Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It works diligently to prevent dehydration, regulate body temperature, and shield you from various harmful elements. Just like any other organ in your body, your skin can develop disorders, diseases, and conditions.
Below are some common types of skin disorders along with their symptoms.
Acne
If you have acne, you will have more than just a rogue pimple or blackhead here and there. Acne is an inflammatory condition that involves the skin’s oil glands and follicles. When a follicle becomes clogged with the skin’s oil and dead skin, acne develops. Signs of acne include white closed pores, black open plugged pores, small and red bumps, pus-filled bumps, and painful bumps that are buried deep beneath the skin. Severe acne can leave deep pitted scars or discoloration of skin.
Rashes
Rashes are most commonly the result of irritation or allergens that come into direct contact with the skin. The severity of the rash depends on its cause as well as your body’s unique reaction to it. Some rashes are widespread and appear throughout the body, while others are localized and affect only small areas. A rash can result from a fungal infection (such as athlete’s foot), by coming into contact with latex, as a result of a viral infection (such as shingles or chicken pox), or a hereditary condition (such as lupus or psoriasis). Symptoms of a rash include itchy patches of dry skin that may be swollen and red in color. Rashes may also cause skin blistering, oozing, crusting, or flaking.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition triggered by an immunological response to environmental factors, changes in temperature, and other factors. Symptoms include rash-like developments on the skin that are often itchy, as well as blisters that may ooze or become raw or crusty. Over time and with repeated reactions, the skin can become dry, leathery, or inflamed.
Psoriasis
Often confused with eczema, psoriasis also causes dry, itchy skin. However, unlike eczema, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes dead skin to layer on top of healthy skin rather than shed away naturally through the skin’s normal lifecycle. This build-up of dead skin causes thick, scaly patches, which when inflamed, become extremely painful and itchy, and can cause a burning sensation, sensitivity, or pain. Lack of moisture and dry air can cause skin to crack, bleed, or become infected. Ear pain is a common symptom in children who have psoriasis. This condition can also present itself in the fingernails or toenails as pitting or white blotches.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that is characterized by redness and visibility of blood vessels on your face. Sometimes, it may produce red, pus-filled bumps that appear on your cheeks, forehead, and nose. You may also notice a burning sensation or a swelling or thickness of skin in the affected area. Your eyes may also begin to burn or itch and become sensitive to light, which may cause blurriness or tearing.
Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma most often results from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and a history of childhood sunburns. Melanoma usually appears as small moles or rashes. When it comes to melanoma, it’s important to remember your ABCDEs – lack of asymmetry (half of the mole should mirror the other), border irregularity, colors that are not uniform, diameters greater than the width of a pencil eraser, and evolution or changes of the previous symptoms. If you notice any of these issues, see a dermatologist immediately.
Warts
Warts are caused by viruses and come in many forms. Common warts most often develop on the hands and fingers, while subungual and periungual warts occur around or under the fingernails and toenails. Plantar warts are deeply embedded on the bottom of the foot, while flat warts appear as small bumps across your body. No matter the type, warts are extremely contagious and, in many cases, quite difficult to eliminate without the help of a dermatologist.
Skin Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in Southeast Florida
A dermatologist can treat all types of skin disorders you may face in your lifetime. Children’s Skin Center Pediatric and Adult Dermatology is a unique practice, where the doctor and certified physician assistants serve all age groups. Dr. Ana Duarte is a board-certified dermatologist who is skilled and experienced in treating skin disorders affecting both adults and children.
For more information or to request an appointment, call us at (305) 669-6555. You can also request an appointment online.
