What are inflammatory skin diseases?
The skin, the largest organ in the human body, is frequently subject to inflammatory diseases, many of which can become chronic and self-maintaining (self-inflammatory). These conditions can vary greatly in causes and symptoms, but often include manifestations such as reddened skin, facial skin irritation, itchy skin, and red spots on the skin. Some of the best-known conditions include psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne, each characterized by a complex pathogenetic mechanism often related to psychological factors.
Inflammatory diseases of the skin:
ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic Dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Characterized by phases of flare-ups and remission, this condition is particularly known for its intense itching of the skin and various skin manifestations from mild erythema to erythrodermia. The facial area is frequently involved, especially in the eyelids, cheeks, and around the mouth.
What are the causes of atopic dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is mainly triggered by a genetic predisposition, with a strong hereditary component. This predisposition increases skin sensitivity to various environmental factors such as changing seasons, exposure to dust and animal dander, and conditions of physical and psychological stress. In addition, factors such as humidity and frequent exposure to water can aggravate symptoms, further disrupting the skin barrier already compromised in atopic individuals.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
The most obvious and disturbing symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, which can be persistent and intense, occurring even in the absence of visible lesions. Skin lesions can vary widely, from mild redness to severe erythrodermia, even affecting the face. In children and infants, it is common to see eczema occur around 2-4 months of age or between 6 and 8 years of age, while in adults it can occur even after age 60. Eyelid dermatitis or blepharitis is another typical manifestation involving inflammation around the eyes.
Inflammatory diseases of the skin:
SEBORROIC DERMATITIS
Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common forms of rash, known for a characteristic mask-like arrangement around the nose and on the cheekbones, often described as “seborrheic mask.” This condition can affect different areas of the face, including the eyelashes, eyebrows, forehead, behind the ears and inside the pinna, manifesting with varying symptoms.
What are the causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Despite the frequency of Seborrheic Dermatitis, the exact causes remain not fully defined. It is thought that it may be related to skin instability similar to that observed in psoriasis, with which it often coexists. Factors such as physical and psychological stress are known to be able to trigger or aggravate the disease, suggesting a link between emotional well-being and skin conditions.
What are the symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, patients may experience mild scaling and minimal redness, while in more severe forms, pronounced scaling, cracking, and crusting may be observed. Itching is a common symptom and can range from mild to intense, significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life.
Inflammatory skin diseases:
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a notoriously complex skin inflammation with an unpredictable course that can occur at any age and in different parts of the body. Characterized by abnormal growth of the epidermis, this condition leads to the formation of thickened, often inflamed and itchy skin plaques, which can cause considerable psychological distress, especially when they affect visible areas such as the face, hands, and scalp.
What are the causes of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although no single cause for its occurrence can be identified, certain people are genetically predisposed to develop it. Triggering events such as skin trauma, infection, high stress and specific medical treatments can contribute to the onset or worsening of psoriasis manifestations.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Symptoms of Psoriasis vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Commonly, they include hyperkeratosis, or thickening of the stratum corneum, leading to redness, intense itching, and scaling. Plaques may be small and clustered, scattered as in guttate psoriasis, or form large isolated plaques. The stiffness of hyperkeratotic skin can also cause painful fissures, increasing the physical discomfort associated with the disease.
Inflammatory skin diseases:
ACNE
Acne is an inflammatory disorder affecting the pilosebaceous follicles, predominantly in the face and trunk. It is an extremely common condition that manifests with different forms and severity, ranging from mild to severe, and may appear during puberty or in adulthood as late acne. The polymorphity of this condition is evidenced in the simultaneous presence of blackheads, papules, and pimples.
What are the causes of acne?
The causes of acne are multifactorial, with a strong genetic component that can be evidenced by familiarity for this condition. Hormones play a crucial role, especially during puberty, but also in adulthood, affecting the sensitivity of sebaceous follicles. Other triggers include stress, which can aggravate acne, and the use of occlusive and covering cosmetics that can further clog pores.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Acne typically begins with the formation of comedones, which develop as a result of clogged skin pores. These can evolve into red papules and pustules, or pimples with a white or yellow dot, which often occur on the cheeks and chin. Acne symptoms are generally classified into three stages of evolution: the comedones stage (closed and open blackheads), the papules stage (inflamed elements) and the pustules stage. Depending on the prevailing symptoms, acne can be described as comedonic, if comedones dominate, or cystic, if cysts predominate.
