How to Diagnose and Treat Common Skin Diseases

In addition to providing a protective armor against outside invaders, the skin regulates body temperature, holds in body fluids, and manufactures vitamin D. This largest organ of the human body has great recuperative powers.

The common skin disorders and remedies:

1. Warts: Warts are firm abnormal elevated blemishes on the skin caused by a virus and are often highly contagious. Most are benign and disappear without treatment. Genital warts are an exception; their presence greatly increases the risk of genital cancers and so, should be treated by a doctor at once. Otherwise, warts do not have to be removed unless they become irritated or unsightly.

Remedies: Over-the-counter preparations work in some cases, but follow directions carefully. Some contain salicylic acid, which can burn the skin. Never apply these preparations to the genital area or the face.

Planter warts, which develop on the soles of the feet and toes, are sometime difficult to differentiate from calluses. In general, a callus hurts when touched directly, while planter warts produce pain from pressure of walking or standing. Do not try to treat planter warts yourself. A physician should remove them surgically or with liquid nitrogen or an electric needle.

2. Eczema and dermatitis: Eczema and dermatitis both refer to inflamed, scaly, itchy skin. Eczema typically occurs in babies, produces symmetrical patches on the face and limbs and is often associated with allergies and asthma. Dermatitis, a variation of eczema, is triggered by exposure to an irritant.

Remedies: Although eczema and dermatitis can cause intense itching, try not to scratch. Scratching only intensifies the problem and may also lead to infection. If a baby develops eczema, keep his or her nails cut short to prevent scratching and if necessary, cover the hand s with cotton socks or mittens.

If you have dermatitis, look around the house for possible irritants. Common offenders include nail polish remover, makeup, dyes, soap, and household cleansers. Some substance such as ingredients in sunscreen and shaving lotion cause dermatitis only when exposed to the sun. Look at the rash pattern for clues to the cause. Dermatitis of the wrist, neck or earlobe may be caused by nickel, an ally in jewelry. A rash around the waist or on the feet may be from chemicals in a leather belt or shoes.

Eliminating eggs or milk may improve childhood eczema. But check with your doctor before eliminating milk from a child's diet, especially if the child in under age two.

Such medications as over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and lotions may cause dermatitis. Use a hydrocortisone product on itchy skin for only four or five days. If the condition persists, see a doctor.

Babies commonly develop diaper rash, a form of dermatitis. When this happens, change the baby more frequently and expose the diaper area to air whenever possible. If you use disposable diapers, switch brands or try cloth diapers. Some babies are sensitive to plastic covering or chemicals in disposable diapers.

3. Psoriasis: Patches of red, scaly skin with silvery scales are signs of psoriasis, which develops when skin cells reproduce too fast. The elbows, knees, torso, and scalp are most commonly affected and some people also develop arthritis. There is no cure for psoriasis, but the disease usually can be controlled.

Remedies: Stress does not cause psoriasis, but it can trigger a flare-up. To improve your stress coping ability, increase your exercise or learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercise, meditation, or yoga.

Abstain from alcohol or drink only small amounts occasionally. Excessive alcohol consumption tends to aggravate psoriasis. There is some evidence linking psoriasis to faulty metabolism of fatty acid in animal fats. Eliminate red meat and other animal fats from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

Psoriasis of the scalp can produce severe dandruff. Use shampoos and soaps containing coal tar. If the dandruff continues, see a dermatologist for a prescription shampoo.

Psoriasis tends to develop where skin rubs against skin. Maintain ideal weight and apply corn starch to skin creases to reduce friction.

Psoriasis improves when the skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which explains why scaling often disappears during the summer. Moderation is important however, as sunburn can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

4. Impetigo: Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection characterized by itchy, blistering eruptions that form a crust, usually on the face, legs, and arms. Impetigo spreads easily through direct contact and is most common in children and young adult, especially in warm weather.

Remedies: If impetigo develops, see a doctor promptly. Antibiotics clear up the infection within a few days. Both pills and an antibiotic skin cream may be prescribed.

To remove the skin crusts of the impetigo and prevent the spread of bacteria, wash the affected scars with warm water and antibacterial soap several times a day.

Do not share towels or clothing with a person who has impetigo or any other skin disorder.

Biting flies sometimes carry the bacteria that cause impetigo. Use window screens to keep flies out, and cover the baby's crib with mosquito netting during the fly season.

After someone with a skin disorder uses a wash cloth, launder it in hot water and chlorine bleach.

5. Fungal skin infections: Fungi are yeast-like organisms that thrive in moist areas of the skin and mucous membranes. Jock itch and athlete's foot are common example of fungal skin infections. Thrush or candidiasis usually affects the mouth and genital area.

Remedies: Avoid going barefoot in public locker rooms and shower as these are prime breeding places for fungi that cause athlete's foot.

If you are prone to fungal infections, try changing your shoes, socks and underwear at least once during the day. Allow sufficient time between wearing to let shoes dry out.

After bathing, sprinkle corn-starch on the feet and genital area.

If you develop a fungal infection, try an over-the-counter spray or cream containing miconazole, clotrimazole, Whitfield's ointment or Castallani paint. Avoid products with cortisone or other steroids as these can make the infection worse. If the infection persists after a week of treatment, see a doctor. You may need an oral antifungal prescription.

Oral thrush is often mistaken for fever blisters and other mouth sores. Try scarping away some of the pustules. Thrush comes off easily, exposing a red, blooding sore underneath.

Keep the feet clean and dry. Bathe them frequently and use hair dryer to dry thoroughly between your toes. Wear cotton socks that draw moisture away from the feet and change them often. Select shoes that are well ventilated, especially when exercising.

Poorly fitted dental bridges or improperly cleaned dentures promote oral thrush especially among the elderly and other people with low immunity.