Introduction
Skin disorders
Skin disorders Skin is the body's largest organ, serving several important functions, including:
• Retaining fluid and preventing dehydration
• Allowing sensations such as temperature and pain
• Acting as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other infection sources • Helping to regulate body temperature
• Synthesizing vitamin D in response to sunlight
Skin diseases encompass various conditions that clog, irritate, or inflame the skin, often resulting in rashes or other changes in its appearance. The most common skin conditions include acne, contact dermatitis, benign tumors, cancers, atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), and psoriasis. Some of the rare types of skin diseases include, Actinic prurigo, Argyria, Chromhidrosis, Epidermolysis bullosa, Harlequin ichthyosis, Lamellar ichthyosis and Necrobiosis lipoidica.
Symptoms and Causes
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of skin diseases, and underlying health conditions may also impact the skin. Common causes of skin diseases include:
• Bacteria trapped in pores or hair follicles
• Conditions affecting the thyroid, kidneys, or immune system
• Exposure to environmental triggers, such as allergens or another person's skin
• Genetics
• Fungal infections or parasites on the skin
• Medications, including those for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Viruses
• Diabetes
• Sun exposure
Symptoms include:
• Discolored skin patches (abnormal pigmentation)
• Dry skin
• Open sores, lesions or ulcers
• Peeling skin
• Rashes, possibly with itchiness or pain
• Red, white or pus-filled bumps
• Scaly or rough skin
Prevalence of Skin Disorders by Region
The prevalence of skin diseases has risen over the past few decades, creating a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. It is estimated that skin conditions affect 1.8 billion people at any given time. According to data published by the World Cancer Research Fund International in 2022, the USA has the highest number of patients with skin diseases, totaling 101,388, followed by Germany with 21,976 and the United Kingdom with 19,712.
Geographical distribution of skin disorder patients
Fig 1: Global prevalence of Skin disorders patients