A FEW COMMON SKIN DISORDERS

There are many common skin disorders that require the clinical care of a dermatologist. Here are just a few:

Bacterial Skin Infections

The skin is the body’s first barrier against bacteria that cause infections. Even though many bacteria live on the surface of our skin, healthy skin can usually protect us from infection. Bacterial skin infections can affect a small spot or may spread, affecting a large area. Anyone who has a break in the skin is at risk for infection. Certain conditions or diseases put a person at greater risk for infection, including:
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), because of a depressed immune system that is unable to fight infection.
• Skin damaged by sunburn or scratching.

Fungal Infections

Skin fungi live in the dead, top layer of skin cells in moist areas of the body, such as between the toes or in the groin. Some fungal infections cause only a small amount of irritation. Other types penetrate deeper and may cause itching, swelling, blistering, and scaling, requiring clinical care by a dermatologist.

Viral Skin Infections

Many viral infections in childhood fall into this category, such as:
• Measles or rubeola
• Rubella
• Chickenpox
• Roseola.
Thankfully, immunizations have decreased the number of cases of measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
Three main groups of viruses cause the majority of viral skin infections:
• Human papillomavirus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Poxvirus
Viral skin infections require clinical care by a dermatologist.