Skin Disorder

Skin disorders affect millions of people worldwide and include all conditions that irritate, inflame, or change the appearance of your skin, ranging from minor issues to serious health concerns.

Table of contents

• What are skin disorders?
• Functions of the skin
• Types of skin disorders
• Causes of skin disorders
• Symptoms of skin disorders
• Diagnosis
• Treatment options
• Prevention and skin care
• Living with skin disorders

What are skin disorders?

Skin disorders are conditions that affect your skin, which is the large organ that covers and protects your body. These conditions can clog, irritate, or inflame your skin, often causing visible changes in your skin’s appearance^[1].

Your skin is actually your body’s largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body and has many important functions^[2]. Skin disorders are very common and can affect as many as one in three Americans at any given time^[4].

• Epidermis (outer skin layer)
• Dermis (middle skin layer)
• Subcutaneous tissue (deepest layer)
• Hair follicles
• Sebaceous glands
• Sweat glands

Functions of the skin

Your skin performs many vital functions that help keep you healthy. Understanding what healthy skin does makes it easier to appreciate how skin disorders can affect your wellbeing^[1].

Your skin works to hold in fluid and prevent dehydration (when your body loses too much water). It helps you feel sensations such as temperature or pain, which alert you to potential dangers. Your skin acts as a barrier to keep out bacteria, viruses, and other causes of infection^[1].

The skin also helps stabilize your body temperature, keeping you from getting too hot or too cold. When the sun shines on your skin, it creates vitamin D, which your body needs for strong bones and other important functions^[1][2].

Types of skin disorders

There are many different types of skin disorders. Some are minor and cause only temporary discomfort, while others can be severe and long-lasting. Thousands of skin conditions have been described, though only a small number account for most visits to the doctor^[6].

Common skin disorders

Some of the most common skin disorders include^[1]:

• Acne occurs when skin follicles become blocked, leading to oil, bacteria, and dead skin buildup in your pores
• Alopecia areata causes you to lose your hair in small patches
• Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, causes dry, itchy skin that leads to swelling, cracking, or scaliness
• Psoriasis produces scaly skin that may swell or feel hot
• Raynaud’s phenomenon causes periodic reduced blood flow to your fingers, toes, or other body parts, resulting in numbness or skin color change
• Rosacea causes flushed, thick skin and pimples, usually on the face
• Skin cancer involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells
• Vitiligo creates patches of skin that lose their color or pigment (the substance that gives skin its color)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States^[4].

Rare skin disorders

Many rare skin disorders are genetic, meaning you inherit them from your parents. Some rare skin diseases include^[1]:

• Actinic prurigo, which causes an itchy rash in response to sun exposure
• Argyria, which causes skin color changes due to silver buildup in your body
• Chromhidrosis, which causes colored sweat
• Epidermolysis bullosa, a connective tissue disorder that causes fragile skin that blisters and tears easily
• Harlequin ichthyosis, which creates thick, hard patches or plates on the skin present at birth
• Lamellar ichthyosis, which produces a waxy skin layer that sheds in the first few weeks of life, revealing scaly, red skin
• Necrobiosis lipoidica, which causes a rash on the lower legs that can develop into ulcers (sores)

Causes of skin disorders

Skin disorders can develop for many different reasons. Certain lifestyle factors can lead to the development of a skin disease, and underlying health conditions may also affect your skin^[1].

Common causes of skin diseases include bacteria trapped in your pores or hair follicles, and conditions that affect your thyroid, kidneys, or immune system. Contact with environmental triggers, such as allergens or another person’s skin, can also cause problems. Some skin disorders are caused by genetics^[1].

Other causes include fungus or parasites living on your skin, certain medications such as the ones that treat inflammatory bowel disease (a condition causing long-term inflammation in the digestive tract), viruses, diabetes, and sun exposure^[1].

Some skin disorders have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Most skin disorders are minor, but others can indicate a more serious issue^[3].

Symptoms of skin disorders

Skin disorder symptoms vary significantly depending on what condition you have. Skin changes are not always due to skin diseases. For example, you may get a blister from wearing ill-fitting shoes. However, when skin changes show up with no known cause, they may be linked to an underlying condition^[1].

Generally, skin diseases may cause discolored skin patches (abnormal pigmentation), dry skin, or open sores, lesions, or ulcers. You might experience peeling skin or rashes, possibly with itchiness or pain. Red, white, or pus-filled bumps may appear, or your skin may become scaly or rough^[1].

Some skin conditions can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, and rashes. They might also affect your appearance^[2].

Diagnosis

Often, a healthcare provider can diagnose a skin disease by visually examining your skin. If looking at your skin doesn’t provide clear answers, your provider may use additional tests^[1].

Common diagnostic tests include a biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of skin to examine under a microscope. A culture may be performed, which means taking a skin sample to test for bacteria, fungus, or viruses. Your doctor might also perform a skin patch test, applying small amounts of substances to test for allergic reactions^[1].

Treatment options

Skin disease treatment may include medications, creams or ointments, or lifestyle changes^[1]. The treatment depends on the type of infection and how serious it is. Some infections will go away on their own^[15].

Topical medications

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin and are a mainstay of treating skin disorders^[11]. Common topical treatments include:

• Antibacterials, including mupirocin or clindamycin, often used to treat or prevent infection
• Antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and terbinafine, used to treat conditions like ringworm and athlete’s foot
• Benzoyl peroxide in creams, gels, washes, and foams, used to treat acne
• Corticosteroids in many different forms including foams, lotions, ointments, and creams, used to treat conditions including eczema
• Nonsteroidal ointments and creams prescribed for eczema and atopic dermatitis

These treatments are available in ointments, creams, lotions, foams, solutions, powders, and gels. The choice of preparation depends on where the medication will be applied, how it will look, and how convenient it is to apply and leave on^[11].

Other treatments

When you do need treatment beyond topical medications, it may include a cream or lotion to put on the skin, other medicines, and sometimes a procedure to drain pus^[15].

Prevention and skin care

Since your skin protects your body in many ways, it’s important to try to keep your skin healthy. There are several steps you can take to prevent skin problems and maintain healthy skin^[2].

When spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellant to prevent insect bites. Prevent sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen when outdoors. Protection from the sun is one of the most important ways to take care of your skin, as a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots, and other skin problems, and can also raise the risk of skin cancer^[19].

Wash your hands often with soap and water. When you take a shower or bath, use warm (not hot) water. Use mild cleansers and wash gently (don’t scrub). Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, to prevent dry skin^[2].

Wear the right protective equipment, like gloves, long sleeves, knee and elbow pads, or helmets to protect against cuts, bumps, and scrapes. If you do get a cut or scrape, clean it right away with soap and warm water, then put on a bandage to protect it while it heals^[2].

Living with skin disorders

Chronic skin conditions can have a profound impact on people’s lives, both physically and psychologically, and may predispose people to mental health disorders. Up to 85% of people with skin diseases report that the psychological aspect of their skin disease is a major component of their illness^[22].

Skin disorders can affect many areas of daily living as well as mental wellbeing. Since chronic skin conditions are common and often not life-threatening, the substantial psychological and social impact of living with a skin condition may be overlooked or underestimated^[22].

Providing psychological support is an important component of managing chronic skin disease and providing holistic care to patients. If you believe you may have a skin problem, contact a doctor. Understanding the relationship between overall health and skin condition is crucial for taking proactive steps to manage your health^[3].