Skin disease, also known as dermatosis, is defined as any disease of the skin. To be more specific, the skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of the most vulnerable. It acts as a protecting shield for the body for harmful pathogens, but is not immune to disease on its own. Disease is defined as an abnormal condition of an organism that negatively affects bodily functions. Skin disease, then is the abnormal condition of the skin organ that impairs the function of the skin.
There are many skin diseases that are common, including acne, warts, and eczema. The psychological effect of these diseases is not to be underestimated. Since the skin is the most visible organ of the body, skin disease can cause significant psychological stress, especially amongst peers. For example, a child struggling with acne may be ridiculed by his or her classmates in grade school, though it is often not their fault and uncontrollable. Disease can be a life-changing thing, and skin disease is no different. While most skin diseases do not require a visit to the doctor, there is a number of skin diseases that can be extremely severe and even fatal.
Some of the more common skin diseases plague people around the world on a daily basis. The rest of this article will focus on highlighting some of the more common skin diseases:
1. Acne
The bane of adolescents going through puberty, acne is a disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The clogging of these glands leads to pimples, which almost 17 million people in the United States suffer from. The clogged glands may be a result of rising hormone levels causing additional oil. The pimples and lesions develop from the spilling of oil, skin cells, and bacteria onto the skin.
2. Calluses and Corns
Golfers and guitar players are good examples of people suffering from calluses. Corns are smaller calluses developed on top of toes from repeated rubbing and pressure from shoes. While calluses are usually painless, corns can be very painful. There are many treatments for this type of skin disease available in stores everywhere, including rubbing the callus with a pumice stone.
3. Psoriasis
A common chronic skin disease, psoriasis causes red, raised areas that develop as scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It affects 5 to 7 million people in the United States. The cause of the disease is unknown, but is theorized to be caused by abnormally fast-growing skin cells. Treatment for psoriasis usually is in the form of a cream or other medications.
4. Eczema
Eczema is a disease that causes an inflammation of the epidermis. It causes a persistent skin condition that is usually characterized by redness, swelling, itching and dryness, blistering, or bleeding. Eczema can cause extreme irritation, usually due to the itchiness of the skin. It is usually treated through anti-inflammation drugs or oilments and creams that reduce itching.
