Body Structures and Functions Skin Disorders

ACNE Symptoms- characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Cysts and nodules form in severe cases. Causes-changes in hormone levels can cause an increase in oil production by sebaceous glands, clogging pores. Bacteria can cause pores to become infected. Treatments- topical creams and gels (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc), antibiotics in some cases, light therapy, dermabrasion

SEBORRHEA Symptoms-Skin flakes (dandruff) on the scalp, hair, or eyebrows. Patches of red, itchy, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, ears, face, chest, or other parts of the body. Causes-can be caused by fungal or bacterial infection, extreme dryness due to weather or metabolic factors, inflammatory response (often accompanies psoriasis or eczema), obesity can aggravate the condition Treatments-medicated shampoos and soaps, antifungal or antimicrobial medicines when needed, anti-inflammatory creams such as hydrocortisone

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea pedis) Symptoms- scaly rash accompanied by blistering, itching and burning Causes-fungal infection related to other types that cause infections in human skin, hair and nails Treatments-keep area dry and use antifungal creams and/or sprays

MELANOMA Symptoms-mole that displays Asymmetry, Border irregularity, unusual Color, Diameter, Evolution (changes over time) Causes-environmental and genetic factors are both involved, but excessive UV radiation is the major cause. Risk factors include fair skin, frequent sunburns, weakened immune system, and family history of atypical moles. Treatment- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy. Advanced forms can cause death.

PSORIASIS Symptoms-red, itchy raised patches on the skin (plaques) Causes- immune response triggered by stress, illness, injury, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption Treatments-topical anti-inflammatory treatments, light therapy, methatrexate and other oral medications

VITILIGO Symptoms- patches of skin lacking pigment, can occur in all races Causes- nonfunctional melanocytes (pigment producing cells in skin), may be an immune disorder, some cases are triggered by stress or injury Treatments- there is currently no cure for vitiligo, but some patients choose to use cosmetics or self-tanner to restore lost color to white areas. Other options include light treatment, corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgery to restore pigmentation.

SHINGLES Symptoms-red, itchy patches with painful blisters on skin, often along a nerve Causes- Herpes zoster virus, dormant Chicken pox virus that reemerges at a later time (often during periods of stress, compromised immune system, or injury) Treatment- antiviral drugs, pain medication, and dressings for areas with severe blistering/sores

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection) Symptoms-red, swollen bumps in and on the skin, inflamed areas with pus that are warm to the touch, headache and fever Causes- bacterial infection that does not respond to conventional antibiotics Treatment- drainage of pus and liquid from lesion, combinations of antibiotic medications, treat fever with NSAID and fluids

Eczema Symptoms-red, inflamed skin, intense itching, oozing and crusting of lesions Causes- abnormal immune response, dry sensitive skin, genetic predisposition Treatments- topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, bathing and using moisturizers

ROSACEA Symptoms- red, inflamed skin, often accompanied by enlarged blood vessels and skin thickening if untreated Causes- not known Treatment- topical medications to treat redness and swelling, laser therapy

ERYSIPELAS Symptoms- characterized by large, raised red patches on the skin, especially that of the face and legs, with fever and severe general illness. Causes- bacterial infection (Streptococci) Treatments-antibiotics, cold compresses to affected area, NSAIDs for fever and pain

WARTS Symptoms- raised bumpy areas in the top layer of skin, can be widespread or localized Causes- human papilloma virus (HPV) in the epidermis Treatments- topical treatments such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser therapy

Impetigo Symptoms- red, inflamed lesions that blister and form crusts. Common in children, highly contagious Causes- bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus or Streptococcus strains Treatments-antibiotic ointments and oral medications