Skin Diseases

Examples of various skin ailments and pertinent

information

Herpes Zoster Herpes is caused by a

virus It is spread through

contact Symptoms

Puss filled blister like sores, usually on facial region but can be all over the body

Fever Treatments

Ointments

Ringworm Caused by a fungus Can be spread by

contact of infection or infected areas (soil, wrestling mats, towels)

Symptoms Raised ring on the

skin’s surface Itchy and flaky, clear

discharge Treatments

Antifungal cream or pill

Eczema Genetic causes – usually

associated with allergies and asthma

NOT contagious Symptoms

Itchiness in one or more areas

Dry, patchy or scaly red areas that look like a rash

Rough, thickened skin Sores that form by

scratching and may ooze watery fluids

Eczema Continued Treatments

Daily moisturizers Prescribed oral steroids Topical Steroids Antihistamines Wet dressings – control itch

Psoriasis Only about 1 – 3% of

the world have psoriasis

Causes: Genetics – 9 different

gene mutations associated

Immune – T-cells are over active an d attack skin cells

Environmental Triggers

Psoriasis continued Symptoms

Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales

Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)

Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

Itching, burning or soreness

Thickened, pitted or ridged nails

Swollen and stiff joints

Onychocryptosis (Ingrown nails) Signs/Symptoms

Pain, mild swelling in area at beginning Extra skin growing around end of nail Slight drainage (pus) Increased redness, swelling Possible infection Rarely a fever

Onychocryptosis (Ingrown nails) Causes

Shoes that are too tight Improperly cut toenails

Prevention Wear shoes that fit Trim toe nails straight across

Treatments Initially – soak in hot water for 10 to 15

minutes to soften nail and then fix Surgical removal

Onychocryptosis (Ingrown nails)

Skin Cancer Causes

Over use of tanning booths

Excessive exposure to x-rays

Diseases that cause immuno-suppression

Some chemical contact Arsenic (miners, sheep

shearers and farmers) Hydrocarbons in tar,

oils and soot

Symptoms Small blood vessels

may be visible within the tumor.

A central depression with crusting and bleeding (ulceration) frequently develops.

A BCC is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.

Prevention Limit sun exposure. Attempt to avoid the sun's

intense rays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Apply sunscreen frequently. Use a sunscreen with

sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 both before and during sun exposure. Select products that block both UVA and UVB light. The label will tell you.

If you are likely to sunburn, wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.

Avoid artificial tanning booths. Conduct periodic skin self-examinations.

Skin Cancer cont. Checking Your Skin

Asymmetry-One side of the lesion does not look like the other.

Border irregularity-Margins may be notched or irregular.

Color-Melanomas are often a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white.

Diameter-Cancerous lesions are usually larger than 6 mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), but any change in size may be significant.

Skin Cancer cont. Basal Cell Carcinoma

(BCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Melanoma

Staphylococcus AureusMinor

Staphylococcus Aureus Major

Vitiligo

What You Need to Do Provide Information on:

Cause Signs/Symptoms Treatment Other Facts Picture

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