Skin diseases, also known as dermatoses, are an extremely wide group of ailments. The skin, which is the largest organ in our body, is in contact with pollution, toxic substances, allergies and pathogens every day. As a result, as many as five million Poles suffer from various types of skin diseases.
Skin diseases are very diverse. They can concern both the epidermis and deeper layers of the skin, or e.g. sebaceous glands or nails. For this reason, this group includes common hives or acne, but also burns and melanoma. Epidemiological studies show that the most common forms of skin disease are eczema, inflammation and acne. It is followed by mycoses (both of the skin and nails) and psoriasis.
Skin diseases can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Usually they are darker or lighter colored spots. There may be all kinds of pustules and papules, and even larger lumps. Finally, ulcers, blisters, and blisters appear in exacerbated conditions.
These conditions can be caused by biological as well as physical factors. The most common causes of skin diseases include: bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and allergens. In addition, the ailment may be autoimmune, genetic, cancerous, occupational, drug-induced or result from physical factors (chemical and sun burns).
The treatment of skin diseases largely depends on their underlying cause. In the case of allergies, of course, the contact with the allergen is limited first; in case of burns, apply topical ointments and creams; in the case of mycoses, topical medications are used or oral treatment in advanced cases.
In the case of skin diseases, do not panic, but if the change does not go away within a few days, it is worth going to the doctor, because it may be a symptom of a more serious ailment.
See also: The skin reveals hidden problems – what are the changes within it?