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When Your Skin Needs More Than Hydration: Understanding Skin Changes and Abnormalities

skin

organs and systems

diseases conditions and symptoms

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and plays a vital role in protecting you from harm. Although most of us take great care to keep our skin healthy and beautiful, changes or abnormalities in the skin can be a cause for concern. Some skin problems can only be solved with a moisturizer, but others may require more attention. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the more severe and life-threatening skin diseases and provide recommendations on when to seek medical attention.

Common skin changes or abnormalities

  • Moles: often benign, but changes in color, size, or shape may indicate melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a serious disease that requires immediate medical attention. We recommend that you visit a dermatologist if you notice changes in your moles.
  • Lesions: can be caused by infections, allergies or even cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of skin cancer that can manifest as lesions. If you notice new or unusual lesions, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to determine if the lesion is cancerous.
  • Rashes: can signal underlying medical problems, such as lupus or psoriasis. If you have an unexplained rash that doesn't go away with over-the-counter medications, we recommend seeing a dermatologist or rheumatologist. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your rash and provide appropriate treatment.

More severe and life-threatening skin conditions

  • Melanoma: a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if left untreated. If you notice new moles, changes in the size or shape of an existing mole, or any unusual skin growths, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist immediately. Early detection and treatment can significantly increase the chances of survival.
  • Kaposi's sarcoma: a type of cancer that affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS. May cause red or purple lesions on the skin, mouth, and other areas. We recommend visiting an oncologist if you have HIV or AIDS and notice unusual skin growths or lesions. Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
  • Merkel's cell carcinoma: a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that often appears as a painless lump on the skin. It can spread quickly and be difficult to treat if not caught in time. We recommend visiting a dermatologist or oncologist if you notice any unusual lumps or formations on your skin. Treatment for Merkel's cell carcinoma may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash

Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash

Herbal and natural remedies

Although natural remedies may be useful in some cases, they are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Here are some natural remedies that can help you soothe and heal your skin:

Medications, foods and allergies that can cause skin problems

Medications:

  • Antibiotics: Some antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, and sulfonamides can cause allergic reactions that lead to hives, rash, and other skin problems.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause a type of allergic reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can cause severe skin rashes, blisters, and flaking.
  • Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine can cause skin rashes and hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Chemotherapeutic drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and methotrexate can cause skin problems such as rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin.
  • ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors such as enalapril and lisinopril can cause a side effect called angioedema, which can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat.

 

Active compounds in medicines that can cause skin problems:

  • Penicillin: beta-lactam ring
  • Tetracycline: tetracycline hydrochloride
  • Sulfonamides: sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine
  • Aspirin: acetylsalicylic acid
  • Ibuprofen: ibuprofen lysine
  • Naproxen: naproxen sodium
  • Phenytoin: phenytoin sodium
  • Carbamazepine: carbamazepine
  • Lamotrigine: lamotrigine
  • Doxorubicin: doxorubicin hydrochloride
  • Methotrexate: sodium methotrexate
  • Enalapril: enalaprilov maleate
  • Lisinopril: lisinopril dihydrate

 

Photo by Ricardo Martins on Unsplash

Photo by Ricardo Martins on Unsplash

Allergies:

Foods:

Note: This list is not exhaustive and if you suspect that you have an allergy to medication or food intolerance, please consult a doctor.

  1. Common skin changes or abnormalities
  2. More severe and life-threatening skin conditions
  3. Herbal and natural remedies
  4. Medications, foods and allergies that can cause skin problems

Summary

Changes or abnormalities in your skin can be alarming, but it's important not to panic. Many skin problems are treatable if detected in time. If you notice unusual skin changes or abnormalities, we recommend that you seek medical attention immediately. Remember that prevention is the best medicine. Protect your skin from the sun and avoid behaviors that can damage your skin, such as smoking.

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