Understanding Common Skin Disorders
A skin disorder is any condition that irritates, clogs, or damages your skin. There are many skin disorders. Most are mild and painless. Some can be extremely painful.
What causes skin disorders?
Skin disorders are caused by many factors including family history, bug bites, exposure to viruses or bacteria, and by contact.
Common skin disorders (not a complete list):
- Eczema — general term for rash-like symptoms
- Ritchy, dry skin that eventually becomes red or swollen
- you may see clear fluid
- scratching makes it worse
- treatment can ease symptoms but there is no cure
- Dandruff — mild form of seborrheic dermatitis
- itchy, skin flakes on the scalp but can also appear on eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders
- can be treated with gentle daily shampoo or an over-the-counter medicated shampoo
- Hives — an allergic reaction that appear as red welts and goes away on its own
- Warts — skin growths that can spread to other parts of the body and to other people
- types: common, filiform, flat, genital, periungual, and plantar and palmer
- most go away on their own in a few weeks
Did you know that shingles is a very painful rash that can appear in clusters anywhere on the body.
- shingles near the ears or eyes can cause blindness or nerve damage
- shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older
- medication can ease symptoms
- call your provider right away if you think you have shingles
Remember, there are many types of skin disorders. Talk to your provider if you are worried about any itching, spots, or discoloration on your skin.
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