Being the largest organ of the body, skin remains exposed to foreign substances and becomes vulnerable to germs and bacteria. The attack of germs and bacteria often results in the development of disorders and infection on the skin.

Although skin disorders are not generally life threatening, they can cause discomfort and lead to chronic disabilities. Since skin is the visible, any disorder will cause psychological stress. Acne, eczema, rosacea and even skin cancer are some of the common skin disorders.

Listed below are some common skin disorders and their corresponding information.

1. Acne

Acne, which refers to, plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) is one of the most common skin problems being faced by the people. It usually occurs on some specific areas of the body such as face, neck, chest, shoulders and even upper arms.

Though acne mostly affects teenagers, to extent adults too were found to have this skin disease. However, acne is not confined to any age group: it can affect adults in their 20s and even 40s. Though it can not be life threatening, it can lead to disfigurement and upset the person affected by it. Person having severe acne may suffer serious and permanent scarring.

Scarring may result from even less severe acne. Apart from physical manifestations of acne, the affected person tends to have inferiority complex and lack of confidence with their appearance.

Cause of Acne

Acne occurs with clogging of hair follicles. It leads to infection, which in turn results in lesion (a physical change in body tissue caused by disease or injury), bumps and even scars.

Types of Acne

Here are some common types of acne.

Acne Cosmetica- This type of acne occurs as a result of make-ups. However, this type of acne rarely leads to scarring.

Acne Conglobata-This type of acne can be mostly found in males. Acne Conglobata can be found to be affecting some areas of body like back, chest and buttocks. This type of acne may result in serious scarring due to extensive link between the bumps.

Comedonal Acne-This type of acne appears with the presence of whiteheads and blackheads only.

Acne Treatment

Here are some useful tips to help you treat acne.

Gently wash your face with the help mild cleansers.

Hygiene is the prerequisite for prevention of acne. But make sure that you don't scrub the face too hard with harsh cleansers as your skin may turn oilier becoming more prone to acne.

Avoid squeezing pimples. Perhaps you will be unable to resist yourself from squeezing pimples, but when you see your face in the mirror you will notice scars that developed as a result of squeezing.

2. Eczema

Eczema is a type of skin disorder that appears with chronic, recurring and intensely itchy inflammation of the skin. This type of skin disorder usually starts in early childhood. About 15 million people are found to be suffering from Eczema.

Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis-Atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema, is manifested due to dry patch of skin with itchy rashes. It generally affects face, ankle, neck, hands and legs. In some cases Atopic Dermatitis has been found to affect the back of knees and elbows.

Contact Dermatitis-This type of eczema is caused by the exposure of physical matter leading to irritation on the affected portion of the skin. Contact Dermatitis may be the result of the use of some chemicals particularly bleaches, pollens and plant sap.

Seborrheic Dermatitis-This type of eczema which usually affects the scalp commonly appears to be "dandruff" in adolescents and adults and "cradle cap" in babies. Seborrheic dermatitis may lead to flaking of the skin.

Eczema Treatment

The first and foremost requirement to treat and prevent eczema is to maintain a practice of good hygiene. In addition to this, persons should know the factors causing skin irritations so that they can get rid of the possible contact with them.

Don't go for a long bath using hot water. Use lukewarm water for a quick baths in order to lessen itchiness.

While wearing clothes make sure that they are neat and clean and see to it that no residues of laundry shop exist in the clothes.

Make sure that sweat on your skin is wiped out immediately.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disease involving red itchy skin with dry flakes on the areas affected by it. Patches of raised red skin along with thick silvery scales can be seen in the affected person. Psoriasis mostly affects the skin on back, joints and scalp. According to a report as many as seven million Americans are found to have Psoriasis.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis-Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis which is manifested through the patches of red itchy skin, covered with dry flakes or silvery scales resulting in inflammation on the affected areas. Plaque Psoriasis usually occurs on the arms, legs, trunk and scalp. Knees and elbows are the most typical areas, affected by this type of skin disorder.

Scalp Psoriasis-Many people mistakenly distinguish this type of skin disorder as mere dandruff with observation of the dry flakes falling from scalp. However, the close observation in the hairline and at the back of the ears indicates Psoriasis. Though scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling, it may turn severe with thick and crusted plaques covering the entire scalp leading to loss of hair.

Psoriasis Treatment

The method for treatment of Psoriasis was discovered in 1979. Psoriasis can be treated with dye in the affected area. Ultraviolet rays are allowed to cure the plaques. However, this type of method can be adopted for treatment of serious cases of psoriasis as it increases the chances of skin cancer.

Since skin is the most important organ protecting body, it is essential to take care of it by having knowledge about the skin disorders that may deteriorate skin's general health.

Moreover skin is visible and therefore any disorder in it may be upsetting and distressful.