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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.

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.

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.

Three-day fever

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

Shingles

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

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 well treated.

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 from a pharmacy. Keeping the feet dry is important with athlete’s foot.

Rosacea

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

Warts

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

Boils and carbuncles

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

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.

Psoriatic arthritis

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

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.

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 (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bed bugs

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scarlet fever

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

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.

Impetigo

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

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.

Bedsore (decubitus ulcer)

A person who must sit or lie in one position for a long period of time has an increased risk of bedsores (decubitus ulcers). These types of ulcers can be very painful and heal slowly.

Corns (clavus)

Corns develop when an area of skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. Most of the time, they gradually go away on their own if the rubbing and pressure stop.

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. It can even be life-threatening.

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

When fungi proliferate, they can cause diseases – for example, pityriasis versicolor. This skin rash is caused by a yeast fungus and is usually harmless.

Contact allergy

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

Fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by skin fungi. They often affect the nails on the big toes, causing them to become brittle and discolored.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease that occurs sporadically worldwide. It most often affects infants and young children and is usually harmless.

Measles

Measles is a viral infection with symptoms such as fever, skin rash, and possible serious complications. A vaccination against the infection offers protection.

Rubella

Rubella poses a risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies. There is a vaccine that protects against this viral disease.