Most common skin disorders

Seborrhoea is the name given to excessively oily skin. It is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, usually on the scalp and face. It can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. Seborrheic dermatitis causes red, oily, scaly, itchy patches on the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, face, ears and chest. In babies, it is called “cradle cap” and usually goes away by itself in a few weeks or months. The cause is unknown but is thought to be an overgrowth in yeast on the skin causing an inflammatory reaction.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by inflamed and scaly skin. People with psoriasis have increased production of skin cells, about 5x faster than normal. The cause of psoriasis is not well understood but is thought to be related to the immune system. It usually starts in response to a trigger which could be an injury to the skin, a throat infection or using certain medicines.

Peri-oral dermatitis is a red rash around the mouth which is triggered by the use of steroid tablets, inhalers, or creams. It is easily treated by stopping the use of steroids and taking a tetracycline antibiotic once a day for 2-3 months. Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, dry, cracked skin. The cause is unknown but it is linked to allergies. It often develops alongside other conditions like asthma, food allergies, and hay fever. It can be triggered by soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.