The skin surrounds the entire body, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it weighs approximately 6 pounds. The skin functions to regulate body temperature, in addition to providing water, fat and vitamin storage and sensory perception. The skin is the largest organ of the body and can be affected by a few disorders. Most are chronic and mildly aggravating---few are life-threatening.
Psoriasis
According to UMMC, approximately 6 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis is a noncontagious, chronic skin disorder that causes patches of rough, dry and dead skin cells. Regions of skin affected by psoriasis are slightly raised, with a red, scaly appearance. It can affect any part of the body, including the skin of the legs, and it ebbs and flows between being active and inactive. When active, psoriasis can affect small or expansive areas of skin. The cause of psoriasis is unknown; however, doctors believe it may be hereditary and triggered by stress, explains UMMC. In addition to red, scaly patches of skin, symptoms of psoriasis include pus-filled blisters; discolored and pitted fingernails and toenails; itchy skin; and painful, inflamed joints in some people.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by inflammation of the outer layer of skin. It can occur in adults; however, it is most common in children and infants. Symptoms of leg eczema include cracks in the skin, particularly at skin creases; rashes on the legs; red, scaly skin with small bumps; dry, itchy skin; and oozing, crusty skin. All symptoms worsen in the winter months. Eczema is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, allergies, stress, frequent bathing or skin abrasion, as detailed by NYU Langone Medical Center.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes swelling of the skin. In severe instances, the underlying connective tissue layer and the lymph nodes are also affected. Enzymes secreted from the bacteria destroy skin cells. Cellulitis affects the legs primarily, according to UMMC, but it can also target the arms, scalp and face. Symptoms include red skin, severe swelling, fever, chills, pain and tenderness. Cellulitis is caused by the bacteria streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, which gain entry into the body by a cut in the skin. If left untreated, cellulitis is a life-threatening disorder, particularly from complications such as meningitis or blood poisoning, according to UMMC and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
