The different type of skin diseases can be categorised into a number of broad classes depending on the cause and symptoms:
- Inflammatory skin diseases – These type of skin diseases are characterized by swelling and reddening of skin. Inflammatory conditions include acne, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rash and ingrown hairs. Majority can be treated or managed by over-the-counter drugs though some like psoriasis require the intervention of a doctor.
- Viral type of skin diseases – Viral skin ailments are the result of contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Measles, chicken pox, cold sores, herpes and genital warts are examples of viral disease. The infection will often be accompanied by nausea, headache, fever and other flu-like symptoms. Though viral disease is technically incurable, many viral skin diseases may diminish on their own over time.
- Bacterial type of skin diseases –Like viral diseases, majority of bacteria skin diseases are transmitted through contact with an infected person. But unlike viral disease where transmission is via fluids, bacterial diseases can be passed on simply by skin contact. Bacterial skin diseases include cellulitis, boils, impetigo and scarlet fever. Treatment is by antibiotics.
- Fungal type of skin diseases – Candida, athlete’s foot and ringworm are all fungal skin ailments. Infection is not necessarily the result of contact with an infected person – fungal diseases are more often contracted from contact or proximity to a surface with fungal growth. Moist and warm areas such as saunas, bathrooms and gyms are high risk locations for contracting fungal disease. Infections are itchy and the skin becomes red and flaky. Over the counter medication can treat virtually all fungal illnesses.
- Skin cancer – The most dangerous type of skin diseases, skin cancer comes in various forms each of varying severity. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells on the surface of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma attacks the layer below the skin surface while melanoma, (the deadliest) affects all layers and grows fast.
- Birthmarks – Birthmarks are mostly harmless congenital moles that are in some quarters considered a mark of beauty. However, birthmarks make this list because they are in essence the result of a skin abnormality. Some birthmarks such as hemangiomas are extensive covering large portions of the skin. Even then, the negative effects of such extensive marks have more to do with the psychological feelings of unattractiveness in the mind of the affected person.
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