Disorders of the skin

Diseases of the subcutaneous tissues
Skin disorders
Skin irritation
Skin infections
Cutaneous diseases
Injury of the skin
Skin conditions
Dermatosis
Dermatoses

Nature

Skin diseases can be disfiguring, and this is linked to high suicide rates among sufferers. Facial scarring can cause deep depression, discrimination at work, employment problems, interpersonal problems and low self-esteem.

Background

Disorders of the skin have been documented since ancient civilizations, with early medical texts from Egypt, Greece, and China describing various afflictions and their social impact. The global significance of skin diseases became increasingly apparent in the 19th and 20th centuries, as industrialization, urbanization, and improved diagnostic methods revealed their widespread prevalence and burden. International health organizations now recognize skin disorders as a major public health concern, affecting diverse populations across all continents.

Incidence

Skin disorders affect an estimated 1.9 billion people globally at any given time, making them among the most common health concerns worldwide. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin infections contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, impacting quality of life, productivity, and healthcare systems across all regions and age groups. The prevalence of skin disorders is rising due to factors such as urbanization, pollution, and increased life expectancy.
In 2022, India experienced a notable surge in cases of fungal skin infections, particularly dermatophytosis, with outbreaks reported in both urban and rural areas. This increase strained dermatological services and highlighted gaps in public health responses to skin disease management.

Claim

In Britain it has been suggested that patients who cannot obtain a drug for acne may commit suicide, thus the drug should not be rationed.

One in ten psoriasis sufferers has a death wish.

Counter-claim

Disorders of the skin are vastly overemphasized and simply do not constitute an important problem. Compared to life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart conditions, skin issues are mostly cosmetic and rarely fatal. The attention and resources devoted to dermatology are disproportionate, diverting focus from far more critical health concerns. In the grand scheme of medical priorities, skin disorders are minor inconveniences, not significant problems demanding urgent attention.

Disorders of the skin

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