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Two legs with goose bumps.

Conditions Skin

The skin is not only our largest organ; it also has many other tasks. For example, it protects us against environmental influences, is a sensory organ, and plays a key role in regulating our temperature. Skin disorders range from connective tissue diseases to allergic disorders to malignant tumors such as basal cell carcinomas and malignant melanomas.

Skin

A mother feels her baby’s forehead and uses a thermometer to check for a high temperature. A mother feels her baby’s forehead and uses a thermometer to check for a high temperature.

Three-day fever

Three-day fever is a childhood illness involving a high temperature followed by a rash. The viral infection is usually harmless.

Scabies: woman’s hands with red rash. The woman is scratching one hand with the other. Scabies: woman’s hands with red rash. The woman is scratching one hand with the other.

Scabies

Scabies develops as a result of a mite infestation in the skin. Severe itching is typical. Scabies is contagious with extended skin contact. However, the disease can be treated.

Rosacea: woman’s cheek slightly reddened. There are red veins visible in her eye. Rosacea: woman’s cheek slightly reddened. There are red veins visible in her eye.

Rosacea

Rosacea, a common inflammatory disease of the facial skin, causes redness, pustules, and small visible blood vessels on the face.

Athlete’s foot: person with surgical gloves examining toes on two feet. Athlete’s foot: person with surgical gloves examining toes on two feet.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) can redden or crack the skin and cause itchiness. It can usually be effectively treated with creams. Keeping the feet dry is important with athlete’s foot.

Man sitting on a treatment chair with one leg stretched forwards. A doctor applies liquid nitrogen to a wart on his foot. Man sitting on a treatment chair with one leg stretched forwards. A doctor applies liquid nitrogen to a wart on his foot.

Warts

Most people experience warts at some stage of their lives. Warts are contagious and often very difficult to get rid of. Children and adolescents are at the highest risk of developing warts.

Close-up: the face of a young woman with facial hair. Close-up: the face of a young woman with facial hair.

Hirsutism

Women who have very high levels of male sex hormones may have excess hair growth on their body and face. This condition, known as hirsutism, can be treated in various ways.

A doctor checks a boy’s left arm to determine if he has molluscum contagiosum. A doctor checks a boy’s left arm to determine if he has molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a virus causing small, wart-like papules (spots). It is a viral infection of the skin that mainly affects children.

Acne inversa

Acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes issues such as painful nodules and abscesses. Find out what can be done to help combat it.

A woman speaks to her gynecologist in the treatment room. A woman speaks to her gynecologist in the treatment room.

lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus involves the appearance of white patches of skin that often become scarred, usually in the genital area. Severe itching is typical.

Psoriasis: man bending his arms next to his upper body and showing his elbows. There is psoriasis on both elbows. Psoriasis: man bending his arms next to his upper body and showing his elbows. There is psoriasis on both elbows.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition. It is characterized by reddish, flaky skin that may be itchy.

Diabetic foot: young woman providing podiatry (foot care). She is filing the nails on the feet of the person receiving treatment. Diabetic foot: young woman providing podiatry (foot care). She is filing the nails on the feet of the person receiving treatment.

Diabetic foot

Diabetic foot begins with dry feet and increased formation of calluses. Later, chronic wounds can develop, which are sometimes difficult to treat.

Neurodermatitis: woman rubbing cream into her hand. Neurodermatitis: woman rubbing cream into her hand.

Neurodermatitis

People with neurodermatitis often get a rash and a nagging itching. This skin condition often occurs in children. Learn more about neurodermatitis and the treatment options.

Melanoma: woman sitting in a laboratory. She is wearing a white lab coat and is looking into a microscope. More laboratory colleagues are visible in the background. Melanoma: woman sitting in a laboratory. She is wearing a white lab coat and is looking into a microscope. More laboratory colleagues are visible in the background.

Melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer is a commonly occurring malignant tumor of the skin. In Germany, about 23,000 people develop melanoma annually. Melanoma responds well to treatment if detected early.

Nesselsucht: Die nackten Beine eines Menschen sind mit einem Ausschlag überzogen. Der Ausschlag ist leicht rötlich und wirkt geschwollen. Nesselsucht: Die nackten Beine eines Menschen sind mit einem Ausschlag überzogen. Der Ausschlag ist leicht rötlich und wirkt geschwollen.

Urticaria

Urticaria (hives) is a skin condition with which itchy wheals or a painful swelling of the hypodermis (angiodema) form. Read more about symptoms, progression, and treatment.

Senile purpura: older person’s wrist with large bluish-purple spots. Senile purpura: older person’s wrist with large bluish-purple spots.

Senile purpura

Bruising that occurs in the elderly without any major external impact is known as senile purpura. This article explains more about the risk factors and prevention options.

Ein nackter Frauenoberbauch mit dem Hautausschlag, der typisch ist für eine Gürtelrose. Ein nackter Frauenoberbauch mit dem Hautausschlag, der typisch ist für eine Gürtelrose.

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral skin condition. The viruses attack nerves and cause an inflammation that spreads over the skin.

A doctor wrapping a gauze bandage around a patient’s arm A doctor wrapping a gauze bandage around a patient’s arm

Boils and carbuncles

Boils (furuncles), carbuncles, abscesses and pimples are all linked to inflamed skin but differ slightly from one another. Medical treatment is often useful for boils.

Side view of a child's face: a large area of red rash is visible on the cheek. Side view of a child's face: a large area of red rash is visible on the cheek.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease is one of the most common viral illnesses in children. Most adults are immune to it. Pregnant women who do not have immunity can pass the virus on to their unborn child.

Contact allergy: thumb pressing nozzle on contact spray bottle; spray released. Contact allergy: thumb pressing nozzle on contact spray bottle; spray released.

Contact allergy

A contact allergy can cause severe skin reactions. The symptoms only become noticeable after 1 to 3 days.

Anthrax: person dressed head to toe in a hazmat suit standing in front of a shelf in a laboratory. Anthrax: person dressed head to toe in a hazmat suit standing in front of a shelf in a laboratory.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a rare disease. It is transmitted to humans by animals. Certain occupational groups are at high risk of contracting the disease. Read more about symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Hand showing signs of leprosy resting on a person’s thigh. The fingers are deformed. Hand showing signs of leprosy resting on a person’s thigh. The fingers are deformed.

Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infectious disease that primarily occurs in South East Asia, South America, and Africa. Though leprosy is curable, there are still serious outcomes.

A child sitting on its mother’s lap being vaccinated in the upper arm. A child sitting on its mother’s lap being vaccinated in the upper arm.

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that causes fever and a skin rash. Serious complications can also occur. Vaccination offers protection against infection.

A woman is sitting on a chair with a black cat on the backrest. She is holding a tissue to her face with one hand. A woman is sitting on a chair with a black cat on the backrest. She is holding a tissue to her face with one hand.

Animal allergy

In an animal allergy it is not the fur that causes a reaction, but proteins that are found in the animal’s saliva, for instance. Avoiding contact with the animal can help, as can taking medication.

The image shows a child with the reddened tongue that is typical of scarlet fever. The image shows a child with the reddened tongue that is typical of scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever bacteria (streptococci) cause an illness in children with symptoms such as a high temperature, sore throat, and a distinctive skin rash.

Acne: young woman looking at her face in the mirror. Acne: young woman looking at her face in the mirror.

Acne

Acne can be very distressing. Various things can be done to alleviate the symptoms. However, it takes time and patience to improve the complexion of the skin.

A girl is looking at a bee on her hand. A girl is looking at a bee on her hand.

Insect venom allergy

Insect stings or bites usually leave behind nothing more than a small red mark. But someone who has an insect venom allergy will react very severely. This can even become a life-threatening situation.

Erysipelas: man having his wrist dressed. Erysipelas: man having his wrist dressed.

Erysipelas and cellulitis

Erysipelas and cellulitis are caused by bacteria that break through the skin barrier due to an injury. With prompt treatment, a complete recovery is usually possible.

A young boy with chickenpox on his face looks at a thermometer with a man. A young boy with chickenpox on his face looks at a thermometer with a man.

Chickenpox (varicella)

Typical signs of chickenpox are an extremely itchy skin rash with red blisters and a slight fever. This viral infection most frequently affects children between the ages of 2 and 10.

Impetigo contagiosa: impetigo spots on a boy’s mouth. Impetigo contagiosa: impetigo spots on a boy’s mouth.

Impetigo: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Impetigo (impetigo contagiosa) is an itchy and sometimes painful infection of the skin. It is especially common in young children.

A doctor offering medication to a woman. She is holding up her hand to refuse it. A doctor offering medication to a woman. She is holding up her hand to refuse it.

Medication allergy

Medication can also have undesired effects. These side effects include allergic reactions. When this happens, the immune system reacts to ingredients found in the medication.

A baby lying on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone is applying ointment to the inflamed skin. A baby lying on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone is applying ointment to the inflamed skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It causes red patches and oily flakes to form on the skin, especially on the face and scalp. Men are more often affected than women.

Non-melanoma skin cancer: figure showing section of skin with non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer: figure showing section of skin with non-melanoma skin cancer.

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer is very common in Germany. This type of skin cancer is normally localized and only rarely spreads to other parts of the body. As a result, it is rarely life-threatening.

Fungal nail infection: a woman sits on the floor and looks at her toes. Fungal nail infection: a woman sits on the floor and looks at her toes.

Fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by an infection with skin fungi. They often affect the big toenails, which become brittle and discolored. Fungal nail infections rarely go on their own.

A dressing is applied below the knee A dressing is applied below the knee

Chronic wounds

Wounds do not always heal quickly. Many take a long time to heal or keep opening up. They are referred to as chronic open wounds.

A child’s hands showing a rash of red spots A child’s hands showing a rash of red spots

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus, mainly affecting children under 10. People usually recover without any after-effects. Hygiene measures are important in preventing infection.

An infant with a red spotty rash on their back An infant with a red spotty rash on their back

Rubella

Rubella is typically mild in children. If a pregnant woman without immunity becomes infected, there can be serious consequences for the child. Vaccination protects against the disease.

Bed bugs on human skin Bed bugs on human skin

Bed bugs

Bed bugs can be found in mattresses, clothing and bed linen. Their bites are itchy but harmless. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself from bed bugs and get rid of them.

An elderly man lies on a hospital bed. An elderly man lies on a hospital bed.

Bedsore (decubitus ulcer)

Bedsores can be very painful and take a long time to heal. Treatment aims at preventing further pressure, for example through regular repositioning.

A woman scratching her arm. A woman scratching her arm.

Chronic itching (pruritus)

Having constantly itchy skin means constant scratching. The longer the scratch-itch cycle continues, the more the skin is damaged. Suitable skincare measures and itch-relieving medication can help.

Head lice: a woman examines a girl’s hair using a lice comb. Head lice: a woman examines a girl’s hair using a lice comb.

Head lice

Head lice are common in children of kindergarten/pre-school and elementary/primary school age. Although irritating, head lice are harmless. Special medicated treatments can kill them off.

An apparent corn on a toe An apparent corn on a toe

Corns

A corn develops when an area of skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. It usually disappears gradually if the rubbing and pressure stop. 

A baby is having a diaper change. A baby is having a diaper change.

Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash)

Diaper dermatitis is a common condition among infants and small children. It is also known as diaper rash, nappy rash or napkin rash. The condition can be prevented by frequent diaper changes.

A person with brownish patches of skin on their back A person with brownish patches of skin on their back

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

With pityriasis versicolor, round or oval patches develop on the skin, in particular on the neck, back, arms and chest. The rash is usually harmless and easily treated.

A doctor examines a patient’s ankle A doctor examines a patient’s ankle

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints as a result of psoriasis. It causes stiff and painful joints.

A man’s very hairy back A man’s very hairy back

Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis)

Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth – either on the entire body or only in certain areas. Depending on the cause, there are various treatment options.

A doctor uses a magnifying glass to examine a rash on an elderly patient’s back. A doctor uses a magnifying glass to examine a rash on an elderly patient’s back.

Ringworm

The skin rash that typically occurs with ringworm (tinea corporis) has a ring-like appearance. It usually clears up quickly if treated with an anti-fungal skin cream.

Ingrown nail: doctor wearing a surgical glove touching a young person’s big toe with two fingers. There is an ingrown nail on the toe. The skin around the toenail is slightly red. Ingrown nail: doctor wearing a surgical glove touching a young person’s big toe with two fingers. There is an ingrown nail on the toe. The skin around the toenail is slightly red.

Ingrown nail (onychocryptosis)

Ingrown nails are a common condition, often caused by an incorrect cutting technique. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the discomfort.

Herpes labialis: young woman with cold sores on her upper lip. Herpes labialis: young woman with cold sores on her upper lip.

Oral herpes (cold sores)

With oral herpes, particular herpes viruses cause painful blisters known as cold sores to form. The condition heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. No treatment is normally required.

Man with bare chest extending his right arm to the right. He is gripping his armpit with his left hand. Man with bare chest extending his right arm to the right. He is gripping his armpit with his left hand.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a rash that appears in the skin folds as a result of moisture and chafing. In many cases, the affected areas also become infected with yeast fungi.

Person in a white coat palpating the bent calf of a patient lying on a treatment table. Person in a white coat palpating the bent calf of a patient lying on a treatment table.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis expresses itself as a painful, thickened blood vessel. The skin above the vessel is red. The symptoms disappear quickly again with appropriate treatment.

Forefinger with several contiguous blisters. Forefinger with several contiguous blisters.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by itchy blisters that appear on the palms of the hands, fingers or soles of the feet. These are usually treated with anti-inflammatory ointments.

Part of a human body with reddish-brown disk-shaped skin rash. Part of a human body with reddish-brown disk-shaped skin rash.

Nummular eczema

Itchy round spots on the skin are typical of nummular eczema. Episodes often occur over years, but it can usually be treated successfully.

Vitiligo: woman holding a cup of tea in both hands. The pigmentation on her skin is normal apart from white patches on her hands and forearms. Vitiligo: woman holding a cup of tea in both hands. The pigmentation on her skin is normal apart from white patches on her hands and forearms.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disorder that causes the loss of the brown skin pigment melanin. It usually begins as white skin patches on the face and hands. Read more about its causes and treatment.

Lichen simplex: woman in a tee shirt grimacing with pain and looking at her upper arm and scratching it hard. Lichen simplex: woman in a tee shirt grimacing with pain and looking at her upper arm and scratching it hard.

Lichen simplex

Lichen simplex is a chronic skin condition that is accompanied by severe itching. There is often a pre-existing condition such as neurodermatitis. Here you can find out how to alleviate the symptoms.