Our internal body is covered or wrapped by the so called skin element; if it is removed or got a problem it means you are exposed!! From simple pimple to the extreme skin cancer, here are a variety of diseases which affects skin.
Rashes
Often times these will take the form of skin rashes that can indicate infection or simple irritation. You must first determine whether it is caused internally (as in the case of hives), externally or as the result of a localized infection. Such skin problems can indicate a very serious problem and should be investigated immediate upon noticing them.
Sometimes radiation burns such as sunburn. can look like rashes on certain types of skin. Be careful and look for the tell tale signs of biological activity. Bacteria tend radiate out in a circular pattern. When this forms a streak and appears to be moving out of a localized area, it is time to seek professional advice, as such infections can become systemic and present a mortal threat.
Blemishes
Pimples and acne are the most common type of skin problem that people are interested in treating, in part, because almost everyone has some sort of hormonal related increase in blemish or "zit" activity around puberty. While a great deal of money is spent on remedies, some of the oldest remedies are still the most effective against these minor skin infections.
Pimples
A pimple, also known as a zit or spot is a small papule or pustule; small skin lesions or inflammation of the skin - they are oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are infected with bacteria, become inflamed, and then fill up with pus.
Pimples are caused when the sebaceous glands located at the base of hair follicles become overactive; the most vulnerable parts of the body are the face, back, chest and shoulders. Pimples are palpable signs of acne, especially when a breakout occurs.
Sebaceous Glands?
The sebaceous glands are tiny skin glands which secrete sebum - an waxy/oily substance - to lubricate the skin and hair of mammals (humans are mammals).
In human beings they exist throughout all skin sites except the palms and soles; there is a greater abundance of sebaceous glands on the face and scalp. In our eyelids, meibomian sebaceous glands secrete a special type of sebum into tears.
Reasons for abnormality in sebaceous gland function, including:
§ Acne (pimples).
§ Sebaceous cysts - closed sacs or cysts below the surface of the skin.
§ Hyperplasia - the sebaceous glands become enlarged, producing yellow, shiny bumps on the face.
§ Sebaceous adenoma - a slow-growing tumor (benign, non-cancerous) usually presenting as a pink, flesh-colored, or yellow papule or nodule.
§ Sebaceous gland carcinoma - an aggressive (cancerous) and uncommon skin tumor.
If a breakout occurs, doctors recommend that they be treated promptly to prevent the risk developing severe acne. There is also the danger that untreated severe acne may result in visible scars on the skin.
Causes of pimples?
The sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, exist inside the pores of our skin. The outer layers-of-our-skin-are-being-shed-continuously.
Sometimes, dead skin cells are left behind and get stuck together by the sticky sebum, causing-a-blockage-in-the-pore.
Pore blockage is more likely to occur during puberty (the process of physical changes by which a child's body becomes an adult body capable of reproduction). More sebum is produced by the sebaceous gland - as the pore is blocked, it accumulates behind the blockage.
This accumulated and blocked sebum has bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes; this slow-growing bacterium is linked to acne. Propionibacterium acnes generally exists harmlessly on our skin - however, when the conditions are right, it can reproduce more rapidly and become a problem. The bacterium feeds off the sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response, leading to inflammation of the skin and spots.
The skin of people who are prone to acne are especially sensitive to normal blood levels of testosterone - a natural hormone found in both males and females. In such people the testosterone can make the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, making the clogging up of dead skin cells more likely, which in turn increases the probability of blocking-the-pores-etc.
You cannot catch pimples from another person; they are not infectious. There is no scientifically compelling evidence to prove that pimples are caused by diet. Having pimples or acne can be hereditary.
Signs, Symptoms And Types Of Pimples
§ Whiteheads - also known as a closed comedo. These are very small and remain under the skin, appearing as a small, flesh-colored papules.
§ Blackheads - also known as an open comedo. These are clearly visible; they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color, and scrub their faces vigorously - this does not help and may irritate the skin and cause other problems.
§ Papules - these are small, solid, rounded bumps that rise from the skin. The bumps are often pink.
§ Pustules - these are pimples full of pus. They are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.
§ Nodules - these are morphologically similar (similar structure) to papules, but larger. They can be painful and are embedded deep in the skin.
§ Cysts - these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scars.
How common are pimples (acne)?
Acne is the most common skin disease for adolescents. According to the British Medical Journal (Clinical Evidence, Authors: Sarah Purdy, David DeBerker):
§ More than 80% of teenagers get acne at some point.
§ A community sample of 14 to 16 year-olds in the United Kingdom revealed that acne affected 50% of them.
§ A sample study of adolescents in New Zealand found acne was present in 91% of boys and 79% of girls.
§ A sample study of adolescents in Portugal found that the average prevalence of acne (in both sexes) was 82%.
§ 30% of teenagers with acne required medical treatment because of its severity.
§ General practitioners (GPs, primary care physicians) in the UK reported that 3.1% of 13 to 25 year-old patients visited them complaining of acne.
§ The incidence of acne is similar in both adult males and females.
§ Doctors report that acne appears to peak at 17 years of age.
§ Acne incidence (presence, occurrence) in adults is increasing, doctors report. We don't know why.
Difference between blackhead and whitehead?
They both are clogged pores, however a blackhead known as an open comedone, takes on a darker color because the sebum and debris have oxidized. A whitehead, known as a closed comedone, has not reached the surface and has not oxidized (a reaction when a substance hits oxygen). There are also pustules where inflammation and pus (infection) are present. A papule is a red, inflamed bump with no noticable pus.
Skin Care for Blackheads and Whiteheads
The key to skin care for acne is consistency. An overnight cure has not been found. But using good skin care methods aids in the daily, steady improvement of follicle health. Since acne is not caused by eating certain foods, restricting the diet is not helpful. Since it is also not caused by "dirty" skin, excessively scrubbing does not help and can even make the skin more irritated.
The best skin care for comedones consists of once-a-day cleansing with a mild soap or facial scrub to aid in the removal of excess sebum and dead skin cells. Oil-based makeup should not be used since these can contribute to the buildup of oil in the follicles. Water-based makeup labeled as non-comedogenic can be used safely.
How to pop a pimple
If you must pop, pop safely. Common advice is to let your body heal a pimple on its own without popping. But in the real world, some people absolutely refuse to go around with a bulging white zit for the world to see. Plus, when done properly, popping a pimple can actually be beneficial to the healing process. Reserve this technique only for pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped—all the way at the surface and white. After a shower is best, when the skin is supple.
1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
3. Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
4. Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out.
5. Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped can lead to scarring. Walk away from the mirror!
It is very important to leave deep, painful lesions (cysts and nodules) untouched. Do not attempt to pop them. Instead, a fantastic option for these types of lesions is to see a dermatologist who can administer a cortisone injection which will bring down swelling and potentially reduce or eliminate scarring. Often dermatologists will accept a quick “emergency” appointment for such matters.
Allergies
Some people have severe reactions to internal or external exposures that are actually allergies. Removing the contact that causes the reaction is usually sufficient, though in very severe cases, inoculations are required. For instance, the very common allergy to the zinc found in the buttons of denim jeans, and can be treated by painting over the surface so it doesn't touch the skin.
The range of skin problems that are caused by bacteria is high, but problems can also be caused by environment, skin modifications, yeast, fungi like in ringworm or athletes foot and inherited medical ailments like psoriasis and eczema. Seeking out the cause and prescribed treatment will almost always prevent you from making it worse, as seems to often be the case when proceeding blindly. Knowing when to seek medical advice to identify skin problems is also potentially life-saving.
To identify skin problems, your doctor may be of great help. Even a dermatologist may sometimes be necessary. Consult them if necessary!
§ Urine crystals - urine test showing many crystals may indicate kidney stones or metabolism problems
