Skin Disorders
Huey Chen (Contemporary Health 3A)
1. Acne
Acne is a skin condition in which hair follicles
become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
It is caused by excess oil on the face that
build up and clog the pores, leading to
whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts
developing on the face.
To prevent acne, wash your face at least
twice, once in the morning after you wake up
and once at night before you go to bed. If you
take a shower, that is an opportunity for you
to wash your face thrice a day. A facial foam
cleanser will assist in removing oil and other
impurities from your face and unclogging
your pores. Avoid touching your face. Avoid
eating foods that may cause your skin to
produce excess oil, like processed sugar,
dairy products, or greasy and fried foods. Hot
and spicy foods may also cause acne
breakouts and heatiness. To treat acne, use
over-the-counter products such as topical
2. Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder
that causes areas of the skin to lose hair (the
immune system mistakenly attacks hair). The
cause of alopecia areata is unknown,
although research suggests that genetics and
environmental factors may play a role. There
is currently no definite way to prevent or treat
alopecia areata since it is an autoimmune
disorder with an unknown cause.
3. Atopic dermatitis
(eczema)
Atopic dermatitis (commonly known as
eczema) is a chronic skin condition in which
areas of the skin becomes dry, red, itchy, and
inflamed. Eczema develops during childhood
in most people and is not contagious,
although people with a family history of the
condition are more likely to have it.
To prevent and treat eczema, try to keep the
skin moisturized and avoid taking showers
and baths with hot water (lukewarm water is
recommended). There is currently no definite
cure for it.
4. Epidermolysis bullosa
Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin condition
that causes the skin to be extremely fragile
and prone to blistering. To get this condition,
a person inherits a mutated gene from their
parents. There is no way to prevent or treat
the disease since it is a genetic disorder. A
doctor can help you cope with epidermolysis
bullosa.
5. Hidradenitis
suppurativa
A skin condition where small and painful
lumps form in areas where skin tends to rub
together. The cause of it is unknown, although
genetics are believed to play a factor. There
are no definitive ways to prevent or treat it,
although maintaining a healthy weight,
avoiding smoking, and heat can help lessen
symptoms.
6. Ichthyosis
Skin disorders characterized by dry,
thickened, and scaly skin. A person gets
ichthyosis through mutated genes passed
down from their parents. Ichthyosis cannot be
prevented due to it being influenced by
genes. Treatment for ichthyosis include using
moisturizing creams and lotions.
7. Pachyonychia
congenita
A genetic disorder that causes thick nails and
and painful calluses on the bottom of the feet.
PC occurs through a mutation in one of the
keratin genes. There is currently no way to
prevent PC since it is caused by genetic
mutations. To treat PC, it is recommended to
practice foot care by thinning the calluses,
using moisturizers, and over-the-counter pain
medications.
8. Pemphigus
An autoimmune disease that causes blistering
of the skin. The cause is unknown, although
genetics may play a role. There is currently
no way to prevent it. Treatments include
using corticosteroids, rituximab, and
immunosuppressants.
9. Psoriasis
An autoimmune disease that causes red and
scaly skin and raised plaques. The cause is
unknown, although hereditary genetics may
play a role. There is no way to prevent it.
Treatments include corticosteroids,
immunosuppressants, and emollients.
10. Raynaud’s
Phenomenon
A condition that causes the fingers of the
hands to cool under certain conditions. Its
cause is unknown (reduced blood flow to the
area of hand). To prevent and treat Raynaud’s
phenomenon, avoid exposure to cold and
wear gloves and more layers of clothing.
11. Rosacea
Condition characterized by facial redness and
flushing. It is caused by inflammation,
although why inflammation occurs is
unknown. To prevent rosacea, avoid exposure
to the sun and heat, as well as eating hot
foods that may trigger it, like spicy foods.
Treatments include creams, gels, and anti-
inflammation products.
12. Scleroderma
An autoimmune disease that causes
thickening and hardening of the skin. There is
currently no way to prevent it since it is an
autoimmune disease. Treatments include
immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.
13. Vitiligo
A chronic autoimmune disease that causes
light-colored patches to appear on the skin. It
is caused by a loss melanin in the skin. There
is no known way to prevent vitiligo.
Treatments for vitiligo include corticosteroids,
calcineurin inhibitors, and hydroquinone.
Bibliography
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
- https://www.psdermgroup.com/2023/12/04/the-top-ten-foods-that-cause-acne-according-to-phoenix-surgical-dermatology-group/
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/alopecia-areata
- https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/epidermolysis-bullosa
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ichthyosis
- https://www.pachyonychia.org/what-is-pc/
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/pemphigus/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
- https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/raynauds-phenomenon
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/scleroderma
- https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
