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.

Viral Infections:

Herpes Simplex

The lesions of herpes simplex are known as cold sore or fever blister. These are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. This virus is not eliminated from the body but is present in nervous tissue throughout. The lesions may appear anywhere but usually are found on the lips, oral or genital areas, and are reactivated by stress, fever, sun exposure, a cold, or injury. Active lesions are infectious and last about 7-10 days. Treatment is geared to relief of the symptoms as there is no cure.

Chicken Pox (varicella)

This disease is caused by the herpes zoster virus. This is a contagious airborne disease that affects children more often than adults. Once you have had chicken pox, you usually are immune from a reoccurrence. However, the virus continues to reside within certain nerve cells within the body. When stimulated, these may reappear as shingles. General symptoms are fever, headache, anorexia, and lesions which are small, pink, raised spots surrounded by a reddened halo. Treatment is to keep the lesions dry and relive itching.

Herpes Zoster—Shingles

This occurs mostly in elderly. It is the name for the acute phase when the dormant virus that caused chicken pox erupts. Intense itching, pain and grouped vesicles are located in a general area. The lesions last about 2-3 weeks and antiviral drugs can shorten the duration.

Fungal infections:

A superficial infection caused by fungi (dermatophytes) that invade dead tissue of the skin or nails and hair are ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, which collectively are called tinea. These fungi live on the skin, hair and nails and thrive in moist warm areas. Sources for these fungi are the soil, animals, or another person. The potential for infection is increased with a minor skin irritation or poor hygiene. The lesions are characteristically pink to red with acute flare-ups in warm weather due to moisture. Itching and inflammation are the symptoms. Treatment with an antifungal preparation is effective.

Ringworm occurs on the scalp or skin and is called ringworm because of its characteristic ring or series of rings. It appears as a red, scaly patch and becomes quite itchy. A doctor can easily diagnose ringworm and treat the skin disease. Generally, an antifungal ointment is applied. Preventing ringworm is as simple as avoiding using another’s comb, brush, pillow or hat.

Jock itch is an itching, chafing, or burning rash in the groin or thigh area. This can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, ointment, or spray. This is applied after washing the area and drying completely. Treatment is for two weeks if symptoms disappear and to prevent a reoccurrence. Prevention of jock itch is to keep the groin area dry particularly after swimming, showering, or sweaty activities.

Athlete’s foot typically affects the areas between the toes. It can spread to the palms of the hand by touching the infected area. The symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, blistering, redness and stinging. Again, treatment with antifungal ointment is required for a few weeks. Because the fungus loves moist, warm areas, keeping the area of the feet dry is the best prevention. As it is contagious, public showers and pool areas are excellent places to contract the fungus. Wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms and avoid socks that trap moisture. Use socks made from cotton which breathes. Alternate wearing sneakers with wearing other shoes to prevent a build up of moisture and fungus growth.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are the common plants that cause a skin rash. The sap is what causes the allergic irritation. Not everyone reacts to the sap. If you do, you will develop a rash by touching poison ivy, oak, sumac or touching the clothes or shoes that have the sap on them. The rash is itchy, red, burns, swells, and blisters. Prevention is to know and recognize the plants and avoid them.

Within 6 hours of contact, remove clothing, wash skin with soap and water, apply rubbing alcohol to parts of skin that had contact, and rinse with water. If a rash does develop, calamine lotion, and bathing in lukewarm water with colloidal oatmeal is helpful. Do not scratch and keep hands away from face and eyes.

Bacterial infections:

Impetigo is an acute bacterial infection with lesions that contain a light, yellow fluid. These vesicles erupt and form a golden crust. This disease is more common in children and is contagious. Causes of impetigo include streptococci and staphylococci bacteria. Poor hygiene, tropical climates, and improper sanitation can contribute to infection. Oral antibiotics are generally required along with topical treatment.

Parasitic Infections:

Scabies is one of the parasitic (needs a host) infections. It is caused by the itch mite, sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows under the skin usually beginning in the webs of the fingers and causes raised bumps. It eventually spreads to the rest of the body but not usually the face. The itching is intense and becomes worse a night. The infection is contagious and spread through contact with an infected person. A dermatologist can diagnose the infection and proscribe a mite killing lotion lindane (Kweel) or permethrin (Elimite) that is applied to the entire body except for face after showing. It is left on overnight and then washed off. A second application may be necessary. All bedclothes and towels should be washed using hot water.

Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer accounting for 90%. It almost never metastasizes. Light colored skin and exposure to the sun are risk factors associated with basal cell cancer. Basal cell is more common in Texas than in Wisconsin due to sun exposure. It usually appears on face, scalp, chest, back, and arms. The slow growing cancer begins as a small raised “pearly” bump that is translucent. The diagnosis is made through a biopsy where a small amount of cells is removed and examined under a microscope. Surgical removal is the standard treatment. Prevention relies upon protecting yourself from sun exposure by wearing a sun screen of at least 30, wearing wide brimmed hats, and getting regular checkups.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma, affecting the surface tissue of the skin, is another type of skin cancer, but it does metastasize unlike basal cell. The number one cause is sun exposure. It is described as a firm red colored nodule. The diagnosis is made by a biopsy. Again, surgical treatment is the favored method.

Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer beginning in the melanocytes which when clustered form moles. Most people have 10-40 moles and these may be flat or raised with brown or tan coloring. Cancer is when cells become abnormal and multiply. You should check regularly for changes in moles. The ABCD system is recommended:

• Asymmetry is when the shape of one half does not match the other.
• Border is ragged and irregular.
• Color is uneven with shades of brown, tan and black.
• Diameter changes in size.
• The mole additionally may feel hard, lumpy, and scaly and itch or bleed but does not cause pain.

Early detection is the key to survival as melanoma will spread inward. Regular check-ups are necessary. Biopsy aids in the diagnosis. Surgical removal may be accompanied by chemotherapy or radiation.

Skin Care:

Your skin needs regular attention to keep it healthy. By taking good care of your skin, cleaning, moisturizing, use of sunscreen, and shaving, you can help prevent skin related problems.

Cleaning our face:

Be gentle when cleaning your face. Be sure to remove eye makeup, use lukewarm water, avoid strong soaps, use your hands (less abrasive than a washcloth) to wash your face, and rinse thoroughly and dry.

Bathing:

Bathing once a day is usually sufficient. Use warm water and appropriate mild soaps, and pat dry.

Moisturizing:

Moisturizers assist in maintaining your skin’s nature moisture levels which can be depleted by the environment and your lifestyle. Apply immediately after your shower.

Shaving:

Shaving is a common way to remove unwanted hair, but it can be irritating to the skin. Use a shaving cream and a sharp blade.

Healthy Lifestyle:

• Eat healthy as your body requires nutrients and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
• Exercise improves blood circulation which improves your skin’s tone and color.
• Sleep is an important factor for good skin. A lack of sleep causes puffy and sallow skin.
• Quit smoking as it puts you at risk for heart disease and cancer, but also has detrimental effects upon on your skin causing it to age prematurely.
• Protect yourself from sun exposure, the leading cause of skin cancer.

In summary, there are other existing skin diseases or conditions. If you have a question regarding your skin, a dermatologist is the doctor to see.

External Links:

• Skin Diseases - information on skin
• Medline - information of skin diseases
• Mayo Clinic - Information of skin diseases and infections