Thursday, September 3, 2009

Signs & Symptoms Of Skin Disease

Coping with skin disease


Skin disease is a broad term, encompassing a variety of issues relating to allergens, infections and even cancer. Self diagnosis is ill advised, and consulting a dermatologist is imperative when faced with an unknown skin problem. A myriad of signs and symptoms pointing to skin disease are readily identifiable. These issues are often associated with blood borne pathogens, viruses, allergic reactions and genetic disease.


Dermatitis


Dermatitis is an umbrella term used to describe a condition that involves itchy, red and sometimes inflamed areas of skin. Dermatitis literally means skin inflammation, and is an acute sign of a possible skin disease. Various forms of dermatitis are contracted through environmental contact and genetics. A dermatologist works to narrow the cause of this skin disease, as many are possible. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a disease passed down through generations, identified by symptoms of dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation and is identified by similar symptoms. The uncomfortable symptoms of dermatitis are potential warning signs to a greater skin problem and even disease.


Skin Changes and Cancer


Irregular skin changes are often signs to a possible skin disease. A persistent red, firm bump on an exposed area of skin can be a symptom of squamous cell carcinoma. Scaly patches of itchy skin, that may bleed or puss, are often precursors to a skin disease. These readily identifiable skin changes become persistent and don't dissipate with time. These symptoms tend to worsen over time, growing in size. Unlike a rash or infection, a skin disease such as cancer, isn't intermittent, but rather constant.


Hives


Hives, characterized by swollen areas of skin, can be an early identifier of a few skin diseases.They are often triggered by an allergic reaction. Uticaria and angioedema are two skin diseases characterized by hive symptoms. These diseases can last from days to years, depending on the individual. These diseases vary in length and intensity, leaving the afflicted in an uncomfortable state. These symptoms are found across the entire body and face, often moving from one area to the next in no particular order.







Tags: skin disease, areas skin, disease Skin, possible skin, possible skin disease, readily identifiable