Notes on Skin Disease

Skin Diseases

Skin Diseases

It is a group of diseases that result in inflammation, damage of the skin due to various causes and reasons.
These diseases are characterized by itching, red skin and a rash.
In case of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long term cases the skin may become thickened

Abnormal function of immune system ex- Allergic condition
Skin barrier defect that allow moisture out and gems in
Endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease.
Microbial infection include bacteria such as Staphylococcus, aureus, viruses and certain fungi.
Change in environment
Food allergy
Genetic factor
Hot and cold temperature very hot and very cold weather high and low humidity and perspiration from exercise can bring out eczema
Hormonal change Females may experience increased eczema symptom when their hormone levels are changing, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
Irritants:- These include soaps, detergent, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, ,meats, vegetables.

Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees and infants, the face and scalp.
Very dry skin on affected areas.
Small raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching
Rashes that are permanently itchy
Rashes that cover much of the body.
Skin infections

A cool, wet cloth or an ice pack often helps relieve irritated or itchy skin
The cold compress is applied to the affected area and held for five to ten minutes
The cool temperature can help reduce itching.

If the reasons for itching is dry skin then it is necessary to provide skin moisturizers to provide moisture to skin.
This type minor itching usually occurs due to dry skin so it can be easily treat with skin moisturizers also.

Lukewarm bath A bath in which the patient’s body except the heat is immersed in water from 94° to 96° F (34.4° to 35.6° C) for 15 to 60 min.

Oatmeal baths In Lukewarm water and add DIY oatmeal & soak for about 10-15 minutes. After the bath, gently pat yourself.

Medicated soap mainly contain following ingredients which help in treatment of skin disease and itching

Ø Neem, Aloevera, Coconut oil

It is mainly used as Antiseptic, Astringent

Treatment includes avoiding soap and other irritants. Ex- Tacrolimus ointment – 0.1 % solution
Certain creams or ointments may also provide relief from the itching.
Light therapy using ultraviolet light
Topical immune suppressants like pimecrollimus and tacrolimus

Topical tacrolimus has been approved by the US Food and drug administration for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
At 0.3% concentration, it has been approved for use in children aged 2 to 15 years, while a 0.1% concentration has been approved for use in adults.

Cream provides rapid relief from mild to moderate eczema
Crotamiton relieves itching and skin irritation caused by skin conditions such as itchy dermatitis and allergic rashes.
It can provide relief from itching for several hours after each application.