What are skin diseases?

Skin diseases are disorders of the skin that may be caused by infections, allergies, genetic factors, or immune system abnormalities. Skin diseases can occur anywhere on the body and vary in severity, from minor itchy rashes to chronic conditions that affect quality of life.

Common skin diseases and basic care to prevent progression.

They are divided into 4 groups: skin diseases related to the body's immune system, skin diseases caused by infections, skin diseases caused by sunlight, and diseases related to hair and scalp.

1. Immune-related skin diseases: This group of skin diseases includes:

Eczema : An itchy, red, inflamed rash caused by an immune system reaction. It typically presents as itchy, scaly, red, inflamed, or weeping patches, depending on the stage. The rash can be triggered by internal or external factors.

Urticaria : Characterized by itchy, swollen, red patches that appear on various parts of the body. The rash usually lasts no more than 24 hours and disappears without leaving a trace. Some individuals may also experience swelling of the mouth and eyes (angioedema). Urticaria can appear suddenly or be chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks). The causes vary, but it is common to have no known cause. Additionally, urticaria can be caused by food allergies, drug allergies, insect bites, or certain infections. Chronic urticaria can have many causes, requiring further investigation as determined by the doctor.

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2. Infectious Skin Diseases : Because Thailand is in a tropical climate, the prevalence of infectious diseases, including skin infections, may be higher in Thailand than in other countries.

• Herpes : A viral skin disease that can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the lips or genitals. It appears as clusters of clear blisters on a red background, which can be painful and burning. It is contagious through contact with an infected person and is more likely to spread or manifest more frequently in individuals with weakened immune systems, stress, lack of sleep, or other underlying illnesses.

• Shingles : Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can lie dormant in the nerves and later cause shingles, especially in those with weakened immune systems. It can be transmitted through contact or even respiratory droplets. In severe cases, the shingles rash consists of clusters of clear blisters on a red background, often along nerve pathways. Those with shingles experience a burning, stinging pain that can persist for a long time, even after the rash disappears. In some cases, shingles on the face or head can cause problems with the eyes or ears.

• Warts : Caused by a virus that results in the formation of thickened bumps on the skin. They are often asymptomatic but can spread. Ringworm can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the hands and feet.

• Ringworm : is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. Different areas of the skin may have different Thai names for ringworm infections. For example, ringworm in the groin area is often called "sangkhang," while ringworm on the soles of the feet or between the toes is called "hong khong foot." Severe inflammation or pus formation on the scalp in children is often called "chan na tu." People with ringworm can contract it from contact with animals or from walking in the dirt.

• Tinea : versicolor is actually caused by a fungus normally present on human skin, but it develops when certain environmental conditions, such as oiliness and moisture, cause the condition. Therefore, it often occurs on oily skin areas such as the back, chest, neck, and upper arms. The rash may appear as circular patches or clusters with small scales and can be various colors, such as white, pink, brown, or red.

• Acne : is caused by a bacterial infection called... Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is one of the bacteria that can cause acne, but there are actually three other factors that can contribute to acne: excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands, and excessive keratin buildup in the hair follicles, leading to blockages.

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3.Because Thailand is a tropical country with a lot of sunlight, sun-induced skin problems such as melasma, freckles, and age spots are common. Treatment requires evaluation by a doctor, as multiple problems often coexist. A doctor can then determine the correct treatment plan; otherwise, some problems may worsen.

Basic self-care includes avoiding sun exposure and using a high SPF sunscreen correctly. Generally, it's recommended to apply two fingertip-sized amounts of cream sunscreen to the face, or an amount equivalent to two ten-baht coins if using a lotion. Reapply every two hours if exposed to sunlight again to prevent sun-induced skin problems.

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4. Hair and Scalp Diseases : Abnormalities affecting the hair and scalp are also part of skin diseases. Common conditions include

• Dandruff : Dandruff problems range from skin inflammation on the scalp, a type of seborrheic dermatitis, to flaky scalp or dandruff that may be itchy and red. Initial care involves using a gentle shampoo, avoiding harsh chemicals on the scalp, and possibly using topical anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by a doctor.

• Hair Loss : Hair loss can be caused by various factors, the most common being genetic, possibly combined with abnormally high levels of male hormones (androgenetic alopecia). This should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further thinning over time. Treatment generally begins with medication, ranging from certain topical creams to oral medications for male patients, as these reduce male hormones that affect hair thinning. Consulting a doctor is recommended for this type of treatment. Using general hair care products alone is unlikely to restore hair thickness and may delay treatment, leading to further thinning. Therefore, consulting a specialist is recommended for the best possible treatment results.

Summary of the Article :

Having learned about the various skin diseases will help us better care for and prevent skin problems. However, treatment of skin diseases should always be diagnosed and treated by a specialist to achieve the best results and prevent potential complications.

Finally, for those with skin diseases who need proper treatment, Thanyatharee Clinic is ready to provide care from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, so you can live a happy and worry-free life. You can contact us through the following channels.

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