Causes of diseases or disorders of the skin include fungal, viral and bacterial infections, skin tumors and genetic abnormalities. Skin disorders affect all ages, from newborns with diaper rash or cradle cap, to the elderly with skin damage from sun exposure. A dermatologist specializes in the treatment of all types of skin diseases or abnormalities for patients of any age.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin, is a hereditary condition. A common term for seborrheic dermatitis in infants is “cradle cap” because of the scalelike crust on the scalp. In infancy seborrheic dermatitis also occurs in the diaper area. Most infantile occurrences resolve within a year. If the onset of seborrheic dermatitis is during the middle or older ages, recurrence is intermittent. Symptoms include red, itchy scalp, scaly rash and dry or greasy scales. Treatment to alleviate symptoms includes corticosteroid creams and medicated shampoo.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is the most common contagious tinea fungal infection, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other tinea infections include ringworm and jock itch that may occur at the same time as athlete’s foot. Fungi require a warm, moist area, such as closed shoes, wet feet and sweat in order to thrive. Symptoms include flaking and itchy skin between the toes that burns or stings. Treatment for athlete’s foot includes the use of antifungal topical medication and keeping the feet clean and dry.
Acne
Acne is a skin disease that develops as the follicle of a skin gland clogs and causes a pimple. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) reports that the various types of pimples include whiteheads (pimples under the skin surface), blackheads (surface pimples that turn black), papules (small pink bumps), pustules (red pimples with pus), nodules (large, deep pimples) and cysts (painful, deep pimples that are filled with pus). The NIAMS also reports that about 80 percent of all people from age 11 to 30 years old experience outbreaks of acne. Treatment goals include efforts to prevent scarring and reduce the amount of new pimples through gentle cleansing, limiting sun exposure and avoiding squeezing pimples.
Scabies
Mites are tiny bugs about the size of the tip of a needle that burrow under the skin and cause itchy, red bumps known as scabies. The Cleveland Clinic reports that scabies is highly contagious among people living in close contact or crowded conditions. Places on the skin where mites live include under fingernails, around the belt line and in any skin fold. Treatment consists of the application of a cream containing permethrin that must cover the entire body below the head. Scalp treatment in infants may be necessary. The itching and red bumps may take as long as four weeks to go away following treatment.
About this Author
Norene Anderson is a registered nurse with intensive care experience and as supervisor of a nurse audit department for four years. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of medical conditions and treatments. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri. She has been a freelance writer since 2003 with over 7,000 pages of web content published.
