Skin Conditions: Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, serving as a protective barrier against the environment. Various factors can cause damage or disorders, ranging from infections to more serious conditions like skin cancer. Understanding these issues is key to maintaining healthy skin.

Infections

Causes, Changes, and Risk Factors

Skin infections are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Bacterial Infections (e.g., Folliculitis, Boils, Cellulitis): Caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, these infections often start when bacteria enter through a cut or hair follicle. They present as red, swollen, and painful areas, sometimes with pus.
• Viral Infections (e.g., Herpes, Warts): Caused by viruses such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for warts or the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) for herpes. Warts are typically small, grainy bumps, while herpes causes painful, fluid-filled blisters.
• Fungal Infections (e.g., Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot): These are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. They often appear as a red, itchy rash with a distinct, scaly border.

Risk factors for skin infections include a weakened immune system, poor hygiene, and living in humid climates. Prevention focuses on good hygiene, keeping skin clean and dry, and avoiding sharing personal items.

Tests, Treatments, and Environmental Factors

• Tests: Diagnosis is often clinical, based on a physical exam. Sometimes, a skin scraping or culture may be taken to identify the specific microbe.
• Treatments:
  • Modern Medicine: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and antifungal creams or oral medications for fungal infections.
  • CAM: Some people use tea tree oil, garlic, or other herbal remedies, but their effectiveness varies and they should not replace medical advice.
• Environmental Factors: Humid and hot environments can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, making infections more likely.