2 million people in the United States suffer from psoriasis.
Cold Sores
The herpes simplex virus is responsible for both cold sores and genital herpes. This painful and disfiguring condition is easily spread through sexual contact. The virus can be transmitted to the eyes by touching them after touching the infected area. The virus goes through dormant stages, during which no symptoms are present, but it remains in the body forever. Herpes is incurable, but medicines can such as acyclovir can be used to treat the symptoms, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, according to Medline. The most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are largely curable. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, can be life threatening. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to treat this severe form of skin cancer.
