Skin disorder

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Skin disorders are a variety of conditions that affect the skin. They can range from benign, temporary conditions such as acne or sunburn, to serious, chronic conditions such as skin cancer or psoriasis.

Types of Skin Disorders[edit | edit source]

There are many different types of skin disorders, including:

  • Dermatitis: This is a general term that describes inflammation of the skin. There are many different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
  • Psoriasis: This is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells. This build-up of cells causes scaling on the skin's surface.
  • Acne: This is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.
  • Skin cancer: This is a common and potentially serious condition that begins in the cells of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Causes of Skin Disorders[edit | edit source]

Skin disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Genetics: Many skin disorders, such as psoriasis and eczema, are genetic conditions.
  • Environment: Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun or allergens, can also cause skin disorders.
  • Infections: Certain infections can cause skin disorders, such as chickenpox or fungal infections.
  • Immune system disorders: Disorders of the immune system, such as lupus or HIV, can also cause skin disorders.

Treatment of Skin Disorders[edit | edit source]

Treatment for skin disorders depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:

See Also[edit | edit source]

Skin disorder Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD