Common Disease
Know About Common Skin Diseases
ACNE
Acne is the most common skin disorder occurring during the second and third decades of life.
It usually involves the face, and frequently the chest and back. At puberty the oil glands in the skin begin producing an oily material called sebum. Sebum is discharged onto the skin surface through pores. With acne the oil glands become plugged causing pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
SCABIES
Scabies is a common, itchy skin reaction caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that affects only humans.
The mite is very small and can only be seen under a microscope. The female mites burrow under the skin to feed and lay eggs. These mites cannot jump or fly and in most cases can only survive for 3 days off of the body. An infested person typically has only 10-15 mites on their body.
TINEA
Tinea is a fungus that can grow on your skin, hair, or nails. Fungi live everywhere, but humans and fungi usually co-exist in harmony.
Tinea is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person, object, or animal. Some kinds of fungi live on damp surfaces, like the floors in public showers or locker rooms. You can even catch a fungal infection from your pets.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a common skin problem. It causes a thick, rough, dry buildup of your outer layer of skin.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, which means you will likely have it all your life. The extent and severity of the disease vary widely. Early treatment of the plaques may help stop the problem from becoming more severe. People of all ages can have psoriasis. It is not contagious.
VITILIGO
Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder characterized by white and depigmented patches enlarging .
It is due to a disappearance of functioning melanocytes and loss of melanin in the epidermis. The condition can be cosmetically disfiguring and the lesional skin is thus more sensitive to sunburns. It affects 0.1-2% of the world’s population, irrespective of gender and race.
HYPER PIGMENTATION
One of the main skin disorders that affect people in the Caribbean is hyperpigmentation.
Many skin problems and medical conditions can lead to hyperpigmentation, including the aftermath of acne, razor bumps,melasma, chemical irritation, eczema, electrolysis, allergic reactions, abrasive scrubs, certain prescription medications such as oral contraceptives, pregnancy and hormones etc.
LEPROSY
Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the leprosy bacillus.
It ismost probably spread as a droplet infection. Like many other infections, leprosy can be treated with antibiotics. The first sign of leprosy is often a patch of skin that is lighter in colour than the surrounding skin.
MOLES & NEVI
A common mole is a growth on the skin that develops when pigment cells grow in clusters
Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. These growths are usually found above the waist on areas exposed to the sun. They are seldom found on the scalp, breast, or buttocks.