Most people with psoriasis want to know how and why they got it. Though it can be triggered by many factors there are some commonalities seen in the case histories of people with this skin condition. Let me start by explaining the difference between healthy skin and psoriatic skin. The skin has many important roles [...]
Psoriasis is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin disorder. It presents as silvery, scaly skin plaques that flake off, commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, ears or anywhere on the body. It can be very sore, itchy and difficult to manage. Psoriasis can start at any age but is most common between 15 and 40 [...]
The word 'dermatitis' means inflammation of the skin. The terms ‘dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are synonymous. The word ‘eczema’ comes from the Greek for ‘boiling’ and refers to the tiny vesicles (bubbles) that are often see in the early stages of disease. There are several types of eczema, but the causes and symptoms are very [...]
Acne is a skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands (acne vulgaris) and/or the underlying blood vessels (rosacea) of the skin. Sebaceous glands are cells full of lipid called sebum. Sebum is discharged by sebaceous glands to lubricate and waterproof the skin, protecting it from drying. It is also mildly antibacterial and antifungal. Hormones [...]
Tinea is a contagious fungal infection caused by one of three types of fungi – trichophyton, microsporum or epidermophyton. The course of the disease depends on the site and strain of the fungus involved. Fungal infections are contagious thus quick resolution of the condition is important. Types of Tinea Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is [...]
Folliculitis is characterised by inflammation of hair follicles and can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. Folliculitis can be triggered by bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection, specific medications, topical agents, immunosuppression disorders, or other inflammatory skin diseases. It typically results in sore, inflamed pustules, similiar to acne. Types of Folliculitis: Bacterial [...]
Nail conditions commonly occur in patients with other skin conditions because they are also epithelial (skin) cells. The distal part of the fingers and toes are protected by plates of hard, keratinised epithelial cells, the fingernails and toenails. The nails consist of the visible nail body, the hidden nail root, and the nail bed [...]
Candida infections result from the overgrowth of the fungal bacteria Candida albicans. It can occur at any age. The presentation and course of the disease depends on the site of the body involved. Fungal infections are contagious thus quick resolution of the condition is important. Candida albicans is an opportunistic bacteria that can affect anyone, [...]
Miliaria or heat rash results from the plugging or rupture of sweat ducts in hot, humid climates. It can occur at any age and is common in over-clothed infants. It can present as Miliaria crystalline with tiny, clear, non-inflamed spots that look like dew on the skin; as Miliaria rubra with tiny inflamed and very [...]
Ichthyosis is the collective name for a group of genetic disorders of keratinisation of the skin. The normal skin shedding process is disrupted resulting in dry, rough skin with marked scaling as a feature. The word ‘ichthyosis’ comes from the Greek word for fish, and describes the scaly appearance of the skin. There are several [...]
