Common Skin Disorders – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Skin disorders are ailments that affect your skin, and they may cause rashes, inflammation, itchiness, or other skin changes. Genetics can cause some skin diseases, while lifestyle factors may cause others. Some skin disorders are temporary and minor, while others can be permanent and life-threatening. Medication is usually necessary to treat most skin disorders; however, some can be treated with creams or ointments.

Here is a list of 10 most common skin diseases that can affect a child and an adult. Further, gain knowledge on what are the symptoms of that skin disorder.

1. Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Acne, which is most common in teenagers, can now be found in adults as well. Acne is characterised by blackheads and whiteheads, or pimples that appear on the face, back, chest, and other body parts.

Symptoms of Acne (Acne vulgaris) –

• Closed clogged pores (whitehead)
• Open clogged pores (blackheads)
• Small bumps that are red and tender (papules)
• Papules with pus at tips or pimples (pustules)
• Painful, solid, large lumps are formed under the skin (nodules)
• Pus-filled and painful lumps formed under the skin (cystic lesions)

2. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

An atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema prevalent in children. Although its exact cause is unknown, it has been linked to genetics, the environment, and the immune system.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) –

• Dry skin
• Severe itching, which may be severe, especially at night
• Brownish-grey to red patches in different parts of the body
• Formation of tiny raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched
• Scaly, thickened and cracked skin
• Swollen, raw and sensitive skin caused by scratching

3. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

After a case of chickenpox, the virus that causes it (varicella-zoster) may lie dormant in your nervous system for years. If your immune system is weakened, the virus may reactivate, causing shingles. Shingles typically appear as a red rash that wraps around your torso or elsewhere on your body.

Symptoms of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)–

• Tingling, pain, numbness or burning
• Sensitive to touch
• Formation of red rash after pain for a few days
• Fluid-filled blisters that burst open
• Itching
• Fever
• Headache
• Sensitive to light
• Fatigue

4. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives are the familiar welts that sometimes appear on a person's skin. Those welts may be caused by food allergies, bug bites or stings, or medicines. If hives are accompanied by swelling of the throat or facial areas, if they persist for more than 4 hours, or if they interfere with breathing, then seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Hives (Urticaria) –

• Formation of skin coloured welts or red batches
• Welts with varied shapes and sizes that appear and fade
• Mild to severe itching
• Painful swelling inside the throat, lips or eyelids
• Reactions arise from stress, heat and exercise
• Signs stay for a few weeks, above six weeks or several months and years

5. Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes pimples, dilated blood vessels and rosy red patches. It often occurs in women aged 30 or above, but men are also affected. Problems with the vein, immune system problems and environmental factors can cause the disorder.

Symptoms of Rosacea –

• Facial flushing or blushing
• Visible veins
• Swollen bumps
• Burning sensation
• Swollen, dry and irritated in eyes and eyelids
• Enlarged nose

6. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

An athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection. It causes white or yellowish scaling between your toes and itching, redness, and cracked skin on the feet and in between your toes. It is caused by the Fungi called dermatophytes, commonly found in moist and warm areas like locker rooms, pool decks, and shower towels.

Symptoms Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) –

• Cracked and scaly skin between toes and bottom of foot
• Sensation of itching
• Greyish, reddish or purplish inflamed skin
• Stinging or burning
• Blisters

7. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and a chronic, or lifelong, skin disorder. It can cause patches of skin to become scaly and red, often accompanied by an itchy, burning sensation. These patches can come and go over several weeks.

Symptoms of Psoriasis –

• Red patches with silvery and thick scales cover the skin
• Tiny scaling spots
• Cracked and dry skin with itchiness
• Sensation of soreness and burning
• Ridged, thickened or pitted nails
• Stiff and swollen joints

8. Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) usually forms in areas exposed to the sun for long periods. AK develops when keratinocytes (skin cells) grow abnormally and create scaly, discoloured spots.

Symptoms Actinic Keratosis –

• Tiny, scaly, rough and dry skin patch
• Flat patch or bump on the top skin layer
• Varied colours including brown, pink or red
• Sensation of burning, crusting, bleeding or itching
• Fresh bumps or patches on parts exposed to sun

9. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the cells responsible for skin colour, called melanocytes, stop functioning. When these cells lose the ability to produce melanin or skin pigment, it causes the skin to lose its colour and gradually turn white.

Symptoms Vitiligo –

• Patchy skin colour loss starts from the hands and spreads to other body parts
• Premature whitening of scalp, eyebrows, beard and eyelash hair
• Colour loss in the mucous membrane

10. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells divide and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue called a tumour. When this happens, the cells may become abnormal, leading to the development of cancer. Some types of cancerous tumours are benign, which may not be harmful. Other types have the potential to spread to other parts of the body, and if not treated early, they can be fatal.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer –

• Waxy and pearly bump
• Brown, flat, flesh-coloured scar-like lesion
• Scabbing and bleeding sore that heals but returns
• Red coloured firm nodule
• Flat lesion with a crusted and scaly surface
• Dark speckles with a big brownish spot
• Mole that bleeds and changes feel, colour and size
• Tiny lesions with irregular portions and borders that appear blue-black, red, blue, pink or white
• Painful lesion with a sensation of burns or itches

Factors in people's daily habits and routines, such as diet or stress, can cause skin diseases. People with certain health conditions may also be more likely to develop skin diseases. Common causes of skin infections are as follows –

• Bacteria trapped inside one's hair follicles or pores
• Ailments affect kidneys, immune system and thyroid
• Contact with allergens or another person’s skin
• Genetics
• Parasites and fungi living on skin
• Inflammatory bowel disease treating medicines 
• Viruses.
• Diabetes.
• Sun.

Most skin diseases are diagnosed visually by a healthcare provider. If your health care provider doesn't find an answer by looking at your skin, he may send you for tests, such as –

• Biopsy - A biopsy is a minor surgery to remove a small piece of skin from an organ or tissue.
• Culture - A skin sample is taken to test for the presence of viruses, bacteria or fungus or viruses.
• Skin patch test - Small amounts of substances may be applied to see if the body has an allergic reaction.
• Blacklight examination – Ultraviolet (UV) light is used in this wood light test to illuminate your skin's pigment more clearly.
• Diascopy - A skin patch is pressed against a microscope slide to see if there is a reaction.
• Dermoscopy - A hand-held device known as a dermatoscope is used to inspect skin lesions.
• Tzanck test - A fluid sample is taken from a blister to test for the herpes zoster or herpes simplex virus.

One can treat skin diseases effectively. The specific treatment will depend on the disease but may include medications prescribed by healthcare professionals or procedures performed by a dermatologist. The skin disorder treatment plans include –

• Antibiotics.
• Antihistamines.
• Laser skin resurfacing.
• Gels, medicated creams or ointments.
• Moisturisers.
• Oral medications.
• Injections, steroid pills or creams.
• Surgical procedures.

It is hard to prevent genetic or autoimmune skin disorders. However, there are ways to prevent these contagious skin diseases or provide relief from their symptoms. Some preventive measures are as follows –

• Avoid sharing cosmetics, utensils and personal items.
• Disinfect objects used in public places, such as equipment used at the gym.
• Eat a healthy, nutritious diet and drink water aplenty.
• Limit coming in contact with harsh chemicals and irritants.
• Get enough sleep for seven to eight hours.
• Protect oneself from sunburn or other damages incurred from sun.
• Use soap and water to wash hands regularly.

It is important to acquire knowledge about proper skin care methods and treatment for skin disorders to keep skin healthy. Furthermore, some conditions require attention from doctors, while others can be safely treated at home. One should understand the condition and symptoms and consult their physician to chalk out the best treatment methods.