Skin Diseases

Skin Diseases

Skin Diseases

All About Common Skin Disorders

Skin disorders vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Some skin conditions are minor, and others can be life-threatening.

While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue. If you think your client may have a skin disease or disorder, refer to their GP practice.

Scabies

  • Looks like tiny insect bites or spots. It can be extremely itchy and is caused by small mites burrowing under the skin.
  • Scabies can be caught very easily.
  • Refer to GP practice.

Ringworm

  • A fungal skin infection. Itchy red raised scaly patches in the characteristic ring shape. Spreads easily from one person to another.
  • Refer to GP practice.

Headlice

  • Wingless insects that are grayish brown in colour. They grow to aprox 3mm in length. They are spread by head to head contact.
  • Chemist remedies.

Impetigo

  • A bacterial skin infection of the surface skin layers causing blistering and scabbing.
  • Highly contagious.
  • Refer to GP practice.

Cold Sores

  • Small blisters usually around the mouth on the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
  • Highly contagious by close contact.
  • Can be treated with remedies from local chemist.

 

Conjunctivitis

  • Bacterial infection of the tissue that covers the front of the eye (conjunctiva). Itchiness, redness, swelling and weeping.
  • Easily spread.
  • Refer to GP practice.

Eczema

  • A condition which causes dry, red, itchy and sometimes flaky skin. Common behind the knees, elbows, Side of the neck and around the eyes.
  • The condition is not contagious, but may be irritated by some products.

Dermatitis

  • Inflammation of the skin that occurs when it comes into contact with certain substances. Red, itchy, scaly kin that sometimes burns and stings. It can be Allergic or Irritant.
  • Not contagious but may be sensitive to certain products.

Skin Cancer

  • Varying skin growths. Skin cancer generally develops in the Epidermis, so the growth can usually be seen. Signs are changes to the skin that do not heal.
  • If there is any doubt what so ever you should refer your client to see their G.P and avoid treating until you have written consent from their practitioner.

Warts

  • Small growths on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus. They are characterized by a cauliflower type appearance.
  • Warts are a contagious viral condition.
  • Refer to GP practice.