Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious, inflammatory skin ailment which causes red, scaly and/or thickened patches to appear on one’s skin. It is a fairly common disorder which impacts about 2-3% of the population. Individuals impacted by this disorder exhibit an inflammatory response to an unusually rapid production of skin cells caused by hyperactive T cells (aka white blood cells). In fact, skin production is about seven times faster. The outer skin tends to be poorly formed and does not shed properly. As a result, dead cells pile up and and cause scaling.

Psoriasis can affect any part of one’s body including the knees, scalp, elbows, back, and even nails. It normally does not affect the face, however. Psoriasis is more prevalent in individuals with dry skin than those with oily or well moisturized skin, particularly after a cut or injury to the skin. The reason for this is that the infecting organism can thrive better under dry conditions than oily ones which resist infections. Both men and women in any age group are susceptible to psoriasis. In moderate to severe cases, joint problems may also develop resulting in a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. There is a genetic basis to psoriasis but its influence varies. It is believed that about 30 percent of people with this disorder also have a close family member such as a parent, child, or sibling who also suffer from this condition but the severity among family members may vary.

Various factors can trigger or worsen psoriasis. In about one-third of people affected by this disease, an injury such as cut or scrape to the skin is the triggering factor. Other factors include stress, alcohol, smoking, infections,and certain types of drugs like antimalarials, enzyme inhibitors, lithium, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

There are several kinds of psoriasis. The most common type manifest themselves as plaques
on the knees, elbows, back, and scalp. Flexural psoriasis occurs under armpits, groin creases, and areas with excess skin folds. Guttate psoriasis manifests itself as small, salmon pink colored drops on the skin. It normally affects children and is often caused by an infection. Exfoliative psoriasis covers 90% of the body life and impacts the temperature and hydration control mechanism of the skin. It is a rare but life threatening form of this ailment.

Treatment

The methods used to treat psoriasis vary and dermatologists often use trial and error to find the right kind of treatment for their patients. The application of topical agents, such as topical steroids, is probably the most common form of treatment. Ointment and creams containing coal tars are also very effective. Such creams include Keratolytics, Emollients, and Calcipotrienes. These creams help to reduce inflammation as well as soften and remove excess skin and plaque. Activiated Vitamin D and its associated analogues are also used to treat psoriasis as it helps to prevent skin cell growth. Sunshine is yet another effective remedy, although excessive exposure should be avoided to minimize the risk of skin cancer. For more severe cases of psoriasis, potent oral medications such as Acctane, Methotrexate, and Imuran can also be used under the care and supervision of a qualified dermatologist.

Rosacea is one of the highly mistaken skin diseases. Rosacea (pronounced as roh-Zay-sha) is a chronic skin disease which usually surfaces on your face. Millions of people have been affected by this disease without even being aware of its existence. This problem is very common among women between the age group of 30 and 50. The similarity between other diseases makes it very hard to diagnose. It can be mistaken as a sun burn or an acne related problem. As there are no specific remedies related to rosacea you can take some measures to control this problem.

There are four subtypes of rosacea

- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: reflected by flushing and lasting redness this also includes visible blood vessels.

- Papulopustular rosacea: is determined by persistent redness with short-lived bumps and pimples.

- Phymatous rosacea: thickens the skin which results in increasing nose size due to excess tissue.

- Ocular rosacea: affects the eye and creates problems like dry eye, tearing and burning sensation, swollen or puffy eyelids, recurring sty’s, endangerment to your eyes causing loss of vision from cornea damage.

Causes of Rosacea

As the cause of rosacea is very much unclear, some speculations have been drawn to shed some light on this chronic skin condition.

- Blood Vessel Malfunction: Some problem with the blood vessel that may cause blood vessels to swell which leads to flushing and blushing.

- Hereditary and Natural factors: A genetic predisposition with the combination of natural or environmental component to create this skin infection.

- Specific Skin color: It can be stated that this condition affects lighter-complexioned skin more than the other skin type.

Aggravting Rosacea

Rosacea can get severe due to sunlight, physical or mental stress, headaches, sinus, pre-dominant allergic conditions, spicy food, extreme temperatures and alcohol. The aggravation may differ from person to person and sometimes would not even matter.

Signs and symptoms of Rosacea

- Flushing: This causes frequent blushing and flushing which is can be termed as the first sign of this skin problem

- Persistent Redness: It is a steady occurrence with people suffering from this problem. Your face turns red which is mainly mistaken as sunburn.

- Bumps and Pimples: Sometimes your face is covered with pus-filled pimples or small bumps. These may look like acne accompanied with burning and stinging sensation.

- Visible Blood Vessels: Many small blood vessels appear on your face.

- Other common signs are eye irritation or watery eyes, inflammation, dry skin, skin thickens, facial swelling or swelling of eyelids.

Learn more about how overcome Rosacea

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1443070_17.html

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a reaction to a staphylococcal skin infection in which the skin blisters and peels off as though burned.

• In addition to the blistered, peeling skin, the person has fever, chills, and weakness.
• The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin, but sometimes a biopsy is done.
• Treatment involves antibiotics given intravenously.

Certain types of staphylococci bacteria secrete toxic substances that cause the top layer of the epidermis to split from the rest of the skin. Because the toxin spreads throughout the body, staphylococcal infection of a small area of skin may result in peeling over the entire body. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome occurs almost exclusively in infants and young children under the age of 6. It rarely occurs in older people except for those with kidney failure or a weakened immune system. Like other staphylococcal infections, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is contagious.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin with an isolated, crusted infection that may look like impetigo (see Bacterial Skin Infections: Impetigo). In newborns, the infection may appear in the diaper area or around the stump of the umbilical cord. In older children, the face is the typical site of infection. In adults, the infection may begin anywhere. In all people with this disorder, scarlet-colored areas appear around the crusted area within a day of the beginning of infection. These areas may be painful. The skin may be extremely tender and have a wrinkled tissue paper–like consistency. Then, other large areas of skin distant from the initial infection redden and develop blisters that break easily.

The top layer of the skin then begins peeling off, often in large sheets, with even slight touching or gentle pushing. The peeled areas look scalded. Within another 1 to 2 days, the entire skin surface may be involved, and the person becomes very ill with a fever, chills, and weakness. With the loss of the protective skin barrier, other bacteria and infective organisms can easily penetrate the body, causing what doctors call superinfections. Also, critical amounts of fluid can be lost because of oozing and evaporation, resulting in dehydration.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A diagnosis is made by the appearance of skin peeling after an apparent staphylococcal infection. If no signs of staphylococcal infection are observed, doctors often perform a biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is removed and sent to the laboratory to be tested. Swabs taken from the nose, the thin mucous membrane that covers the eyes (conjunctiva), the throat, and the nasal passages and upper throat (nasopharynx) are sent to the laboratory to be cultured for bacteria.

Treatment is with antibiotics for at least a week. Local wound care with topical emollients reduces the itching and protects the skin from drying out.

Source: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch211/ch211k.html

Paronychia is a common skin infection which develops around a fingernail or a toenail. The condition may be acute (i.e. start suddenly) or chronic (i.e. start gradually).

Acute Paronychia is associated with bacteria entering the skin folds following an injury to the impacted area through activities such as nail biting, aggressive manicuring, and finger sucking. It develops over a few hours and nail folds become red, painful, and swollen. Yellow pus may also develop under cuticles separating the nail from the skin. The most common bacteria involved is Staphylococcus aureus but others include Streptococcus species and Pseudomonas species.

Chronic Paronychia occurs gradually and is harder to treat. The skin around the nail is moist and swelling is less prominent than in Acute Paronychia. This variant of the disease is associated with prolonged exposure to water, detergents, and other chemicals. Activities such as dish washing, fishing, janitorial work, and bartending therefore increases the risk of contracting Chronic Paronychia. Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible. Infection is caused by a mixture of yeasts and bacteria, particularly a fungus known as Candida. Infection may start in one nail fold but spread to others with each affected nail fold becoming swollen and lifted above the nails. Nails may take on a greenish discoloration.

Treatment

Acute Paronychia may be treated by soaking the fingers and toes in a mixture of 50% warm water and 50% liquid antibacterial soap for at least 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. In more serious cases when symptoms do not improve, a physician may prescribe antibiotics such as dicloxacillin, erythromycin, cephalexin. In the case of pus build up near the nails, a doctor will need to numb the impacted area and drain the pus through an incision. A part of the nail may need to be removed. Chronic Paronychia is normally treated with anti-fungal medications like clotrimazole and ketoconazole applied to the skin. Other prevention measures include refraining from biting the fingernails, washing hands frequently, wearing rubber gloves, and controlling diabetes.

Pityriasis Rosea is a common skin disease characterized by a rash that can last anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. In most cases, the condition starts with a single, scaly, oval-shaped patch (or “herald patch”) on the chest or back and is a followed a week or two later with additional pink patches on the chest, arms, legs, and back. The face is not normally affected, however.

The initial “herald patch” ranges between 2 cm and 10 cm while the later patches are between 1 cm and 2 cm. Patches on the back often form a pattern that resembles the outline of a fir tree (or “Christmas tree”). The “herald patch” is sometimes mistaken for other conditions such as ringworm, psoriasis, or eczema. Prior to the appearance of the “herald” patch, one may experience symptoms such as tiredness, nausea, sore throat, and headaches.

The exact cause of Pityriasis Rosea is unknown but it is believed to be caused by a virus. The disease is not contagious and most commonly affects adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 35. While one may contract Pityriasis Rosea at any time of the year, it is more commonly seen in the spring and fall. Dermatologists diagnose this condition by inspecting the rash but may also conduct blood tests and skin biopsies by examining skin samples from the affected area under a microscope. Potassium hydroxide tests can also be conducted to rule out fungal infections.

Treatment

For mild cases, no treatment may be required and the condition may go away on its own between 6 and 12 weeks. As a general rule of thumb, patients are encouraged to bathe or shower with plain water, bath oils, mild lubricants and creams, and other soap substitutes as soaps can aggravate the rash. Itching can be treated with steroid creams and ointment or taking antihistamines. More severe cases can be treated with ultraviolet light treatments (phototherapy).

Perioral dermatitis is common skin condition characterized by red facial rashes that tend to occur around the mouth. The rashes often take on a scaly or bumpy appearance and may resemble those of rosacea. The severity of the condition varies and may range from a few minor spots to large lumpy rashes around the mouth. Although the rashes may appear very unpleasant, they are only mildly painful or itchy. They may spread up to the nose and sometimes the eyes while avoiding the skin just around the lips. Perioral dermatitis is most commonly seen in young women between the ages of 20 and 45 but children may occasionally be affected as well. It is rarely seen in men, however

The exact causes of perioral dermatitis are unknown but individuals with oily faces tend to be the most vulnerable. It has been observed that topical steroid creams and ointments seem to be the most frequent cause of Perioral dermatitis. Failure to wash the face regularly with soap and water and applying facial creams, moisturizers, and sunscreen may also trigger this condition.

Treatment

The good news regarding Perioral dermatitis is that it it is not a serious condition and it responds well to treatment. As a first step, most doctors recommend discontinuing the use of topical steroids, creams, ointments, and moisturizers that were the likely cause of the condition. The bad news is that the rashes generally get worse before they get better. While the rashes are still present, it is recommended that the face is washed with warm water only. Once they have cleared, the face should be washed using a liquid cleaner or non-soap bar. Scrubbing should be avoided. The use of fluorinated toothpaste should also be discontinued. Dermatologists may also prescribe oral antibiotics such as tetracyline, which has been proven to be very effective . For mild cases or for women who are pregnant, topical antibiotic creams may be used. The condition can be recurring but the same type of treatment can be used again.

Morgellon’s disease is a very rare and mysterious skin condition that has been reported recently in the US and a number of other countries. It is characterized by itchy, painful skin lesions and a creepy-crawly sensation of fibers growing from inside the skin. Patients commonly complain of a feeling that insects are crawling under their skin and are stinging or biting them. Other symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, visual impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Due to some of these strange symptoms, many patients purported to be victims of this disease have been incorrectly diagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder. Cases of Morgellon’s disease have been reported in all 50 states of the US (mostly in Texas and Florida), Canada, Australia, and the UK.

At present, most physicians and dermatologists within the medical community hold the view that Morgellon’s disease is not a new disease but is simply a new name for known medical conditions. In some cases these are known skin disorders like scabies, allergic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has bowed to pressure from the Morgellon Research Foundation and a growing number of claimed Morgellon patients and are currently investigating the condition further. The CDC refers to this condition as Unexplained Dermopathy. Present research is inconclusive and the CDC states that it is unknown as to whether this is a new condition or whether individuals claiming to have Morgellons have some shared basis for the symptoms they display. While it is not known whether the condition is contagious, studies have shown that the disease is more likely to impact members of the same family.

Treatment

Because so little is know regarding this disease, there is no conclusive cure or course of treatment. Some dermatologists regard Morgellons as a delusional condition and prescribe anti-psychotic drugs like Pimozide, which also helps reduce the itching sensation that patients experience. Other physicians may prescribe antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications. Patients convinced that they have Morgellon’s often reject that their condition is delusional and look for alternative means of treatment on websites and discussion groups. As with any disease, however, the best form of treatment is simply to contact a qualified physician who understands the symptoms and follow his or her instructions.

Keratosis Pilaris (aka “chicken skin”) is a condition in which the skin takes on a sandpaper like appearance with small, acne-like bumps and rough patches appearing most commonly on the back, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. While less common, bumps may also appear on the face causing the disease to be confused with acne. Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition and estimates indicate that as many as 40-50% of adults and 50-80% of adolescents worldwide are impacted by this disorder with varying severity. While anyone can get this disease, it appears to be more common in children and adolescents. Fortunately, KP is not a serious condition and is not contagious. Nevertheless, the skin is unpleasant to look at and the condition is difficult to treat.

KP tends to be worse during the winter and periods of low humidity when the skin dries out. The condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy or after child birth. Medications and self care measures can, however, improve the appearance of the skin. Additionally, studies have shown that KP usually improves with age.

The exact causes of KP are unknown but is believed to be related to the overproduction of keratin (a hard protein in skin, nails, and hair). The bumps on the skin are the result of excess accumulation of keratin at the opening of hair follicles. This condition is believed to have a partial genetic basis as well. It is related to other conditions like ichtyosis vulgaris, dry skin, xerosis, eczema, asthma, allergies, and atopic dermatitis.

Treatment

There is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris but various treatment options exist. While results may be discouraging at first, persistence is the key to seeing improvement. The most effective form of treatment is intense moisturizing and lubrication of the skin. Application of creams such as Acid mantle, Vaseline, or Complex 15 following baths followed by re-applying them several times a day has been proven to be effective. If symptoms persist, medicated creams containing urea (e.g Carmol, Vanomide, and U-Kera) can be applied twice a day. In more serious cases where the pimples are very red, prescription medications including antibiotics (e.g. Erythromycin, Bactrim) and Tazorac cream can also be used.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (aka Erythema multiforme major) is a rare and potentially life threatening inflammatory disease in which the skin and mucous membranes react severely to a particular type of medication or infection. Stevens-Johnson syndrome starts with flu-like symptoms and is followed by painful red or purple colored rashes that spread and form blisters across the skin, eventually causing the top layer to shed and die.

Causes

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome has most often been caused by drugs, especially sulfas, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticonvulsants such as phenytoin. Any drug, however, is a potential cause.

Coxsackievirus, echovirus, and most commonly, herpes simplex viruses as well as mycoplasma have been known to trigger the syndrome. Vaccines, such as those used to treat tuberculosis and polio, have also been linked to the disease. In about 50 percent of cases, no causes was identified.

Victims of Stevens-Johnson generally tend to be between the second and fourth decades of their lives. However, the disease has affect children as young as three months and any age group is susceptible.

Symptoms

Stevens-Johnson syndrome typically affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nostril, eyes, and both the anal and genital regions. It may or may not be associated with skin lesions elsewhere on the body. Oropharyngeal (mouth) lesions can be especially intolerable and can hinder eating. There may also be recurring oral ulcers. Often, the skin lesions may look like a target-lesion (3 concentric zones of color change) or as bullae (bubble-like).

A painful conjunctivitis may occur in the eye, frequently with a pus discharge, and can lead to corneal scarring and loss of vision. In addition to the mucous membrane lesions, fever and exhaustion are usual.

Approximately one-third of patients have pulmonary involvement with cough and patchy infiltrates (material that has permeated into the tissues) on chest x-ray. In fatal cases, renal failure and pneumonia may occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is based on the clinical appearance and distribution of the skin and mucosal lesions. Skin biopsies are often performed to detect Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Treatment

Every attempt should be made to identify a precipitating agent, and to remove it if possible. Antibiotics are appropriate if superinfection (a fresh infection added to one of the same nature already present) is suspected, or if bacterial disease, such as mycoplasma, is suspected to be the cause. Intensive supportive care is important in severe cases, including specialized care in a burn unit.

Fluid replacement is often required, and meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to prevent superinfection. Examination by an ophthalmologist is recommended for patients with eye lesions so that precautions can be taken to avoid permanent eye damage. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used.

Sources:

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/698/main.html%23SymptomsofStevens-JohnsonSyndrome

Aplasia cutis congenita is a skin disorder in which an infant is born with a patch of skin missing, usually on the scalp. This may occur by itself or be associated with other physical syndromes or disorders. Many forms of aplasia cutis congenita are inherited. The disorder affects both males and females of all ethnic backgrounds and is rare, but exactly how often it occurs is unknown.
A classification system exists for aplasia cutis congenita consisting of 9 groups based on the number and location of the skin defects and the presence or absence of other malformations.

Symptoms

The infant born with aplasia cutis congenita has a patch of skin missing, usually on the scalp (70% of individuals), but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, or legs. There may also be more than one missing patch. The affected area is usually covered with a thin transparent membrane, is well-defined, and is not inflamed.

If aplasia cutis congenita occurs on the scalp, there may be a defect of the skull underneath the missing patch. In this case, there is often distorted hair growth around the patch, known as the hair collar sign.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of aplasia cutis congenita is made based on the physical appearance of the infant’s skin. No specific laboratory test is needed. Very large scalp defects, especially those with the hair collar sign, should be investigated for possible underlying bone or soft tissue defects.

Treatment

Usually the only treatment required for aplasia cutis congenital is gentle cleansing of the affected area and the application of a silver sulfadiazine or other ointment to prevent the patch from drying out. Most affected areas will heal on their own over several weeks, resulting in the development of a hairless scar. Small bone defects also usually close on their own within the first year of life. Surgical repair is not usually needed unless the missing area of skin is large, or there are several areas on the scalp affected.

Sources:

About.com

Crowe, M. (2005). Aplasia cutis congenita. eMedicine, accessed at http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic32.htm
National Organization for Rare Disorders. Aplasia Cutis Congenita