Skin Disorders That You Might Not Know You Have

Skin disorders often manifest as individual lesions or rashes, characterized by redness, itching and swelling. Some skin disorders can be embarrassing, particularly if they occur on the face. Other skin disorders can be uncomfortable, or even life threatening.

Here's a list of some common skin disorders you may not suspect you suffer from.

• Eczema: Eczema is a skin disease, which causes periodic rashes. Medical experts don't quite entirely understand its causes, but believe eczema may have a genetic component, signifying a malfunction in the immune system. There are three types of eczema:

• Atopic dermatitis manifests as a dry, red, scaly rash, typically in the area around the elbows and the knees

• Allergic contact dermatitis is a form of eczema caused by environmental exposure to causative agents like the metals in jewelry or the chemicals in synthetic fabrics.

• Nummular dermatitis manifests as extremely itchy, round patches and is associated with excessively dry skin.

There is no cure for eczema as such. Treatment involves symptomatic relief.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition most common in areas where sweat glands are to be found. Dandruff is actually a form of seborrheic dermatitis; so is cradle cap in infants. Medical experts don't understand its causes, although some outbreaks have been linked to yeast or bacterial infestations.

Treatment generally involves stringent hygiene protocols, such as the use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos, to keep the affected areas free from seborrheic buildup. Patients may also be advised to cut down on oils in their diets.

• Skin Cancer: The American Academy of Dermatology says that 20 percent of all Americans will develop skin cancer at some point during their lives. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Malignant melanomas, however, are responsible for 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.

Malignant melanomas are cancers that affect skin cells that produce pigments. These pigment-producing cells are especially concentrated in the area of moles, which is why it is very important to see a physician if a mole starts to change shape or color. While squamous cell cancers may be due to sun exposure, medical experts believe that heredity plays a prominent role in melanomas.

• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that manifests as plaques of thickened red skin on the limbs and trunk. Periodically, the patches shed silvery scales.

Psoriasis can develop slowly, or it can appear very suddenly. Medical experts think it's due to an inflammatory response in which the body suddenly mistakes healthy tissues for foreign substances. Psoriasis can be triggered by infections, injuries and stress, and is characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Treatment goals include symptomatic relief and achieving remission.

Peter Wendt is a writer based in Austin, Texas. He enjoys writing about issues that pertain to skin health. He recommends his readers visit dermatology in Brighton to learn more about this topic. Providing quality skin care products and skincare treatment reviews online.