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All About Skin Disorders
By peace | December 2, 2006
It is a special feature of the skin that while serving many vitally important functions it also plays a major role in appearance. Like the internal systems of the body, it may be subject to serious disease, but unlike the inernal systems, relatively minor disorders, such as acne, dandruff or psoriasis, cause distress to the sufferer out of all proportion to their effect on his or her physical well-being.
The tendency to certain skin disorders seems to be inherited; psoriasis, ichthyosis and some forms of eczema are examples.
Contact with certain substances may produce a reaction in the skin(contact eczema) and the skin may also show other symptoms, including itching, blistering or rash — which are signs of diseases such as measles or of allergies.
The skin is a site of infection. Two of the most common virus infections are cold sores and warts. Impetigo is a common bacterial infection and common fungal infections include thrush and athlete’s foot.
Growths on the skin are usually benign, but in rare cases they may be cancerous. Any new growth or change in a mole or its surrounding skin should always be reported to the doctor since virtually all skin cancers are curable if treated early.
The most common form of balding(alopecia) is male pattern balding which seems to run in families. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to remedy it. Occasionally women may also lose hair,m but in most cases this is only temporary. Increased growth of hair (hirsutism), which can distress women, is sometimes due to a hormonal abnormality but ususally no cause can be found.
High-Risk Groups
- Blood relatives of people suffering from allergies are more likely than average to have similar troubles
- People with fair skin and fair hair. These people, particularly red-heads, are very sensitive to sunlight
- People exposed to chemicals. Housewives using detergents or workers with mineral oils, dyes and chemicals
Main Symptoms of Skin Disorders
- Lumps
- Rash
- Skin abnormalities
- Itching
Emergencies
- Acute urticaria. If there is swelling of the tongue or throat a doctor should be seen as soon as possible
- Burns and scalds. If the skin is badly broken or the burn extensive, do not attempt to remove clothing or apply home remedies. Cover with a clean, dry, loose dressing and seek medical advice.
How to Prevent Skin Problems
- Wear gloves when handling detergents
- Wash thoroughly after handling chemicals even if gloves have been worn
- Do not use towels or face-cloths which have been used by others
- Cover fair skin in sunlight — with a broad-brimmed hat and cotton sleeves
- Do not sunbathe for hours at a time on the first day of a holiday
Topics: All Posts, Diseases, Man's health, Woman's Health |
