From chronic conditions to short-term infections, there are many skin diseases that can leave you itching and become a cause of embarrassment for you. This article would deal with the top 10 skin infections, their symptoms, causes, and treatments that you should be aware of.
Are you observing red spots on your skin? Are they itchy, inflamed, and painful? They may indicate a host of skin diseases like rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm among others. For many skin diseases, the exact cause is not known. While, there are other ailments that are caused due to genetic reasons or sun exposure. A few other skin diseases like ringworm and impetigo, which are caused when your skin comes in contact with a micro-organism, like a fungus, and some bacteria.
According to dermatologists, these skin conditions are treatable and are not generally life-threatening. The dermatologists also add that a majority of skin diseases are not completely curable, but they may be controlled with the help of medicines. The skin diseases caused by infection through fungus or bacteria can be completely cured.
Here are the details of 10 skin conditions you should be aware of-
- Ringworm
This skin condition is also known by the name of “tinea” or “dermatophytosis”. It has nothing got to do with any worm, however. It got its name from the red-colored ring-like formation, which is itchy. It is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin, items like the towels you use, clothes and bedding.
The symptoms of this disease include red colored, ring-like formation on the skin. It may be accompanied by hair loss. This red and itchy condition is formed typically after fourteen days of coming in contact with the fungus.
To diagnose whether it is ringworm or not, dermatologists usually take a sample of your skin and observe it under the microscope. Once it is diagnosed, it is treated with anti-fungal creams, or in severe cases, the doctor recommends antifungal pills.
- Rosacea
When you can’t stop blushing, it may be a condition called rosacea. Women are more likely to develop this disease than men. It usually affects pale-skinned people.
This disease occurs when the facial blood vessels get unduly stimulated or dilated. Other symptoms of this disease are acne-like breakouts; the skin on the face becomes thick, red, and bumpy.
According to recent studies, genetic components play a major role in the formation of this disease. It is usually treated with antibiotics and topical ointments.
- Eczema
This is a chronic skin condition that affects the children of most developed countries. It causes dry and itchy skin with red and scaly patches. Sometimes the fluid-filled blisters appear on the infected area.
According to recent studies, eczema is caused due to some problem in the immune system. It can occur together with hay fever. There is no complete cure for this disease. But it can be controlled by steroid creams, and avoiding substances that triggers this ailment.
- Contact Dermatitis
This is also a type of eczema which is triggered when the skin comes in contact with some particular irritants. According to dermatologists, this ailment is essentially an allergic phenomenon. It is usually not hereditary.
This disease cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled with topical or systemic medication.
- Impetigo
This is a bacterial infection that may be identified with large blisters or crusted sores. The bacteria which causes it is known as streptococcus. It is common among children, and most often is seen around the mouth and nose.
Impetigo is treated with prescription antibiotic cream or lotion. For severe cases, oral antibiotics are recommended.
- Dandruff
The scientific name for this disease of the scalp is Seborrheic dermatitis. This is a sort of scalp eczema, which may be identified by scaly, crusty patches on the skin of the scalp. It generally occurs to people having oily skin.
This disease is an allergic reaction to a fungus that thrives on the skin of the scalp. Some simple changes in the lifestyle can effectively control this disease, like using a dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid.
- Pityriasis Rosea
At the initial stage of this disease, you would observe oval-shaped patches and bumps on the back, chest, and belly. The cause of this disease is not yet clear, but it may be due to some bacteria.
Treatments include recommendations of prescribed anti-itch creams containing antihistamines. For severe cases, UVB phototherapy is given.
- Actinic Keratosis
This is a type of precancerous skin change caused due to over-exposure to sunlight. The lesions thereby formed are scaly, flat, or sometimes rough, and appear at places that are exposed to the sun, such as the face or arms.
Pale-skinned people are more vulnerable to this disease. The treatment includes freezing the lesion or applying prescribed topical creams.
- Jock Itch
This ailment is similar to ringworm and athlete’s foot. It mostly appears on the most part of the body like the groins, inner thighs, and buttocks. The skin becomes red and flaky. It is more common in adults than children. People who do not change their inner garments regularly are more prone to develop this condition.
The application of anti-fungal cream at the areas of infection is recommended by doctors. The doctors also recommend taking showers regularly and changing your inner garments every day to prevent this condition.
10. Tinea Versicolor
This disease is common among people living in tropical areas and having oily skin. This is a fungal infection of superficial yeast that thrives on the skin. It appears as discolored patches on the skin, especially on the back, neck, upper arms, and armpits. Itchiness of the affected areas is common, especially while sweating.
Treatment of this disease includes the application of topical anti-fungal cream. Sometimes, oral drugs are also recommended when the condition becomes severe.
All the skin conditions mentioned above are either treatable or can be kept under control with the change in lifestyle and usage of the right medication. It is advisable to treat the ailments, once it appears at an initial stage. Otherwise, severe or chronic conditions can become incurable with time.
