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SKIN DISEASES
Skin inflammations
There are several types of skin inflammations, such as Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes simplex and skin disorders due to the use of cosmetics. Some of these are described below :
1) Dermatitis
Dermatitis is the term used to signify an inflammatory condition of the skin. The skin lesions appear in various forms, such as vesicles or papules.
2) Eczema
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin of an acute or chronic nature. It is frequently accompanied by itching and various other unpleasant sensations. It should be referred to a physician or a skin specialist for treatment.
3) Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease, the cause of which is unknown. It is usually found on the scalp, elbows, knees, chest and the lower back. It rarely affects the face, and can be spread by irritation.
4) Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster
Herpes simplex is a virus infection of unknown origin, and is commonly known as “ Blisters”. The blisters usually appear on the lips, nostrils or any part of the face. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Genital herpes is another virus which causes chickenpox. Common in young people, this is caused by a different strain of the same virus, caught by having sex with someone who has herpes. Groups of little blisters appear on the genital area, thighs and buttocks. They are painful, tender and highly infectious. The first infection is the worst, with swollen glands and temperature. The blisters crust over and clear in about a week’s time. The virus becomes dormant but may cause repeated attacks.
5) Skin Allergies
Skin disorders due to the use of cosmetics are generally called skin allergies. Some individuals may develop allergies due to certain cosmetic preparations containing chemicals, which include cold wave lotions, hair sprays, tints, lipsticks and cosmetics for eye make-up.
Allergies are fashionable and many people assume their skin trouble is due to an allergy but this is rarely true. In fact, hardly 5 per cent of all patients attending skin clinics are suffering from a true allergy. An allergic rash can be caused by a substance coming into contact with the skin which is known as “ Contact Allergy”. Or an allergy can be a reaction to some substance entering the body. There are two kinds of contact allergy: eczema and nettle rash ( also known as contact urticaria). Contact eczema ( contact dermatitis) is the commonest type of allergy. The skin reacts to contact with a substance called allergen by becoming red and itchy. In a very severe reaction, the skin blisters or ‘weeps’. Swelling may be caused and usually affects the eyes, if the face is affected. The rash persists for weeks or months. The contact allergy is of many types which shall be discussed in detail in this chapter. Contact urticaria is a rare kind of allergy and usually people react within minutes with weals due to skin contact with certain foods and substances taken internally.
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