Cutaneous condition

Cutaneous condition refers to any medical condition that affects the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and other parts of the integumentary system. These conditions may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental exposure, infections, allergies, and underlying diseases.

Classification

Cutaneous conditions can be classified into several categories based on their causes and symptoms. These include:

• Infectious skin diseases: These are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Examples include impetigo, herpes simplex, ringworm, and scabies.

• Inflammatory skin diseases: These are caused by an abnormal immune response. Examples include psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

• Genetic skin diseases: These are inherited conditions that affect the skin. Examples include ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa, and albinism.

• Neoplastic skin diseases: These are skin conditions that involve abnormal growth of skin cells, which can be benign or malignant. Examples include skin cancer, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

• Autoimmune skin diseases: These are conditions where the body's immune system attacks its own skin cells. Examples include lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cutaneous conditions often involves a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. These tests may include skin biopsy, patch testing, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Treatment

Treatment of cutaneous conditions depends on the specific condition and its severity. It may involve topical or systemic medications, phototherapy, laser therapy, surgery, or other treatments.

See also

• List of cutaneous conditions
• Dermatology
• Skin care