Skin is the body’s largest organ. It is our first line of defense against an infection. Besides bathing, we pamper our skin with lotions, oils, and beauty treatments. Occasionally, in spite of the pampering, we develop a skin condition or infection.

This article will examine various skin conditions and infections that affect the body. The classifications of these conditions are dermatitis, bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, and parasitic.

Skin conditions and Infections

Dermatitis is a superficial skin inflammation characterized by vesicles, redness, edema (swelling), oozing, crusting, scaling, and itching. Scratching or rubbing can worsen the inflammation and lead to infection. Whenever there is a break in the skin, the barrier against infection is broken and infection may occur. It is vitally important to protect the skin from cuts and scratches.

A type of dermatitis is referred to as Contact Dermatitis as it is caused primarily by sensitivity to a chemical irritant. These irritants include: soap, make-up, detergents, and jewelry (usually the nickel in metals). Plants such as poison ivy and oak, sumac, and finishes such as formaldehyde in carpet are other agents. Dyes, metal, cosmetics, industrial agents all can be an irritating agent to the skin.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from redness to a severe swelling with itching and vesicles. Any exposed skin surface that comes in contact with the irritant will be affected. Sometimes it is easy to determine what the irritant is. For example, if you have a reaction when trying a new detergent, that is usually the culprit. Dermatitis is generally relieved by eliminating the offending agent once it can be determined. Topical agents such as a corticosteroid relieve the itching.

Psoriasis is a common chronic and genetically determined dermatitis. The lesions are pink or red in color with a silvery scale that is characteristic of this dermatitis. The lesions may be small or patches of larger areas. The sites are the scalp, knees, elbows, and the sacral area (base of the spine). Joint pain may accompany the disease. Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder provoked by risk factors such as stress, infections, family history and even certain medications. Topical treatments are a preferred method if only a small portion of the body is affected.