Infections
Fungal Skin Infections
Fungal infections of the skin cause peeling, redness, itching, burning and possibly even blisters and sores. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment. Fungal Infections like Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) are caused by a fungus that lives on the dead tissue of the skin, hair & nails. This category also includes Jock Itch (tinea cruris), ringworm & yeast infections.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial infections of the skin can cause, redness, bumps, swelling, folliculitis and possibly systemic inflammation. They can range from infecting a tiny spot to the entire body surface. The severity of these infections ranges as well, from harmless to life-threatening.
This category includes cellulitis, impetigo, boils, carbuncles, lymphatgitis, staphylococcal & streptococcus infections.
Viral Skin Infections
Viral infections are caused by a virus. Symptoms can vary from a recurring sore, cluster of bumps, itchy red rash to fever and headaches. This category includes shingles, chickenpox, & herpes simplex 1 & 2.
Fungal infections of the skin cause peeling, redness, itching, burning and possibly even blisters and sores. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment. Fungal Infections like Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) are caused by a fungus that lives on the dead tissue of the skin, hair & nails. This category also includes Jock Itch (tinea cruris), ringworm & yeast infections.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial infections of the skin can cause, redness, bumps, swelling, folliculitis and possibly systemic inflammation. They can range from infecting a tiny spot to the entire body surface. The severity of these infections ranges as well, from harmless to life-threatening.
This category includes cellulitis, impetigo, boils, carbuncles, lymphatgitis, staphylococcal & streptococcus infections.
Viral Skin Infections
Viral infections are caused by a virus. Symptoms can vary from a recurring sore, cluster of bumps, itchy red rash to fever and headaches. This category includes shingles, chickenpox, & herpes simplex 1 & 2.
Allergies
Contact dermatitis causes a red itchy rash when the skin is exposed to an allergen. These allergens can be found in soap, cosmetics, detergents, jewelry, fragrances or plants such as poison ivy and poison oak.
Psoriasis
The direct cause is unknown. It can be triggered by trauma, stress or infection. The skin cell cycle becomes interrupted causing excess skin cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. This gives the skin a dry, scaly, itchy appearance, typically in patches. Psoriasis is chronic, and can be very painful. There is no cure, but there are treatments available.
Skin Cancer
Remember, cancer is simply an abnormal cell mass - a result of uncontrolled cell reproduction. It is classified as either benign (does not spread) or malignant (metastasizes to other parts of the body). Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the least malignant, most common type of cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is believed to be sun-induced. It can metastasize to lymph nodes if not removed, however early removal allows for a good chance of a cure.
Malignant Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It is cancer in the melanocytes. It can metastasize quickly into the lymph and blood vessels. Doctors detect malignant melanomas using the ABCD rule.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the least malignant, most common type of cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is believed to be sun-induced. It can metastasize to lymph nodes if not removed, however early removal allows for a good chance of a cure.
Malignant Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It is cancer in the melanocytes. It can metastasize quickly into the lymph and blood vessels. Doctors detect malignant melanomas using the ABCD rule.