Types of skin diseases and how to overcome them

The causes and symptoms of skin diseases vary. There are skin diseases that cause itching or pain, some make the skin so unsightly. Skin diseases can be benign, dangerous and potentially life threatening.

The skin is the largest organ. Its function is to protect the body against bacteria, viruses and sunlight, help regulate body temperature, feel the sensation of touch and pain and produce vitamin D.

As the outside of the body receives various exposures from the environment, the skin can easily experience interference or disease. Skin disease can occur unexpectedly and many people assume that the cause is always related to poor personal hygiene. In fact, many factors can cause skin diseases.

Various types of skin diseases
Here are the types of skin diseases according to their causes:

1. Skin disease due to inflammation

Inflammation of the skin is called dermatitis. This condition occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen (a substance or object that causes an allergic reaction).
The symptoms of dermatitis usually include itching, redness and swelling. Depending on the cause, there are several types of dermatitis, namely:

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases. This skin condition is characterized by the appearance of rashes, dry skin, irritation or even blisters on areas of skin that come in contact with irritants. Chemicals, bleach, detergents, alcohol and soap are examples of irritation.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, such as redness and swelling, appear when the skin comes in contact with allergens. Allergens can be chemicals, cosmetics, nail polish, latex gloves, protein or jewelry.
In normal people, contact with this allergen will not cause allergic reactions. But in people with allergies, contact with allergens will cause dermatitis symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Eczema is characterized by red, itchy, dry or scaly skin. These complaints often appear on the skin on the neck, the elbow folds or the back of the knee. In the case of scratching, scaly skin can remove fluid.
Long-term (chronic) skin condition, which usually starts with this baby, often recurs suddenly and then disappears.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This skin condition usually affects areas of body fat, such as the face, back and chest. Symptoms include redness and flaking skin. Seborrheic dermatitis causes stubborn dandruff on the scalp. In infants, this skin condition is known as a cradle.

2. Skin diseases due to autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks and destroys healthy tissue. Some skin diseases caused by autoimmune diseases are:

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells grow too fast, so they accumulate and form reddish spots with silver scales.

vitiligo

Vitiligo occurs when skin cells that produce melanin (black pigment) do not function. As a result, the skin loses color and white spots appear. Vitiligo can be reached by all skin types, but it will appear more clearly in people with dark skin.

scleroderma

In scleroderma, the skin becomes hard and thickened. Scleroderma can only attack the skin, but also blood vessels and internal organs.

Pemfigus

There are two types of pemphigus, namely pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceous. Pemphigus vulgaris is characterized by blisters which break easily but do not cause itching. While leafy pemphigus is characterized by scaly or crusty skin and small, itchy blisters when damaged.

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

This is a lupus disease that attacks the skin. Symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus include severe rashes that tend to worsen when exposed to sunlight. Rashes can appear on any part of the body, but more often on the scalp, face, neck, hands and feet.

3. Skin diseases due to infection

Skin diseases caused by this infection are usually contagious. and can be caused by:

Bacterial infection

Some skin diseases caused by bacterial infections include boils, impetigo, leprosy, folliculitis (hair gland infections) and cellulitis.

Virus infection

Smallpox, shingles or snakes, warts, molluscum contagiosum and measles are skin diseases caused by viruses.

Fungal infections

Fungus usually attacks parts of the skin that are often wet. Various types of skin diseases due to fungal infections are ringworm, tinea cruris (fungal infection of the groin), tinea versicolor, and water fleas (fungal infections of the feet).

Parasitic infection

Parasites, such as lice and mites, are a type of parasite that often causes skin diseases, namely scabies. Apart from these two types of parasites, worm infections can also cause skin diseases.

In addition to the various skin diseases mentioned above, there are also deadly skin diseases, namely skin cancer. Skin cancer is caused by the growth of malignant cells in the skin. There are several types of skin cancer, namely melanoma, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Overcome and prevent skin diseases

Treatment of various skin diseases depends on the type and cause. There are skin diseases that can heal on their own, and there are also those that need to be treated medically, ranging from administering ointments to surgery.

Here are some types of treatments that are often used to treat skin diseases:

1. corticosteroids
This drug is used to reduce overactive body reactions. Corticosteroid ointments or drinking pills are generally used to treat skin diseases caused by inflammation, such as dermatitis or autoimmune disorders.

2. antihistamines
Antihistamines are drugs that are used to relieve allergic reactions and itchy skin. This drug can be purchased alone at a pharmacy or by prescription.

3. Antibiotics
Antibiotic ointment is given to treat skin diseases caused by bacterial infections. In case of widespread infection, the doctor will give antibiotics in the form of tablets or capsules to take. The use of antibiotics must be based on a doctor's prescription and must be supplemented.

4. Antiviral drugs
The supply of antiviral drugs aims to reduce symptoms and eradicate the viruses responsible for skin diseases.

5. Antifungal
Antifungal drugs to treat skin diseases caused by fungal infections, especially in the form of topical medications. However, sometimes doctors also prescribe antifungals.

6. operation
Surgery can be done to treat skin cancer or other skin diseases, such as warts.

In addition to treatment, there is also a need for prevention so that skin diseases do not recur and do not spread to others. The following are some steps that must be taken to prevent skin diseases:

Maintain personal hygiene by bathing every day. When bathing, it is recommended to use mild soap.
Avoid physical contact with people with infectious skin diseases.
Do not share the use of personal items, such as towels or clothing, with sufferers of skin diseases.
Regularly apply patches of skin to prevent dryness, itching or irritation.
Avoid getting used to scratching the skin and dealing with ulcers or blisters that appear on the skin.

Different types of skin diseases require different treatments depending on the cause. If you have skin problems, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist for proper examination and treatment.