February 15, 2025

While most people assume that skin diseases affect only a minority of the population and that skin conditions are mostly a surface-level cosmetological problem, this is not true. 

Many of these types of skin diseases affect people on the physical, psychological, and social levels that remain hidden. Skin conditions cause intense pain, damage, and irritation to the skin. A study conducted to assess the understanding of the psychological effects of skin conditions on the Indian population found that approximately 13% of the population felt comfortable discussing and treating dermatological issues and skin conditions. This throws light on the lack of awareness among Indians and presses on the need to make education about these conditions more accessible. Different types of skin conditions can cause many other issues. But these are often treatable. In this blog, you will learn about the different types of skin diseases and the ways in which they can be treated. 

What are Skin Diseases? 

Skin diseases are all those different types of skin conditions that affect the nature and appearance of the skin causing itchiness, rashes, inflammation, redness, and dryness, among other abnormal changes. There are many different causes of skin conditions and diseases like genetic, environmental, etc. Let’s dive into each one of these in detail. 

 Common Causes of Skin Diseases

Bacterial Infections: When some bacteria invade the skin, it causes different types of skin diseases like boils, cellulitis, and impetigo. These impact the skin by causing redness, swelling, and discharge of pus. These bacteria enter the skin mostly through an open wound. An individual with a weakened immune system is more likely to be affected by skin conditions caused by a bacterial invasion in their system. 

Viral Infections: Viral infections that cause the types of skin diseases are the ones that we’ve most commonly heard of. These include chicken pox, measles, shingles, and warts. These different types of skin conditions are often contagious and appear with a rash, fever, fatigue, or even bumps and blotches in the skin and headache. Viral infection can cause viral skin disorders by actually affecting the skin or being a physical manifestation or reaction of a viral infection. 

Fungal Infections: Fungal infections, also known as mycosis, are caused by fungi that thrive in wet and warm environments. These are often harmless and can be easily treated with the right medication. The different types of skin conditions caused by fungi include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, common nail infections, especially in the toes, diaper rash, etc. The skin affected by a fungus looks red, bumpy, and swollen, while nail infections make the nail appear yellow, green, or brown. When fungal infections affect the mouth, it can lead to white patches. 

Allergic Reactions: Common allergens like certain foods, drugs, pet dander, extreme temperatures, pollen, insects, etc can cause allergic reactions that lead to various types of skin diseases. Some of these include eczema, contact dermatitis, and hives to name a few. These skin conditions last for somewhere between two to four weeks and cause itchiness, redness, swelling, and rashes. 

 Types of Skin Diseases

As we have seen so far, skin diseases can be of different types. Here are some types of skin diseases that commonly affect people. 

Acne Vulgaris: Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects many people. Acne is usually thought of as a teenage skin issue. However, it is found that acne, or hormonal acne affects people even in their 30s and 40s due to various factors like changes in diet or environment. Acne is primarily caused by a combination of clogged pores, bacteria, and excessive production of oil in the skin. Lifestyle changes and medication can help cure acne. 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema or atopic dermatitis, as we know, is caused by an allergic reaction. Sometimes, psychological stress can also exacerbate eczema. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to the appearance of dry, red, itchy, and scaly skin. This is a noncontagious skin condition and can be treated with proper management using creams and certain medications. Eczema is usually triggered by pet dander or mites and even the use of some kind of harsh soaps and lotions, especially those with added fragrances. 

Psoriasis: Another one of the types of skin conditions that causes scaly, red and patchy skin is psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the skin. Creams and ointments can help with this condition, but this is a skin condition that cannot be cured completely. 

Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is another one of the types of skin diseases caused due to allergens. It causes a red itchy rash. Common allergens that cause contact dermatitis include certain types of cosmetics, chemical substances in detergents, bleach, and other irritants. The way to prevent contact dermatitis is by recognising which allergens cause it and deliberately avoiding contact with it. 

Hives: Hives are also known as urticaria. This is a skin condition caused by food allergies or sensitivities, allergy of certain medication, insect bites or stings and sometimes it can also be caused by coming into contact with some plants like poison ivy, poison oak or nettles. 

Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is caused when the cells in the skin multiply abnormally and form malignant tumours. Skin cancer is common and is the most easily curable type of cancer if detected early. Melanoma, basal call carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the different types of skin cancer among which melanoma is the most dangerous. 

 Treatment of Skin Diseases

The different types of skin diseases are treated based on the different causes. Antifungal medications can be useful for skin diseases caused by fungal infections. On the other hand, bacterial infections that cause skin diseases require antibiotics. While many common skin conditions require lifestyle modifications as part of their treatment, many other treatments focus on different causes, like retinoids for acne and psoriasis treatment, topical antibiotics for localised infections and phototherapy for eczema and vitiligo. For diseases like skin cancer, surgical procedures may be required. 

 FAQs

1) What are common viral skin infections?

The common viral skin disorders are measles, shingles, chicken pox and warts. 

2) What are common fungal skin infections?

The most common fungal skin infections include jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail infections etc. 

3) What are the antifungal treatment options?

The different antifungal treatment options depend on the location and the type of infection. Usually, topical creams, medications like oral ones, shampoos or powders and antifungal therapy are used to treat skin diseases caused by fungus. 

4) How can I identify the type of skin disease I have?

To identify the type of skin disease you have, you must consult a dermatologist who can provide you with a detailed analysis of your skin’s condition based on your medical history, symptoms and tests. 

5) Can lifestyle habits affect skin health?

Yes. Lifestyle habits like your diet, how much sleep you get, your hydration levels, psychological conditions, all of it can affect your skin health. Destructive habits like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption can also have an adverse effect on your skin health.