Dermatological Disorders

Original Editors-Stacy Downs Top Contributors - Stacy Downs, Cindy John-Chu, Rucha Gadgil, Admin and Elaine Lonnemann  

Introduction

Dermatological disorders are an umbrella term to decribe conditions affecting the skin. They may range from common skin rashes to severe skin infections which may occur as a result of: infections, allergens, systemic disorders or medications.

Common Skin Conditions

• Tinea Versicolor
• Acne vulgaris: Commonly referred to as pimples or otherwise known as acne, is a skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous unit causing non-inflammatory lesions, inflammatory lesions and varying degrees of scarring . It occurs mainly in adolescence but can persist till adulthood. Four pathogenic processes have been postulated to causing acne. They are:
  • alteration of follicular keratinization that leads to comedones
  • increased and altered sebum production under androgen control
  • follicular colonization by the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes
  • complex inflammatory mechanisms that involve both innate and acquired immunity
• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Cellulitis
• Eczema
• Pressure ulcers