What are Skin Diseases?
Our skin is our largest organ. It covers the entire body and protects it from all external factors. The skin performs several functions such as:
- It helps in feeling sensations like temperature or pain.
- It holds fluids in and helps prevent dehydration.
- It helps to stabilize the body temperature.
- It helps to keep bacteria, viruses, and other allergens out.
- It helps in synthesizing vitamin D due to sun exposure.
Skin disease is a broad term used to define many conditions that irritate, inflame, and clog the skin. Many skin diseases lead to rashes and different changes in the appearance of our skin.
What are the common types of skin diseases?
Most skin diseases are minor, but certain skin conditions can lead to severe symptoms. The most common types of skin diseases include:
- Acne: When skin follicles and pores get blocked due to the buildup of oil, dead skin, and bacteria, the condition results in an acne breakout.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This condition is characterized by Dry, itchy skin resulting in cracking, scaliness, and swelling.
- Alopecia Areata: This condition involves the loss of hair in tiny patches.
- Psoriasis: The condition is characterized by Scaly skin that feels hot and gets swelled up.
- Rosacea: Thick and flushed skin, usually seen on the face.
- Vitiligo: Patches of skin lose pigment and turn white.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Reduced flow of blood to the toes, fingers, and other parts of the body, resulting in changes in skin color and numbness.
- Skin Cancer: Uninhibited development of abnormal skin cells.
What are a few types of Rare Skin Diseases?
Many skin conditions are genetic and are passed on hereditarily. Rare skin conditions include:
- Argyria: In this condition, a person experiences changes in the color of their skin due to the buildup of silver in the body.
- Actinic Prurigo: This condition involves the development of an itchy rash due to sun exposure.
- Chromhidrosis: In this condition, a person experiences the discharge of colored sweat.
- Epidermolysis Bullosa: The skin becomes fragile and tears easily in this connective tissue disorder.
- Harlequin Ichthyosis: This condition involves the development of thick, hard patches on the skin right from birth.
- Necrobiosis Lipoidica: This condition refers to a rash on the lower legs, which often leads to ulcers.
What are the common causes of Skin Disorders?
The most common causes that lead to the development of skin disorders include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria trapped in the hair follicles and skin pores
- Fungus, and other microbes living on the skin
- Weak immune system
- Genetic factors
- Contact with irritants, allergens, and other people with infected skin
- Illnesses of the immune system, thyroid, kidneys, and other major organs
- Inflammatory bowel disease; leading to skin conditions like skin tags, stomatitis, vasculitis, and anal fissures.
What are the Symptoms of Skin Disorders?
Skin conditions can have a wide range of symptoms depending on the condition. Common symptoms that result from skin irregularities include:
- Itchy or painful rash
- Peeling skin
- Dry Skin
- Rough or scaly skin
- Itchiness
- Raised bumps that may be white or red
- Ulcers
- Dry and cracked skin
- Lesions or open sores
- Discolored skin patches
- Abnormal Pigmentation
- Changes in the size and color of a mole
- Fleshy bumps, skin growths, or warts.
- Excessive flushing
How are Skin Diseases Treated?
Most skin disorders react quite well to treatment. The doctor may recommend you one or more treatment options depending on the condition. Common treatment methods include:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Moisturizers
- Medicated creams, gels, and ointments
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Oral medications
- Surgical procedures
- Steroids (Pills, injections, creams)
What is the Cost of Skin Diseases Test Near Me in India?
Diagnostic tests may be required to detect skin conditions if the cause of the skin disease or lesion is not clear. If the doctor is unable to diagnose the skin disorder from a physical exam and history, he may recommend you to go for a skin diseases test. Some common tests used for detecting skin diseases include:
- Patch testing
- Biopsy
- Examination by Wood light
- Tzanck Testing
- Scrapings
- Diascopy
The skin disease test price varies depending on the particular test being conducted. In most cases, the price may range between Rs. 500 to 1500. You can get the test done from most hospitals and diagnostic centers.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
