The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it serves to protect the body from bacterial and viral infections, while also playing a role in the regulation of body temperature. The skin of an adult can weigh up to nine pounds and cover a surface area of around two square yards, according to the editorial staff of the Fall 2008 issue of "NIH MedlinePlus," published by the National Institutes of Health. At least one common skin disease will affect nearly every person during their life.
Acne
Acne affects 80 percent of human beings at some point in their lives, which makes it the most common skin disease, notes the editorial staff of "NIH MedlinePlus." Bacteria, hormones and oils produced by the skin interact to cause acne. The oil glands under the skin produce sebum, an oily substance that moves to the skin surface through a tube known as a follicle. Blockage of a follicle causes the familiar pimples and puss-filled cysts that come with acne. Acne may leave scars after it resolves and the best way to avoid scarring is early treatment. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs may help to clear up acne.
Psoriasis
The term psoriasis covers a number of common skin diseases, which together affect nearly six million Americans, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Discoid or plaque psoriasis, the most common type, may affect the scalp, trunk, arms, elbows, legs, knees, trunk and genitals. The symptoms include patches of raised and reddened skin. Fingernails and toenails may become thick and may separate from the fingers or toes.
Guttate psoriasis, another common type of the disease, occurs mainly in children, who may experience sore throat symptoms followed by the appearance of multiple patches with reddened and raised skin.
In pustular psoriasis, blisters containing pus may appear on skin on all parts of the body. The blisters might appear only on small areas, including the soles of the feet and the palms.
While no cure exists for psoriasis, some treatments help manage inflammation and reduce skin cell growth and shedding. These include moisturizing lotions and creams, exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight, vitamin D creams and topical cortisone.
Eczema
Eczema, a long-lasting or chronic skin condition, appears most frequently in infants, many of whom outgrow it by the time they become adults. Symptoms include scaly rashes that itch and peeling or blistering skin. Some people have a hypersensitive reaction, like an allergic reaction, which causes a type of eczema know as atopic eczema. That reaction causes long-lasting inflammation. Treatments for eczema include oral antihistamines, topical cortisone and topical immunomodulators that work by reducing the body's immune response.
Rosacea
A common skin disorder known as rosacea typically appears only on the face and around the eyes. More often seen in people with fair skin, rosacea symptoms include broken blood vessels, pimples and frequent flushing of the skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, approximately 13 million Americans have the condition. Treatments aimed at controlling rosacea symptoms include antibiotics, dietary adjustments and topical cortisone.
References
- "NIH MedlinePlus" magazine; Skin Health and Skin Diseases; Editorial Staff, November 2008
- Merck Manuals: Acne
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dermatology--Common Skin Disorders--Psoriasis
- Medline Plus: Atopic Eczema
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dermatology--Common Skin Disorders--Rosacea
