Because skin is so visible, skin diseases are among the most noticeable medical conditions. Only skin cancer is life-threatening, but the other skin conditions listed below can be chronic and often cause psychological as well as physical discomfort. All are treatable. Some require the guidance of a healthcare professional, while others you can treat yourself.
Acne
Acne is the most common skin disease, according to the Yale University of Medicine. The disease is characterized by pimples that form when the passageways connecting the oil glands to the skin's pores become plugged. The pimples are most likely to occur during puberty due to hormone changes in the body. If you are one of the 17 million people in the U.S. affected by acne, the University of Virginia Health System advises you to consult a physician regarding the best treatment.
Dry Skin
Dry skin (or xerosis) is caused when the skin loses its ability to retain water. This can be due to the aging process or environmental conditions. It is characterized by itchiness and rough, scaly skin. Dry skin is more common in older people and occurs more often during the winter, when the air is colder and drier. According to Dr. David Leffell of the Yale School of Medicine, treatment can be simple---such as decreasing how often you wash; using gentle, non-irritating soap; and applying moisturizers.
Dermatitis
"Dermatitis" means "skin inflammation." It is also called eczema. The causes of dermatitis range from genetics to allergies. Three stages of the disease are recognized: acute, subacute and chronic. In the acute stage, the skin is an intense red with severe itching and little blisters. The subacute stage is characterized by itching, pain, redness, scaling and cracking of the skin. During chronic dermatitis, the skin thickens and cracks from continued scratching. Treatments include moisturizers such as Vaseline or steroid ointments. Antibiotics may be required if the skin becomes infected. Ultraviolet phototherapy can be helpful for more severe forms of dermatitis.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inherited skin condition that causes red, raised areas of skin and silvery scales. Often, psoriasis first appears on the knees and elbows, but can also occur on the scalp and lower back. According to the University of Virginia Health System, it is caused by fast-growing skin cells. The cells build up and can be disfiguring. Dermatologists treat psoriasis with lotions, pharmaceuticals or ultraviolet light therapy. Medicated shampoos can help treat psoriasis on the scalp.
Skin Cancer
There are several different types of skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are the most common. Although melanoma is less common, it causes more skin-cancer deaths because it is more aggressive. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body and involves the cells that allow us to tan (melanocytes). Basal cell carcinoma affects the deepest layer of the epidermis (outer layer of skin), with tumors that often look like pimple-like growths or shiny pink patches. Squamous cell carcinoma affects the epidermis and often appears as patches that are red, scaled or crusty. Diagnosis and treatment of all of these life-threatening cancers requires the aid of a physician.
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