7 common skin diseases and genetics
Some of the The most common skin diseases are caused by infections, while others result from genetic factors combined with environmental factors. . In this article, we bring you some examples of skin diseases caused by different factors, describing their symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent them.
Skin and dermatology
To learn more about skin characteristics, we recommend reading previous articles such as Rare Skin Diseases and their relationship with genetics o Basic Care for Sensitive Skin . In them we explain in detail, among other things, that The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The skin performs several functions, among which we can highlight its role as protective barrier, defending our body from attacks by external agents such as viruses and bacteria.
This protective capacity can be affected if an element causes inflammation or irritation of the skin. Dermatology is the discipline that encompasses the study, prevention, and treatment of various pathologies that affect the skin, as well as the best care for healthy skin. Skin conditions can range from primary skin diseases to systemic illnesses whose symptoms manifest through the skin. Most skin diseases are not serious. However, they often cause bothersome symptoms that can also affect a patient's mood, as most are usually visible.
7 common skin diseases and their origin
The origin of skin diseases can be very diverse. As we mentioned earlier, some are The result of fungal or viral infections, while others involve environmental and genetic factors or may even be caused by immunological problems.
Next, let's look at some of the most common skin diseases, including one that has increased alarmingly in recent years: melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.
vitiligo
Vitiligo is characterized by the appearance of white spots of different sizes on different parts of the body , Vitiligo primarily affects areas most exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, face, and feet. These patches have well-defined borders and sometimes appear darker or reddish. Furthermore, vitiligo often causes premature graying of hair, especially in the affected areas.
The disease occurs as a result of the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (a pigment that determines hair and skin color). Although it affects all skin types, it is therefore more noticeable in darker skin tones.
It is not contagious and does not have a serious prognosis. ; However, it increases susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancer, among other complications. Skin affected by vitiligo It rarely regains its color. and the lack of pigmentation tends to spread to other parts of the body.
Once vitiligo has been diagnosed, Treatments can be suggested to rebalance skin tone, among them:
- Depigmentation of unaffected areas.
- Medications with steroid creams.
- Activation of melanocytes by exposure to UVA rays.
- Surgery.
The cause of the disease is still unknown, although many studies indicate that it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Specifically, the research suggests that Vitiligo has a polygenic inheritance pattern, meaning multiple alleles contribute to the genetic risk of the disease.
The link between genetics and the development of vitiligo has long been suspected, as first-degree relatives of people with vitiligo have a higher incidence of the condition than the general population. Specifically, siblings of affected individuals have a prevalence of 6%, which increases to 23% in the case of twins.
Regarding environmental factors, it has been observed that exposure to various chemicals, Like phenolic compounds, they alter melanin synthesis and, therefore, can trigger vitiligo.
Acne
Acne is the most common and well-known skin condition. It has a prevalence of 80% in people between 11 and 30 years old, although its peak incidence is reached in women between 14 and 17 years old and in men between 16 and 19.
In general, regardless of its severity, acne usually clears up spontaneously between the ages of 20 and 25, although some women suffer from it beyond the age of 40.
The disease characterized by the appearance, usually on the face, of comedones (spots filled with sebum) that can break and become infected, turning into pustules or even forming cysts.
Acne occurs because Hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, or dried sebum that accumulates and blocks the path of the sebum that needs to reach the skin's surface and exit the pores.
Depending on the damage to the skin and the number of blemishes present, acne can be mild, moderate, or severe.
It is a multifactorial disease, that is, caused by the intervention of several factors, including genetic and environmental factors
Several studies have recently shown that acne can be inherited. A recent investigation by the dermatology institute at King's College and geneticists from the same university found 15 genetic variants linked to acne that influenced the shape of the hair follicles, making them more susceptible to bacterial inflammation.
The trigger for acne is usually found in the hormonal changes of puberty, particularly the increase in androgens, which causes stimulation of the sebaceous glands.
Although it usually disappears spontaneously, the dermatologist may recommend treatments to alleviate the appearance of acne.
Skin cancer
This type of cancer It arises when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, due to DNA damage caused primarily by ultraviolet radiation.
Although it is more common in areas of the body that are generally exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs, it can also occur in areas that are not normally exposed, such as the palms of the hands or under the nails.
Among the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous, since in its advanced stages it can spread to internal organs and therefore put the person's life at risk.
It is usually curable if detected early, so it is important to pay close attention to its initial manifestations, including:
- Large brown patches with smaller dark spots.
- Moles that change size or color, or bleed.
- Small lesions with irregular borders and reddish, white or bluish parts.
- Moles or lesions that itch or burn.
- Dark lesions on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, vagina or anus.
The number of melanoma cases It has tripled in the last 20 years
The proliferation of outdoor activities and tanning salons are some of the reasons considered to explain this large increase.
The primary treatment for this type of skin cancer is surgery to remove the damaged tissue. If the cancer is advanced, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy are used to slow the progression of the disease.
In the development of this disease Environmental and genetic factors are involved . In approximately 101% of cases, melanoma occurs in several members of the same family. These familial cases are usually due to inherited genetic changes that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. Today, several genes associated with melanoma are known, although the best documented are CDKN2A y MC1R.
Regarding environmental factors, intense sun exposure stands out. For this reason, we must be aware about the importance of wearing protection, especially on the face, all year round , as we explained in the post The importance of using sunscreen year-round.
Athlete's foot
This skin disease is a infection caused by a fungus and usually starts between the toes. The disease is characterized by rashes that may be accompanied by itching and burning and may cause peeling.
Athlete's foot is highly contagious, as it can easily spread to other parts of the affected person's body or to other people through contact with the infected area or by sharing towels, for example.
The fungus that causes athlete's foot is the same one that causes ringworm. It is a microorganism that thrives in warm, moist environments. . That is why the risk of contracting this skin disease increases with behaviors such as:
- Regularly wearing wet or very tight socks and shoes.
- Sharing shoes, bedding, or mattresses with someone who has the infection.
- Walking barefoot in public places where conditions favor the development of the fungus, such as saunas, changing rooms, swimming pools or shared showers.
Athlete's foot is treated with antifungal creams that eliminate the fungus.
Warts
Warts are benign epidermal growths that can appear anywhere on the body , although they are more common in fingers and hands.
They are usually asymptomatic, although they can sometimes cause mild pain, and although They usually disappear on their own after a couple of years, but can also be eradicated sooner with treatment. such as the application of drugs containing salicylic acid, or cryotherapy, which consists of applying liquid nitrogen to the wart.
Warts are caused by some types of human papillomavirus, of which there are more than 150 types.
Viruses that cause warts can be transmitted through skin contact or by sharing objects.
Since it is an infection, each person responds differently depending on their immune system., Therefore, young children or people with weakened immune systems (such as people with AIDS or transplant patients) are more vulnerable.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused by a acceleration of the skin cell life cycle that causes them to accumulate on the skin's surface, resulting in flakes and reddish spots that cause itching and even pain.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common are:
- Red spots on the skin covered with scales.
- Dry, cracked skin that may even bleed.
- Itching, burning, and pain.
- Thicker than normal and cracked nails.
- Swollen joints.
Psoriasis It usually involves skin damage (cuts, burns, etc.) that triggers the The outbreak can last for weeks or months and then decrease in severity, although it reappears after a while, as it is a chronic disease. . He The main goal of treatment is to control the symptoms. , which has three approaches:
- Topical: creams, which usually contain corticosteroids, that are applied in mild cases of psoriasis.
- Phototherapy: is based on radiation with ultraviolet light, whether natural or artificial.
- Systemic medications, such as retinoids, are used in more severe cases of psoriasis or when psoriasis is resistant to other treatments.
Psoriasis It is multifactorial, since genetic and environmental factors are involved.
Having parents with psoriasis has been shown to increase the risk of developing psoriasis. In a meta-analysis comparing genetic variations in 39,000 participants, Sixteen markers associated with psoriasis were identified.
Environmental factors that increase the likelihood of psoriasis include a weakened immune system, high stress levels, obesity, or smoking.
As you can see, many skin diseases, including melanoma, are associated with a genetic risk. Advances in genetic research into these types of diseases will allow for the development of personalized medicine, leading to more precise diagnostic methods and treatments. zogen We encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health to achieve overall well-being and prevent these and other conditions. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
