What are the Most Common Skin Disorders Affecting Humans?

Note that the disorders listed below are NOT tied to parasite infestations from bird mites, rodent mites or mange mites.  This section of our site covers common skin disorders that aren’t generally related to pets or parasites.

 

Acne: Teenagers aren’t the only ones plagued by this common skin disease. Poor diet, oily skin and hormonal fluctuations can cause adults to suffer from occasional or chronic flareups. Mild flareups may be controlled by a number of over-the-counter remedies containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For more severe or chronic cases of acne, patients may opt for low-dose oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, phototherapy or laser treatments. In addition to standard medical measures, it can be extremely helpful to banish bread, pasta and sugar from your diet, including gluten free pastas and baked treats. Investigate “anti-candida diets” online. Candida is a fungus which is a form of yeast. Yeast feeds bad bacteria and helps it grow out of control within the body and on the skin. To fight bad bacteria, take a good probiotic and drink lots of water to flush out your system. Avoid coffee, as it contains mold. Controlling candida helps a startling number of skin conditions.

 

Body Acne: Essential oils have become very popular in the ongoing war against body acne. Cedar, tea tree, lemongrass and eucalyptus are particularly helpful in battling bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. Never apply these oils full strength. Make a spray with distilled water and add drops according to the charts that come with packaging. Yes, our organic cedar oil spray formula can be used to fight acne on the back, but the 32 ounce bottle is probably too large for the acne customer’s needs. It’s more a product for parasite issues of the skin and wide area treatment of carpets and furniture.

 

Allergic Rashes: Rashes are skin changes involving variations in color, appearance or texture. Some rashes may itch, like a rash connected to poison Ivy. Rashes connected to bug bites or pet allergies may produce severe itching or no itching at all. Contract rashes involving detergents or chemicals can be mild to severe. Some rashes are more unsightly than painful. If your contact rash is causing localized pain and burning, contact a doctor immediately. Avoid chemically scented laundry detergents, hand soaps and body soaps. Today’s organic soaps often contain natural germ killing agents such as coconut oil, tea tree, cedar, lemongrass, peppermint and eucalyptus. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soaps contain large amounts of coconut oil scented with natural oils such as tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus. Always do a patch test when experimenting with a new essential oil soap. Individuals with tree or nut allergies may experience allergic reactions to plant oils.

 

Eczema/Psoriasis:  Both of these inflammatory conditions are associated with persistent skin dryness and recurring skin rashes.  Dermatologists may recommend topical corticosteroids,  PUVA or UVB photo/light treatments or prescriptions such as biologics, cyclosporine, methotrexate or retinoids. For those who don’t respond to traditional measures, the naturopathic community offers many alternatives. Some of the most popular essential oils used against psoriasis include coconut, tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, geranium, helichrysum, rose and lavender. Talk to a naturopathic physician to help you design a formula that’s right for you. Various natural recipes for eczema and psoriasis  may be found online, but do consult a doctor to ensure that your new regimen doesn’t interfere with standard medical treatments involving topical corticosteroids or light therapy. Note that certain essential oils are phototoxic. For example, citrus oils are known to make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

 

Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis): Symptoms of nail fungus include thickening, yellowing, browning, cloudiness and discoloration. In some cases, the thickening is so advanced that simple toenail cutting can become a difficult chore. Nail fungus impacts a significant number of adults as they age, but it can also strike young people. Treatment for nail fungus is almost always chronic because the infection is often embedded deep within the nail, and most topical treatments don’t penetrate far enough. Frequent foot soaking can help soften the nail and allow antifungal agents to penetrate more deeply. Common soaking agents include bleach, Listerine and various essential oils. Internal (Systemic) antifungal medications may be prescribed by your doctor. Such medications should be taken under the direction of a physician so that liver toxicity may be monitored. Natural internal remedies for fungus may involve coconut oil, raw garlic and turmeric. Consult a naturopathic physician before incorporating large amounts of garlic into your diet, as it can thin the blood. Sauerkraut is another super food associated with the killing of internal yeast, mold and fungus. Investigate “anti-candida diets” online. Candida is a fungus which is a form of yeast. Yeast feeds bad bacteria and helps it grow out of control within the body and on the skin.

 

Suspicious Moles: Many moles are simply birthmarks or natural skin developments influenced by genes and sunlight. The difference between a benign moles and a cancerous moles often lies in the appearance. Pay close attention to asymmetrical moles, ragged borders, changes in color, increases in diameter and sporadic bleeding. A brand new mole on the body should always be investigated by a dermatologist.

 

Hair Loss: Both men and women can experience hair loss that is caused by aging, genes, hormonal changes or reactions to chemical hair treatments. Thinning hair can also be caused by telogen effluvium, a condition triggered by a sudden emotional or physical stress. Other causes may include certain medications, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease and radiation therapy.  Hair loss associated with ringworm or demodex mites may be treated with Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws or Dr. Ben’s Evictor. Both products are organic and safe for humans and animals. For a strong treatment, soak your scalp with Dr. Ben’s Paws & Claws, paying special attention to the hairline.  Apply a shower cap and leave in place for an hour.

 

Warts: A wart is a small, rough growth resembling a cauliflower or solid blister. Warts typically occur on hands and feet but often occur in other locations. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has many types. There are as many as 10 varieties of warts, the most common considered to be mostly harmless. It is possible to get warts from skin-to-skin contact with others. HPV typically enters the body through broken skin. It’s also possible to get warts from using towels or other items used by an infected person. In many cases, warts go away after a few months, but sometimes can last for years. Treatments for warts vary from over-the-counter topical products, to prescriptions and cryosurgery. While warts may be unsightly, they are not harmful and can be easily treated.

A range of types of wart have been identified, varying in shape and site affected, as well as the type of human papillomavirus involved. (Source.)

A common wart (Verruca vulgaris) is a raised wart with roughened surface, most common on hands, but can grow anywhere on the body.
A Flat Wart (Verruca plana) is a small, smooth flattened wart, flesh-coloured, which can occur in large numbers; most common on the face, neck, hands, wrists and knees.
A Filiform or digitate wart is a thread- or finger-like wart, most common on the face, especially near the eyelids and lips.
A genital wart is a venereal wart that occurs on the genitalia. (Condyloma acuminatum, Verruca acuminata)
A Mosaic wart, often involves a group of tightly clustered plantar-type warts, commonly on the hands or soles of the feet.
Periungual often form cauliflower-like clusters of warts around the nails.
A Plantar wart, (verruca, Verruca plantaris), a hard sometimes painful lump, often with multiple black specks in the center; usually only found on pressure points on the soles of the feet.

 

Rosacea: This area of the site is currently under construction.

 

Herpes Simplex: This area of the site is currently under construction.

 

Pigmentation Disorders: This area of the site is currently under construction.

 

More Skin Disorders:

These disorders are less common than disorders listed in our top ten, but they are far from rare.