Skin disorders

Skin disorders or problems can result from body processes, injuries, environmental conditions, or germs. There are some problems that can be avoided and some that a simple first aid treatment will end.

Acne is a skin problem very common in teenagers. It results from natural changes in the body during development, which causes an excess production of sebum. This extra sebum causes pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Blackheads are plugged up sebum at the pores of the sebaceous glands. A blackhead will become darkened not by dirt but by exposure to air. People with oily skin have more blackheads than those with dry skin. The best way to prevent blackheads is to get adequate sleep and rest, have a well-balanced diet, keep your skin clean, and get plenty of fresh air. Blackheads can be removed with a metal extractor after the skin has been carefully washed with soap and warm water and treated with the application of hot cloths. Care should always be taken to sterilize the extractor before and after use to avoid infection. The whitehead is a plugged pore that is not exposed to air because the sebum has collected under the epidermis. Bacteria grow in the trapped sebum causing pimples to form. A pimple is a blocked pore that is inflamed and infected and may be filled with pus. Pimples should not be squeezed because this spreads the infection. If you find that eating certain foods causes pimples, it is wise to avoid these foods. Fish, chocolate, nuts, cream cheese, and generally rich and greasy foods might need to be avoided. Mild cases of acne can be treated by keeping the skin clean, even by washing the face with only a face cloth and warm water.

Warts are usually caused by viruses and are seen more on the hands than other areas of the body. Treatment is not always necessary as some warts will vanish on their own. Warts on the face, soles of the feet, or in the genital area should be examined and treated by a doctor. Warts very rarely will become malignant. If you want them removed, it is best to consult a doctor.

People with very light complexions usually develop freckles, which are found on different parts of the body but are more commonly found on the back of the hands and on the face. Freckles appear after the fifth year of life and reach their maximum size by adolescence. These can be camouflaged with cosmetics, and some fade as you age. Attempts to remove freckles can cause serious scarring so there is really no known remedy for removing them.

Hives are bumps on the surface of the skin, usually caused by an allergic reaction to food or medicine and also caused by emotional stress. Hives are little pinkish or white elevations (wheals) on the skin surface. Sometimes they are found in the mouth, but they may also cover the entire body. The bumps may be small or large. These itch badly and also burn. The burning sensation and itching can be very distressing, especially to children. Hives appear quite suddenly and disappear almost as fast when the cause is removed. The cause of hives most of the time is due to certain foods. The skin may be bathed with a solution of bicarbonate of soda or rubbed with mineral or olive oil or other soothing applications. If you have hives, it is a good idea to consult your doctor as he/she can prescribe medicines to relieve the intense itching.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria and characterized by small blisters that form yellow crusts. Scaly sores or blisters spread rapidly over the scalp, neck, face, and so forth. The reddish blister ruptures and then dries into a yellow crust. This infection spreads easily and enters the body through breaks in the skin such as insect bites, cuts, and scrapes. The infected areas should be washed several times a day, enough to soak off any crusts. This is a very contagious skin disorder that requires thorough washing of the skin with soap and water to prevent spreading. A doctor will usually suggest applying antiseptic ointments to treat the infection. A variant form of impetigo is called barber's itch because it is often acquired in barber shops. Medicines are used to fight the bacteria both internally and at the site of infection.

Scabies is called the "old fashion itch" and is caused by a small mite (Acarus) that burrows into the skin to deposit its eggs. A severe itch develops in areas such as under the arm pits, in the groin, on the palms of hands, on the soles of feet, and between the fingers and toes. At night this itching can become more intense. The mite leaves fecal deposits, which appear as black lines. This is very contagious and can rapidly spread from one person to another. It can be spread from clothing or bed linens. Hot, soapy baths and a scabicide ointment applied to the surface can help, and bed linens and clothing need to be changed daily. It is wise to consult your doctor for medicines and treatment.

Prickly heat is another skin disorder that develops from people who sweat profusely. Children, too, can get prickly heat. The cause is clogged-up sweat glands resulting from summer heat, or excessive clothing. There are small, pinhead itchy blisters with eruptions that usually disappear within a few days after treatment. It is best to avoid soap in cleaning the skin and to wear light clothing. A bathing soda bath or talcum powder soothes the skin. Calamine lotions are also helpful.

Shingles are clusters of small blisters on a red base, usually appearing on one side of the body. These blisters usually follow the course of a single nerve tract and spread quickly. There are soothing ointments that can be spread to bring some temporary relief. These clusters can become very painful in the elderly and can last for some time. They most commonly occur on or near the check, ear, lips, or genital organs; will tinge or burn at times; and sometimes pass off in a few days. It is thought they are the result of a cold or any disease with fever. A doctor should be consulted for treatment.

Athlete's foot, or ringworm, is a fungus infection of the skin, and there may be a secondary infection development by bacteria. This is most common on the feet, where it shows up as a blister on the soles and toes. The blisters then break and form scales. Swimming pools and shower rooms are usually the cause because fungus thrives in these areas. To avoid this disorder, it is best to bathe your feet frequently, dry between your toes, use talcum or foot powder, and change your socks frequently. Another form of this skin problem appears sometimes under the arms or in the crotch of the legs and is called “jock strap itch.” The fungus causes the skin to become red, flaky, and itchy. A doctor should be consulted for treatment.

Another skin infection, caused by germs and bacteria, is a boil. A boil is a hard, red lump that is tender to the touch and is caused by an infected hair follicle. Most boils burst in about two weeks if left alone. These are caused by bacteria being attacked by white blood corpuscles. The central core of the reddened conical elevation is filled with pus and bacteria. As the boil swells, it becomes very tender and also painful. Sometimes the boil needs to be lanced by a doctor. Wet, hot compresses should be applied to the boil every few hours to relieve pain and encourage bursting. Do not pinch or mash a boil because this will spread the infection. If the compresses do not help, please consult your doctor. A carbuncle differs from a boil because it has several heads instead of one, and it extends deeper into the tissues. These are usually found on the back of the neck, can be very painful, are more dangerous than a boil, and usually always form a scar after healing.

As we age, the skin wrinkles. The dermis, or our true skin, contains a network of elastic fibers that give the skin its elasticity. These fibers tend to lower the elasticity with age so that when creases are formed by folds in our skin, the creases tend to remain instead of ironing out smoothly. There is no known measure for removal. Often, dangerous methods are used without being effective and can result in unsightly scars and infections.

Sunburn can be extremely painful and can cause constitutional injuries. The symptoms depend on the severity of the burns. Usually, redness and sensitivity of the skin occurs, which is followed by blistering and peeling. Redness begins a few hours after exposure and reaches a peak within 12 or 24 hours. The cells of the outer layer of the skin are badly injured, and the sweat glands become swollen and largely nonfunctional. There is always the danger of sunstroke from a bad sunburn. Treatment can consist of creams, proper clothing, and lotions. If you have a severe case of sunburn, it is wise to consult your doctor. There are various degrees of burns. First-degree burns are burns that injure only the epidermis and heal without leaving scars. These are caused by mild sunburn. Second-degree burns are burns that injure the epidermis and part of the dermis and may leave some scarring. Swelling and blistering are involved. Third-degree burns are burns that go thorough all layers of the skin and affect the tissue underneath. The skin may look white, very red, or even black. Most third-degree burns do not heal themselves. The damaged skin usually has to be removed and new skin grated on. Hot liquids or steam can cause the same skin disorder.