What most people are not aware of at all is that the skin is the largest organ of the human body and is an organ with many different functions. The skin is the body’s first barrier against harmful external influences, be they viruses and bacteria, toxins or mechanical trauma such as pointed objects. It protects us from heat loss or overheating and serves to absorb sensory stimuli.
It also serves the exchange of substances: gases and fluids are released and many substances are absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. The structure of the outer skin is divided into three layers: In addition, the skin’s appendages such as hair, nails and sweat glands are also part of the skin.
- Epidermis, serves as a mechanical barrier,
- Dermis (dermis), anchors and nourishes the epidermis,
- Subcutis (subcutis), here are larger blood vessels, nerves and the sensory cells of the skin for tactile, pain and vibration sensation etc.
Classification of skin diseases
- Infectious skin diseases
- Fungal diseases
- Tissue specific diseases
- Tumorous diseases
- Genetic diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
- Skin diseases of unclear genesis
- Granulomatous skin diseases
Infectious skin diseases
Herpes viruses lead to an infectious disease with preferential infestation of the skin and mucous membrane. They dwell in human tissue and are reactivated when the immune system is weakened. The best known is the herpes simplex virus, which can be divided into type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 causes the infection in the face, often on the lips. Type 2 on the other hand causes an infection in the genital area. The weakened immune system should recover first.
If the course of the disease is severe, a drug therapy with Aciclovir can be sought. Read more about herpes here. The clinical picture of phlegmon describes an inflammation of the soft tissue.
This can become festering and painful as the disease progresses. It is triggered by bacteria such as streptococci or staphylococci. A phlegmon should definitely be treated, because in the worst case it can lead to blood poisoning.
High-dose antibiotics are used for this. If the patient goes to hospital in time and receives adequate treatment, the prognosis is very good. Scabies describes a skin disease caused by certain parasites (so-called scabies mites).
It is a highly infectious disease, which usually occurs in places with poor hygiene. Those affected complain of itching, rashes and scaling of the skin. The scabies can be treated very well with medication (so-called anti-scabies preparations).
Parasites are small living creatures that infest other living creatures in order to feed themselves. They settle on different parts of the body. For example, they can occur on the skin and hair.
The most common causes of transmission are lack of hygiene and the associated contaminated food and drinking water. Depending on where they settle, very different symptoms can occur. Skin infestation is accompanied by severe itching and redness.
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