Skin is the largest organ that we have, which means that it is vital that we protect it however we can. Some of the skin’s main functions, according to Cleveland Clinic, include holding in fluid and preventing hydration; helping you to feel sensations, such as temperature or pain; keeping out bacteria, viruses and other causes of infection; stabilizing body temperature; and synthesizing vitamin D in response to sun exposure.

There are many diseases that can target the skin, with many of them being preventable or treatable. Skin diseases, the Cleveland Clinic states, “include all conditions that clog, irritate or inflame your skin. Often, skin diseases cause rashes or other changes in your skin’s appearance.”

The most common skin diseases include “Acne, blocked skin follicles that lead to oil, bacteria and dead skin buildup in your pores; Alopecia areata, losing hair in small patches; atopic dermatitis (eczema), dry, itchy skin that leads to swelling, cracking or scaliness; Psoriasis, scaly skin that may swell or feel hot; Raynaud’s phenomenon, periodic reduced blood flow to fingers, toes or other body parts, causing numbness or skin color change; Rosacea, flushed, thick skin and pimples, usually on the face; skin cancer, uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells; and Vitiligo, patches of skin that lose pigment.”

Some of the main causes of these skin diseases include bacteria trapped in pores or hair follicles; conditions that affect the thyroid, kidneys or immune system; contact with environmental triggers, such as allergens or another person’s skin; genetics; fungus or parasites living on skin; medications, such as the ones that treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); viruses; diabetes; and sun.

Although many of these skin conditions cannot be easily prevented, there are a lot of skin care regiments that can be implemented to avoid these conditions, such as natural sunscreens, vitamins, collagen and other ingredients from nature, whether topical or ingested. By having a solid skin care regimen and using supplements, one can take care of their skin well.

For more information, visit my.clevelandclinic.org.

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