Last time out, we went to town about some of the hazards associated with skincare and how we can prevent them. In this article, we will address some common skin conditions associated with other factors apart from skincare.
The protective function that the skin performs may be altered leading to a disruption of normal skin architecture, it could also occur that an internal disease condition Is being manifested on the skin. Whatever the cause, these disease conditions often display peculiar attributes that help distinguish them from others.
We will begin from top to bottom: Dandruff and Ringworm. Dandruff can be caused by a host of factors ranging from dry skin to yeast and reactions to hair care products. It is recognized as an itchy scalp and scaly skin. Scalp ringworm on the other hand is caused by a class of fungal organisms called Tinea Capitis. It involves a scaly, ring shaped area which may or may not itch. It is a contagious disease and the treatment for this condition involves the application of topical antifungals as well as the use of oral antifungals.
On the face, we find ‘eczema’ and pimples. Eczema is quoted because most times, it’s just an infection with tinea versicolor leading to colour changes on the face. This condition can be treated with triple action creams. As for pimples and zits, they usually are brought about by blockage of sebum and sweat glands by either bacteria, oil or dead skin. The way to reduce the occurrence of this is to cut down on your oily and fatty food intake. In a bacterial pimple, antibiotics are quite helpful.
On the trunk and neck, we may see keloids after injuries. What to know about this is that Keloids are as a result of an over healing of tissue upon damage. Some people are more prone to developing them, and the way to prevent it is to get corticosteroids injections during piercings or during significant injuries. Already formed keloids would be attended to by the dermatologist.
Moving downwards, we see causes of skin problems that are transmitted by sexual contact, of which examples include: Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Pubic lice, Scabies, Yeast infections and skin conditions like genital and anorectal warts, rashes as well as pus secreting and bleeding ulcers in the genitals. The general rule of thumb is to always go to the hospital upon noticing any of these signs or symptoms. If an STI is confirmed, previous sexual history will be needed to trace and equally treat sexual partners. Still on the topic, HIV/AIDs has some peculiar manifestations on the skin such as seborrheic dermatitis and Kaposi sarcoma lesions in the very early stages. Later on, there is Psoriasis: a silvery, scale-covered, salmon-pink patches in the skin on the scalp, elbows and knees. We may also see tiny, itchy, pink bumps all over the body in HIV patients, this itching can get so bad that it leads to bleeding and secondary eruptions. A lot of these HIV-related skin conditions are significant because they are usually the first sign of HIV infection.
We must also not forget the Painful Shingles: the cause of a painful rash that may appear as a stripe of blisters on one side of the torso. This condition is seen in patients with weakened immune systems. It is as a result of Herpes Zoster virus infection. For treatment, it is important to see a doctor who will prescribe antiviral medication as well as Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs to ease the pain.
Scabies as well as pubic lice, earlier mentioned as skin conditions that may be spread through sexual activity have a contagious aspect to them, this simply means that they may be spread simply by physical contact or sharing of clothing, articles or materials from an infected person to an uninfected one. It is not uncommon to see entire families coming down with itching and scars in their pubic areas which then spreads to the hands. The treatment for this uncomfortable condition involves discarding or disinfection of infected clothing and materials, applying benzyl benzoate or ivermectin cream to the affected areas. A sulfur-containing bathing soap as well as an antihistamine is usually prescribed for relief of symptoms.
In summary, we have conducted an ultra-summary of some common skin conditions in our environment, their causes, some of their features as well as steps to take on noticing them.
Stay healthy!