Albinism, an inherited disorder, is caused by the absence of the
pigment melanin and results in no pigmentation in skin, hair, or eyes.
In albinos, their body has an abnormal gene, which restricts the body
from producing melanin. There is no cure for albinism, and individuals
should use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to
get sun damage and skin cancer. This disorder can occur in any race.
Melasma
Melasma (also known as chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown
patches on the cheeks, nose, foreheard, and chin. Although this
condition is typically termed the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop
this condition. Melasma may go away after pregnancy but, if it persists,
can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over the
counter skin care products. Remember to consult your doctor or
dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of this condition before you choose
to treat it yourself. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times
because sunlight will worsen your condition.
Pigmentation Loss As a Result of Skin Damage
If you've had a skin infection, blisters, burns or other trauma
to your skin, you may have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area.
The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's frequently not
permanent, and cosmetics can be used to cover the area.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells
that make pigment) are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin
appear on different parts of the body. The cause of vitiligo is not
known, but some possible causes include physical trauma or certain
diseases such as diabetes. There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are
several treatments, including psoralens (light-sensitive drugs) used in
combination with ultraviolet A light treatment.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Michael J. Wheatley, MD on September 19, 2009
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in humans. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes and affects more than 53,600 people in the United States each year. These melanocytes can grow together to form benign moles which, after a change in size, shape, or color can be a sign of melanoma. Caused by sun exposure, early detection becomes extremely important to avoid a spread to other areas of the body. Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy of the abnormal skin and treatment depends on the extent and characteristics of the patient.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin color.
Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
Melasma is a patchy brown discoloration of the skin on the face. When it occurs in pregnancy, it's called chloasma. Melasma is commonly treated with hydroquinone creams.
Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States. There are four types of spina bifida; 1) occulta, 2) closed neural tube defects, 3) meningocele, and 4) myelomeningocele. The cause of spina bifida is not known. Theories include genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Lack of folic acid during pregnancy is highly suspected. Symptoms of spina bifida vary from individual to individual. Treatment depends on the type of spina bifida the person suffers.
Moles are small skin growths that may appear flat or raised and are often tan, brown, black, reddish brown, or skin colored. They are typically about the size of a pencil eraser. There are three types of moles. Monthly skin self-exams are essential in the early detection of abnormal moles and melanomas.
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome is a condition characterized by port-wine stains or birthmark malformations in the skin, soft tissue and bony growths (generally involving a limb), and vascular anomalies (varicose veins). The cause of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome is not known, however, recently, there have been some cases that run in families. There is no significant treatment for Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber syndrome.
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the