The 24 Skin Pathologies: Characteristics And How To Recognize Them
In this world there are hundreds of diseases and the skin, our largest organ, is not exempt from presenting all types of medical conditions.
There are skin pathologies of all types, color, size, severity, contagious and genetic… and few are “pleasant” to the eye. If you are interested in knowing them, keep reading, because below you will find a summary of skin diseases
There are many skin pathologies, and they vary greatly in terms of symptoms and severity There are skin diseases that can be temporary, while others leave permanent consequences, both painful and painless.
What causes them is also very varied, since there are diseases that may have a genetic component while others occur due to an infection or coming into contact with an allergen.
Below we are going to discover different types of skin pathologies with the keys to identify them.
1. Acne
The acne usually occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back It consists of outbreaks on the skin that consist of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts and deep, sometimes painful nodules. If left untreated it can leave scars.
2. Ampoule
The blisters consist of transparent skin bubbles with liquid inside Those that are less than a centimeter in size are called blisters while those larger than that size are usually called bullae. They can appear alone or in groups and can be located anywhere on the body.
3. Basal cell carcinoma
In basal cell carcinoma, raised, firm, pale areas that resemble a scar
These areas are dome-shaped, pink or red, shiny and pearly with a sunken center, like a crater. The blood vessels are visible in the growth and easy bleeding occurs, with suppurating wounds that do not seem to heal.
4. Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs in areas exposed to ultraviolet radiation, such as the face, ears, and backs of the hands, which is why it is so important to apply sun protection on all parts of the body.
It manifests itself as a scaly, reddish patch on the skin that, as it develops, becomes a raised bump that continues to grow.
5. Hives
Hives consist of raised, itchy welts. They usually appear after having established contact with some type of allergen These welts are red, warm, and painful to the touch. Their size varies, and they can be small, round welts or larger ones with irregular shapes.
6. Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis consists of a patch of thick, scaly, or crusty skin, usually no larger than two centimeters in size
It appears on parts of the body that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, scalp, and neck. It has a pinkish color, although it can also acquire brown and gray tones.
7. Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common medical condition that is frequently seen on the arms and legs, but can also occur on the face, torso, and buttocks. It manifests itself in the form of patches of skin that are irregular in appearance, slightly red and rough to the touch which can worsen in dry climates.
8. Cold sores
Cold sores are a red, painful, fluid-filled blister that appears on the mouth and lips
The affected area usually causes a tingling and burning sensation, even before the sore becomes visible. It may be accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms, such as a low-grade fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
9. Eczema
Eczema consists of yellowish or whitish scaly patches that peel off Affected areas may be red, itchy, and oozing a greasy type. If the affected area had hair follicles, hair loss may occur.
10. Psoriasis
Psoriasis manifests itself in the form of scaly, whitish, well-defined patches on the skin They commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It can cause itching, but it can also manifest asymptomatically beyond its appearance.
11. Cellulitis due to infection
Infectious cellulitis is a skin pathology caused by bacteria and fungi, which enter through a crack or cut It manifests itself in the form of reddened skin, with pain and inflammation, and there may be exudation.
The affected areas have a sensation of heat and sensitivity to touch. This disease can worsen since the affected person may suffer from fevers and chills. Red spots on the rash may be a sign of serious infection and reason to go to a hospital for a medical emergency.
12. Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin pathology that comes and goes, with cycles of fading and relapse Relapses can be caused by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
There are four subtypes of rosacea (erythematous-telangiectatic, papulo-pustular, phymatous and ocular), each with its varied symptoms. Common symptoms include raised, red bumps, facial redness, and dry skin.
13. Anthrax
The carbuncle consists of a red, painful, irritated bump under the skin It may be accompanied by moderately severe symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. This skin pathology can cause scabs and dermatological suppuration.
14. Latex allergy
Latex allergy consists of a rash that occurs within minutes or hours after contact with a product made of this material It manifests itself in the form of warm, red welts, with itching at the site of contact. Its appearance can be dry and crusty when exposure to latex has been continuous.
Latex particles may be traveling through the air, causing coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and sneezing. A severe allergy to this material can cause inflammation and breathing problems, which is why it is considered a condition that requires urgent medical attention.
15. Measles
Measles is an illness with several symptoms, including fever, sore throat, red eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and loss of appetite. On the skin this medical condition manifests itself in the form of red spots that spread from the face to the rest of the body three to five days after the first symptoms appear
16. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It is a medical condition more common in people with light skin, manifesting itself in the form of a mole anywhere on the body, with irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical and with varied tones. This mole can change color quickly, as well as grow at an alarming rate.
17. Lupus
Lupus is a skin disease that manifests itself in the form of scaly, disc-shaped rash that does not itch or hurt It usually appears on the shoulders, forearms, neck and upper torso, worsening with greater exposure to sunlight.
It can also come in the form of a red, hot-to-the-touch rash that spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, shaped like a butterfly. It may be accompanied by fatigue, headaches, fever and inflammation in the joints.
Related article: “Systemic lupus erythematosus: what it is, characteristics and symptoms”
18. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis, as its name suggests, is a skin pathology that occurs when contact is made with an allergen, whether after a few hours or a few days.
It has visible edges and appears right in the area where the irritating substance has been touched The skin begins to itch, takes on a reddish color, flakes, and blisters may also appear that ooze, ooze, or form scabs.
19. Wart
The warts are benign skin tumors caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). These lumps can be found on the skin and mucous membranes, appearing both singly and in groups. Because they are caused by viruses, they are contagious and require specific treatment to eliminate them.
20. Chickenpox
Chickenpox causes clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters on the skin in various stages of healing These rashes are accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat and even loss of appetite. Chickenpox is a contagious disease, and the person who suffers from it stops spreading it once all the blisters are crusted over or have dried.
21. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment due to the destruction of cells caused by the autoimmune system attacking them This disease is especially striking in people with dark skin and can occur in two ways:
Focal loss: loss of skin color in just a few areas.
Segmental pattern: depigmentation on one side of the body.
It brings with it premature graying of the scalp and facial hair.
22. Melasma
Melasma is a common skin disease in which Dark spots appear on the face, but also on the neck, chest and arms but less frequently.
It is common for pregnant women (chloasma) and also people with dark skin or those more exposed to sunlight. It does not present significant symptoms beyond skin discoloration and may disappear on its own within a year, although there are cases in which it becomes a permanent condition.
Related article: “Albino people: genetics and problems they suffer in different parts of the world”
23. Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin disease in babies and children It is often located in the area around the mouth, chin and nose, manifesting itself in the form of an irritating rash with fluid-filled blisters that open easily and form a crust of yellowish and orange tones.
24. Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin pathology that appears in the form of scaly eruptions, with a circular shape and raised edges. The shape is similar to that of a ring, the inside of which the skin acquires a clear and healthy tone while the edges of the ring extend outward and cause itching.
