A Dermatologist in Fort Collins
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is the most exposed to bacterial infections if proper care is not taken. A balanced diet and plenty of water should give most people a healthy skin. Through exposing yourself to extreme temperatures could adversely affect the health of your skin. Many bacterial infections are mild and easily treatable, though some infections can become very serious and life-threatening. Some skin conditions may also be red flags to other diseases. In cases like that, you may need to visit a medical dermatologist. Some of the terms that pose such great danger to overall health include; eczema, chronic hives, carbuncle and Psoriasis
- Eczema
Mostly affects the arms, inner elbows, back of the knees, or scalp. The disease is not contagious. The symptoms include rough dry flakey itchy and irritated skin. Some people may also experience red or brownish-gray patches, small raised bumps that ooze fluid when scratched, and thickened dry skin. The more the surface is scratched, the higher the risk of causing infections, which must be treated by a dermatologist.
Eczema is believed to be triggered by a highly reactive immune system in an aggressive response when exposed to irritants. Other triggers include rough scratch material when in contact with skin, hash chemicals found in detergents that could dry out the skin, stress, food allergies, upper respiratory infections, and many more. Eczema patients should urgently visit a dermatologist because they are highly likely to be allergic to foods and other allergens and are most at risk for dangerous viral infections.
- Chronic Hives
Hives are known to affect any part of the body in all shapes and sizes. It is caused by allergic and non-allergic reactions to something that has been consumed or been in contact with. The body reacts to this by producing histamines in an attempt to defend itself against infection. That causes itchiness or swelling in some people. Hives can be caused by allergens such as pollen, medications, food, and insect bites. Besides allergens, hives can also be caused by stress, tightly fitting garments, illness, or infections. Physical stress, such as physical exercise and emotional stress, may result in the formation of hives. Excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures also could trigger hives.
Persons affected with hives should see a dermatologist because a severe allergic reaction may appear in the throat, tongue, or lungs, making breathing difficult, causing wheezing and respiratory distress. Extreme reactions may also cause swollen faces, lips or tongue. Most hive cases will resolve within 24 hours, but in chronic hives, one may be affected for months.
- Carbuncle
A Carbuncle is a cluster of boils that have multiple pus “heads.” Boils are bacterial infections that form under a person’s skin at a hair follicle. Symptoms include a red, irritated lump under your skin and are usually painful to touch. The size of the chunk increases and fills up with pus in a few days. The tip of the boil turns yellow-white and ruptures draining the pus. Other symptoms include bodily aches, fatigue, and fever.
Carbuncles thrive in the moist parts of your body and in areas where you sweat and experience friction. They will more likely be found on the back, shoulders, thigh, armpits, buttocks, neck, or face. A severe infection could leave a scar on your skin. You should see a dermatologist when you have a carbuncle because you can expose someone who comes into contact with you to a risk of developing one. You also risk infecting your bloodstream and spreading the infection should you drain it yourself. Obesity and poor overall health are also associated with carbuncles.
- Psoriasis
The cause of Psoriasis is not precisely known, but it is known that the immune system and genetics play critical roles in its development. The skin cells in Psoriasis infected persons grow at a fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions or flakey patches of red skin covered in silver scales. These can be mild or sometimes severe itchy, and sore. They mostly appear on the lower back, knee, feet, hands and elbow area, though it may appear in any location.
Psoriasis is not infectious but is associated with other health conditions such as depression, heart disease, and diabetes. Severe Psoriasis may also lead to the development of psoriatic arthritis, which could, in turn, lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated.
Should you develop a rash that doesn’t go away with over the counter medication, visit your dermatologist or health care provider.
