Medical: Dermatologic Disease or Condition Report - Essay Example

The onset of the skin condition begins with diaphoresis or excessive sweating that is often related to a medical emergency. Menopause, hyperthyroidism, or hypoglycemia can be the cause of such condition. People suffering from ulcers, wherein part of the gastro intestinal tract has erosions due to hyper-acidity are also susceptible to this condition. It is important then to avoid taking aspirins or NSAIDS for pain relief. The symptom of the disease includes macules (little flat spots or blemishes in skin), popular (solid rounded bruises), petechia (red purple spots) and ecchymosis (subcutaneous purpura larger than a bruise).

Patients may often find themselves scratching repeatedly (known as pruritis) the affected area repeatedly thereby causing open wounds that can get infected. This is but a consequence of an allergic reaction or wheal. The epidermis (outer layer of the skin) can break and abscess can form if not properly unattended. It is highly important for the person to refrain from scratching the affected area. The location of the disease can be found in exposed sections of the body like arms, legs, hands or back.

Decubitus or bedsores are also common symptom of this skin condition. After some period, keratosis (or growth of keratin on the skin) is expected which can be removed by some procedures after the condition has improved. It is also possible that lice infestation or pediculosis can worsen the skin condition which needs a secondary intervention. Parasiticides or an agent that destroys parasites like lice would be prescribed by the doctor. In order to begin treatment, biopsy or samples of tissue from the patient must be collected and analyzed by a pathologist to determine if the keratosis is benign or cancerous.

If abscess is present, incision or small cuts must be performed to remove or release the pus using a lancet. Treatment using application of extreme cold or cryosurgery to the skin or tissue is performed by a specialist. Medications such as antifungal creams (against fungal infection) are often taken by the patient. Keratolytics (acids such as salicylic acid) can also be applied to the skin to avert the spread to other parts. Antihistamines (drugs for allergies) can be taken orally so the patient would not have episodes of sneezing and red, watery eyes can be prevented.