The integumentary system is the medical term for skin. Skin serves as a protective covering that supports the fluid and organs in your body. Sometimes, your skin cells grow at a rapid and abnormal rate. In some cases, your skin can appear dramatically different.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a potentially fatal condition in which skin cells overgrow and form cancerous moles. The Mayo Clinic says skin cancer is typically found in such sun-exposed areas as your face, neck, ears, arms, hands and legs. Sometimes, this cancer is also found on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
Many types of skin cancers exist. The Mayo Clinic says basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. A pearl-like bump on your face, neck or ears characterizes this cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma. This cancer either consists of a firm red mass on your lips, hands, face or arms or a flat, crusted lesion. The Mayo Clinic indicates that melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. A mole that is irregular in shape, color, texture and size can be melanoma.
Treatment for skin cancer involves freezing or using laser therapy on the questionable skin region. Sometimes, your doctor may want to surgically remove the problematic skin site. Also, radiation and chemotherapy are available skin cancer treatment options to destroy cancerous skin cells.
Dermatographia
The Mayo Clinic says dermatographia is a medical problem in which mild trauma to your skin (such as scratching) can lead to red, raised lines. Dermatographia can also cause skin swelling, inflammation, welts and itching. The Mayo Clinic says changes in temperature, sunlight and certain emotions can trigger dermatographia. In fact, dermatographia's symptoms may last for 30 minutes to greater than an hour.
Typically, dermatographia resolves on its own. Antihistamine medications can be taken if symptoms don't subside.
Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Ichthyosis vulgaris is a skin disorder in which skin takes on the appearance of fish scales. The Mayo Clinic says ichthyosis vulgaris typically presents itself in childhood but can be present at birth. Specific symptoms include dry skin, a flaky scalp, tile-like scales on the skin and painful cracks in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Your doctor can prescribe creams and ointments that contain alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolylic acid and lactic acid. Sometimes, he may prescribe retinoids (a type of treatment used for acne).
