Examples of Skin Pathologies

Epidermal Irritations

Disorders of the Sebaceous Gland

1. Acne Vulgaris

The over-production of sebum creates papules, postules, pimples and sometimes cysts and scars. The affected areas can be prominent in the face, neck, back and chest and is characterised by greasy and oily skin.

2. Rosacea

This is a condition that often begins in later life, roughly around the age of 40, but can begin from the age of 20. It starts with a gradual blush and can progress with papules and pustules. Extremely sensitive to cold and damp temperatures, the symptoms can flare up due to climatic conditions or exposure to the wrong type of cleansers and moisturisers, such as soap and synthetic chemicals. Hot spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol, menopause and stress can also affect this condition to trigger more severe symptoms. It can feel like burning, stinging skin that is hard to soothe, the skin can feel tight and sensitive like the feeling of sunburn.

Bacterial Infections

1. Boils and Carbuncles

A boil is a small inflamed nodule that develops after bacteria attacks the base root such as the hair follicle or abrasion in the skin. When the immune system is low, and perhaps the nutrition is poor, there is a greater risk of infection.

A carbuncle takes time to develop and is a dome shaped cluster of boils that most commonly appear behind the knee or neck. They are unusual, and would tend to appear in men with a lower constitution, perhaps due to aging, and a weakened immune system.

2. Folliculitis

This is a bacterial infection that attacks the base of the root, and often occurs after shaving, a reaction or irritation to the root. It would commonly appear on areas with hair such as legs, chest, underarm, neck and back. There is often pain, swelling and redness over a concentrated or large area, depending on the cause of reaction.

There are many infections which might need to be referred to a doctor for treatment. Ongoing care with weakness and scars left from infections such as impetigo and Styes are examples of bacterial infection that can be soothed with holistic and beauty therapist treatments and products.

Viral Infections of the Skin

1. Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores)

This condition starts with erythema and itchiness in an area around the lips. It can be a slow and persistent condition that can take two or three weeks to heal, but it is treatable with over the counter creams. It resembles a group of blisters that eventually start to weep then form a crust.

2. Warts and Verrucas

Warts and Verrucas are another example of persistent viral infection that may require specialist help if pharmacy products don’t have enough strength to kill the root of the infection.

3. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

This virus lays dormant after chickenpox but most often affects people from middle age to elderly. It is a painful infection that links to the nervous system, and create acute inflammation of the peripheral nerves, affecting senses. Persistent pain can affect people for months or even years, and recovery can be very dependent on how the immune system, nutrition and remedies are used to treat the condition. Roman Chamomile, honey and oat baths and herbal compresses are very effective in soothing shingles.

Fungal Infections of the Skin

1. Ringworm

This is an itchy and irritating condition that resembles fungal rings, and start with small red papules, often starting as a reaction to an environmental sensitivity (such as a pet allergy) or a substance. It can target any area of the body and can vary from mild irritation to severe scaling and inflammation. Creams can keep this condition at bay and reduce irritation to clear up quickly if cause of the irritation is removed.

2. Tinea Unguium (Nail Infection)

Often linked to athletes foot, this is a condition that affects the nail, normally starting at the top and working down to the base of the nail to cause pungent and crumbling nails. Often damp conditions and sweaty feet are breeding grounds for this fungus and treatment with keeping feet dry, use of anti-fungal oils such as teatree oil and also athletes foot powder can help to keep the condition under control. Tinea Pedis is athletes foot, and an example of an infection that needs to be kept clean and dry.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

1. Contact Dermatitis

This skin irritation is caused by a reaction to a substance or ph imbalance. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin, and contact dermatitis means that there is a primary cause, usually a chemical such as acids, alkalis, solvents, perfumes, laolin, detergent, bleach, synthetic preservatives or nickel. The skin becomes dry, red and inflamed, and often patch testig is required to pinpoint the source of irritation.

2. Eczema

This is a non-contagious condition that is often genetic or sensitive to environmental conditions. Eczema can vary in severity and can become very painful if not managed, some creams can be really soothing and keep symptoms at bay, nutrition is also a factor in the condition. The skin becomes dry and weepy, and over time can form scaly and thickened skin. Flextures are especially susceptible and cracks such as ears, between fingers, elbows and back of the knees are prime target spots for this condition.

References

www.bupa.co.uk

www.nhs.uk

www.skinawareness.org

http://www.medicinenet.com

http://ndnr.com

http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk

Anatomy and Physiology : Therapy Basics – Helen McGuiness