Other Skin Conditions
Inflammatory skin disorders are a broad category which include many conditions ranging in severity, from mild itching to those with significant medical health consequences.
These disorders are common in people of all ages and are characterised by irritation and inflammation of the skin. Inflammatory skin disorders include the following well-known conditions:
Acne: Results from blocked sebaceous glands infected with bacteria giving rise to ‘spots’. Acne can be treated with oral antibiotics and isotretinoin (roaccutane).
Dermatitis/Eczema: These are patches of skin which are red and inflamed, with itching and swelling. This is commoner in childhood but can occur in any age group.
Psoriasis: This skin condition is characterised by red, raised inflammatory plaques covered by white scales. Psoriasis may also develop after a streptococcal throat infection. At such times, the lesions appear small and are pink in colour.
Rosacea: Is a common disorder that mainly affects skin on the face. It causes redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Rosacea is generally treated with antibiotics but lasers can be used successfully to treat the facial thread veins.
Allergies
There are different types of allergies. In Type 1 allergy, there is an immediate response with urticaria (‘hives’) or angio-oedema (‘swelling of lips’). There may be no triggering factors but some people can be allergic to pollen, pets and certain foods such as nuts (mainly peanuts), eggs and milk.
In Type 4 allergy, the reaction is delayed and people may have an allergy to things that come into contact with their skin such as nickel in jewellery, rubber, fragrances and many other allergens. This usually presents with dermatitis/eczema. Patch tests can be performed to identify the allergen.
Hyperhidrosis
This is excessive sweating which occurs in some people causing marked anxiety and embarrassment. This can occur on any body site but is commoner in the armpits and hands. Treatment includes Botox or radiofrequency laser therapy.
