Papain is the proper chemical name for what's colloquially called papaya enzyme, which is one of the enzymes produced by the papaya fruit. There are many common rumors regarding the ability of papaya enzyme or papain to cure diseases and alleviate symptoms, though most of these--including the idea that you can treat skin disorders with papain--are without foundation.
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Skin disorders are a common occurrence due to pollution in the environment, chemicals in skin and hair products, inside heating and air units, medications and genetics. Dermatologists have a variety of treatments for skin disor...
It has also been used for centuries for healing wounds, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms seen in zinc deficiencies are a variety of skin disorders.
DH is an itchy, inflammatory skin disorder known medically as dermatitis herpetiformis. It is a symptom of gluten intolerance and occurs in people who have celiac disease. While climate might not cause DH to form, warm weather ...
Vitamins found in a normal diet are not likely to cause an overdose or side effects. It is possible for you to exceed the recommended daily allowances of some vitamins by taking a multivitamin and eating several servings of for...
Your skin provides a layer of protection for your body and plays an important role in your immune system. Medical conditions that may affect your skin include dermatitis, which causes flaky, itchy skin patches, and acne --- an ...
Your particular skin pigmentation results from the combined effects of your genetic heritage and your everyday environment. In some cases, abnormalities in your pigmentation may indicate the presence of an underlying skin disor...
Small red bumps around the nose, also called perioral dermatis, are uncomfortable. In addition, though it isn't contagious, it can make you feel self-conscious. Partnering with your doctor to treat bumps is important for preven...
Sun exposure can lead to mild to severe skin reactions. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun. These rays can penetrate the skin and cause severe skin problems. Melanin is a natural chemica...
When it comes to your skin, there is some truth behind "you are what you eat." This is because some of the foods you take in can result in effects to your skin. Sometimes this can be a good thing, such as when nutrients help yo...
The dermis, the middle layer, contains connective tissues, including elastin and collagen, which give skin its elasticity and strength. The subcutaneous inner layer contains fat. Many types of rare genetic disorders affect the ...
Morgellons Disease is a poorly understood skin condition of unknown cause that may be characterized by the sensation of skin movement or "bugs under the skin," and may be accompanied by a variety of other dermatological, muscul...
Psychological stress is not just manifested mentally; it can also be manifested physically. Internal struggles may lead to the development of a variety of somatic conditions such as skin disorders. In addition, pre-existing ski...
The skin is composed of three layers, each serving specific functions in protecting the body. Skin cells constantly regenerate, even after minor damage from cuts or scrapes, however some skin disorders cause more distinct distu...
Many skin disorders affect the role of the skin and allow disruption that can be minor or lead to death.
Not so with parasites. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary defines a parasite as an organism that lives off another entity for its own benefit while its host gains nothing in return. By biting into human skin, common paras...
Because of its large surface area, however, the skin presents an ample target for conditions that can cause irritation, inflammation or other problems. Skin disorders are rarely life-threatening, but sometimes they can lead to ...
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...
Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by a loss of the pigment called melanin from areas of the skin, which causes patches of discoloration in those areas. Vitiligo may affect small or large areas of the body and most commo...
When the skin breaks or allergens from the outside environment find their way inside the body, a skin disorder may develop. According to Medline Plus, the main causes of skin disorders are infections. These infections may be v...
Pain, itching and swelling are discomforts that can affect the feet. The skin is the most visibly vulnerable organ in the human body, and the feet can be considered the most put upon appendages. The combination of these two fac...
The skin of an older adult can become drier, spots may appear and wrinkles begin to develop. As a result, a skin disorder can arise. Besides these skin changes, there are certain skin conditions that are more common in the elderl
Childhood skin disorders are generally less serious in nature. Often, the effects are mostly psychological where embarrassment and emotional distress are the main points of worry, reports the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Alter...
Fungus-induced skin disorders are common conditions easily contracted through the environment. Fungi are a primitive vegetable, affirms Medline Plus, and live in the air, soil, on plants and in water. Some species actually live...
Dark pigmentation on the face is a classic symptom of melasma, a common skin disorder characterized by excessive production of melanocytes, the specialized cells that give your skin pigment, or color. The condition most frequen...
There are numerous skin disorders that affect a person's appearance. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, a person's skin helps protect her from bacteria and viruses t...
The skin is part of the integumentary system and is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the top layer of skin and the layer that is most often affected by rashes and ...
Skin disorders can affect toddlers for a variety of reasons. Some disorders that last into adulthood get their start when a child is a toddler. Some skin disorders require minimal treatment and will go away with little assistan...
Although rosacea affects millions of Americans, most don’t even know they have this skin disorder. If left untreated, it can become worse with time. In many people, it is cyclic, flaring up from time to time. Rosacea is ...
Skin disorders can frustrate, embarrass and create discomfort for affected persons. If you develop a skin problem or rash, you should visit your doctor or dermatologist to identify the issue. Common skin disorders include eczem...
Over-the-counter or prescription medications are usually the treatment of choice, and medical risks are few. Some of these conditions resolve without treatment in days to months, and some have no known definitive cause. Most co...
Skin disorders are common in children of all age groups. Most of these conditions are self-limited and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. Occasionally, skin disorders can become severe and require medical attention....
Lichen planus is a skin condition that, despite its name, is not caused by fungi, nor is it contagious. Instead, this condition appears to be a systemic response to stress on the body. Although lichen planus can cause some disc...
As people grow older, their skin becomes dryer, thinner, less elastic and less able to heal from injury. The damaging effects of sun exposure are more apparent, and various diseases and disorders of the skin become increasingly...
It shields the body from the environment. Sometimes, a mole on the skin can turn cancerous. In some instances, the skin can also turn red as a result of heredity or the environment. Fortunately, a few common disorders and disea...
There are skin diseases that are potentially fatal, and there are skin diseases that, though irritating and inconvenient, run a definite and limited course. Identifying these benign skin disorders can go a long way towards eas...
Skin disorders can run the gamut from mild conditions such as rashes and acne, to more serious infections and skin cancer. While most skin disorders are little more than a nuisance, it's important to be able to identify signs a...
Layers of connective tissue, as well as oil glands known as sebaceous glands maintain the elasticity of the skin. Disruption of any tissue type within the skin can lead to the development of serious and potentially fatal diseas...
Rather, they live off other living or dead organisms. Many fungi are so tiny that, like pollen, their spores can spread on the wind. The fungi kingdom includes toadstools, molds and yeasts. Some of these can cause skin diso...
The skin is covered with bacteria that are known as commensal organisms. Normally, the skin is able to keep these bacteria from penetrating past the outer layers, thus preventing infection. Sometimes bacteria can get under the ...
Lichen planus is an unpleasant and hard to treat disorder that may cause painful rashes on the skin or sores inside the mouth. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, lichen planus commonly af...
The integumentary system includes the skin, hair and nails. The skin is the body's first line of defense against infection and protects the internal organs. Many disorders can affect the skin, including infections, inflammatory...
It also protects the organs within the body like the stomach and intestines that are necessary to live. Sometimes, the skin can grow at a rapid rate. In other instances, an infection can wreak havoc on the skin. A few disease a...
African Americans have sensitive skin and may suffer from a wide variety of skin disorders. For some, applying skin care products or shaving can cause skin conditions to develop. Some African Americans who suffer from skin cond...
Irritants, diseases, bacteria and genetics cause skin disorders such as eczema, rashes, infections, cancer and itching. A dermatologist specializes in the treatment of all disorders of the skin.
Causes of diseases or disorders of the skin include fungal, viral and bacterial infections, skin tumors and genetic abnormalities. Skin disorders affect all ages, from newborns with diaper rash or cradle cap, to the elderly wit...
Pemphigus is a rare skin disorder. According to the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, pemphigus is an autoimmune disease or a condition caused by the body attacking itself. Pemphigus is not contagious and is no...
Many skin conditions mimic acne, leaving pustules, bumps or rashes on the body. These disorders may be chronic, appearing as a result of contact with an irritant or severe weather. Treatment for the various acne-like skin disor...
It also serves to protect the body from the environment. Sometimes infants can develop bumps, cysts or spots on their skin. Usually, they appear at birth and are easily recognizable. Fortunately, a few neonatal skin disorders a...
The vulva refers to the external genital organs of the female and includes the labia majora and minor, clitoris, and entrance to the vagina. Several skin disorders may afflict this area and may be brought upon by internal or ex...
Inherited skin disorders are those that are passed down from generation to generation through familial genes. Some of these disorders cause symptoms that are limited to the skin, can be effectively managed and do not otherwise ...
Unfortunately, the sun produces damaging ultraviolet rays that penetrate the layers of the skin to create various abnormalities. A rash, burn and an irregular mole are just some of the manifestations that can develop with with ...
According to the American Academy of Dermatology in 2010, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from acne. Although this is the most common skin condition, hundreds of chronic and acute skin disorders afflict all ages of people, f...
It excretes sweat, regulates body temperature and erupts with rashes to indicate that an allergic reaction is occurring. Sometimes certain viruses can affect the skin and lead to manifestations such as blisters, skin sores and ...
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin cancer. But the rays from the sun may also cause other skin disorders throughout life. Some people may be more prone to damage from the sun than others. UV light may result in...
Sometimes, the skin can develop rashes, infections, sores, blisters and cuts. These manifestations may be itchy and even painful. A number of skin disorders exist.
Acne occurs when plugged skin pores become infected and transform into raised lumps named according to the type of acne disorder to which they pertain. While not life threatening, acne disorders can be emotionally challenging a...
Doctors at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology report millions of Americans suffer with the chronic skin disorder psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition caused by a defective immune system that affects skin cel...
Diabetes starts in the pancreas, but can cause complications in several areas of the body. Skin is often susceptible to complications of uncontrolled diabetes. If blood glucose (sugar) levels are allowed to fluctuate and aren't...
There are several types of skin sweating disorders. They can exist as singular conditions or as a result of another, more serious condition. Most sweating skin disorders revolve around excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or, i...
Fungal infections of the skin affect the surface of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and places where skin surfaces meet. Most fungal infections stay on the topmost layer of ...
Rare skin disorders are often very perplexing to patients. Patients often search for information about how to diagnose the symptoms they have. They may have a rash or lesion on the skin they have never seen on anyone else befo...
Most skin conditions are contraindicated for massage, either because the condition is contagious or because massage may aggravate the condition. In most cases, massage therapists are cautioned to either work around the affected...
Itchy skin conditions can rage in severity from mild and irritating to severe and debilitating. According to the Mayo Clinic, learning as much as you can about the condition and researching various treatment options may help. A...
Pigment loss is quite natural. It happens when the melanin in the epidermis layer of our skin is destroyed, and there is a failure by the body to produce new melanin cells. Throughout our lives, we all suffer from some pigment ...
Skin disorders that affect the hands can be minor and irritating or severe and debilitating. Three common skin disorders are Raynaud's disease, scleroderma and Churg-Strauss Syndrome. These skin conditions are not curable, but ...
Vaginal skin disorders can result from invading microbes. According to the Mayo Clinic, vaginal discharge consist of fluids, bacteria and cells that shed normally from the vagina. The discharge functions to clean and protect th...
Children may experience many different skin disorders; some may be ongoing and others may be rare occurrences. Some common skin disorders in children include rash, warts, acne, ringworm, allergic reactions and impetigo. Other, ...
An allergic reaction can occur when the immune system overreacts to a specific food or other substance, causing an attack. The result can include red, itchy and swollen skin. For individuals with this type of allergy, avoiding ...
Skin disorders include a variety of conditions that are both temporary and without a cure. A temporary skin disorder, such as contact dermatitis, can be irritating but easily resolved. It can be brought on by substances such as...
Doctors continue to study rare skin disorders to find their origins. While some are created by malfunctions in the body's immune systems, others are created by gene mutations. Environmental factors often are considered when tre...
When a person's body attacks its own cells or organs because it can not identify these as part of the body, he is said to have an autoimmune disorder. Some of these disorders include lupus, arthritis, Graves' disease (thyroid ...