Skin conditions

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Skin conditions are a broad category of diseases and disorders that affect the human skin. They can range from minor, temporary issues like acne or rashes, to chronic conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, and even life-threatening diseases like melanoma.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and serves as the first line of defense against external threats. It is also involved in numerous vital functions, such as temperature regulation, sensation, and vitamin D synthesis. As such, any disruption to the skin's normal function can have significant impacts on a person's overall health and well-being.

Common Skin Conditions[edit | edit source]

Acne[edit | edit source]

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It is most common in teenagers, but can affect people of all ages.

Eczema[edit | edit source]

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. It is often associated with other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.

Psoriasis[edit | edit source]

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells. This leads to patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales.

Melanoma[edit | edit source]

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is caused by uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin.

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of skin conditions often involves a physical examination and medical history. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. Treatment varies depending on the specific condition and its severity, but may include topical treatments, oral medications, light therapy, or surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


‎ ‎


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD