Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum - the oil that helps keep the skin from drying out - and dead skin cells clog the pores, leading to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits. Definition of the pathology
Acute eczema is usually the stage when a person first notices the signs and symptoms of the condition. It usually consists of an itchy rash. Eczema can progress to the sub-acute stage, when the itching may become less severe. For a natural skin care protocol, click here. Definition of the pathology
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss. Most people lose hair on their scalp or beard, but hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. A consultant dermatologist can tell you if you have this type of hair loss and what can help you regrow your hair. Definition of the pathology
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and is common in domestic and wild animals around the world. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Definition of the pathology
Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common forms of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema in children, often developing before their first birthday. But it can also develop for the first time in adults. Definition of the pathology
Eczema can appear as crusty, scaly patches on your baby's skin, often in the first few months. It's a common condition that can be treated. Many babies grow out of it. Not sure if your baby's itching and irritation is caused by eczema? Your doctor can tell you. These questions and answers can help you understand what to look out for. Definition of the pathology
A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. Boils usually appear as red or purple, tender bumps. Click here for a natural skin care protocol. Definition of the pathology
Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the skin. It is a common condition that usually begins in childhood, but can affect anyone at any age. Definition of the pathology
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by contact with a particular substance. Eczema is the name given to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become dry and irritated. Contact eczema usually improves or clears up if the substance causing the problem is identified and avoided. Definition of the pathology
Dermatophytosis is an infection of the hair, skin or nails caused by a dermatophyte, most commonly of the genus Trichophyton and less commonly of the genera Microsporum or Epidermophyton. Tinea capitis, tinea pedis and onychomycosis are common dermatological conditions that can result from such an infection. Definition of the pathology
Dyshidrosis is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the palms and sides of the fingers. Sometimes the soles of the feet are also affected. The itchy blisters last for a few weeks and often come back. Definition of the pathology
Erysipelas is an infection of the superficial layer of the skin, usually caused by a bacterium called beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), and causes red, inflamed and warm areas of skin with a slightly raised and well-defined border. Definition of the pathology
Erythrasma is an intertriginous infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum and is most common in people with diabetes and those living in warmer climates. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with topical antibiotics or oral clarithromycin. Definition of the pathology
Hirsutism is characterised by thick, dark hair on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, lower back, buttocks or thighs. It may be a medical condition that can be treated. Click here for a natural treatment protocol. Definition of the pathology
Hives are itchy skin reactions. Chronic urticaria is hives that last for more than six weeks and often recur over months or years. The cause of chronic hives is not always clear. Find a natural protocol here. Definition of the pathology
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects babies and young children. It usually appears as reddish sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, and on the hands and feet. Over about a week, the sores burst open and form honey-coloured crusts. Definition of the pathology
Intertrigo is a superficial inflammatory condition of the flexural surfaces of the skin, caused or irritated by hot temperatures, friction, moisture, maceration and poor ventilation. Click here for a natural skin care protocol. Definition of the pathology
Paronychia (nail infection) is usually caused by bacteria. Bacteria get into the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). Most nail infections get better with antibiotics. Paronychia doesn't usually cause serious health problems. In some cases, the infection lasts a long time or comes back after treatment. Definition of the pathology
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition similar to acne or rosacea. In most cases, it involves tiny red bumps that form on the lower half of the face in the folds of the nose and around the mouth. Perioral dermatitis is most common in young to middle-aged women. Often no specific cause is found. Definition of the pathology
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Areas of skin become scaly and inflamed, most commonly on the scalp, elbows or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected. Definition of the pathology
Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing or prolonged redness on the face. It can also cause enlarged blood vessels and small, pus-filled bumps. Some symptoms may flare up for weeks or months and then go away for a while. Definition of the pathology
Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are severe itching and a pimple-like rash. Definition of the pathology
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. Definition of the pathology
Shingles is a painful, usually itchy rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Click here for a natural treatment protocol. Definition of the pathology
