Skin Infections

These infections are mostly caused by bacteria called staphylococci and streptococci. Red, yellowish-brown crusted sores form. They spread through scratches in the skin and get worse with scratching. In children, they can sometimes appear as blisters resembling a burn. They can be treated easily by washing with antiseptic soaps and using antibiotics. There are also specific skin infections caused by other bacteria and viruses.

Skin tumors

There are benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are not a problem. Among malignant skin tumors, the one that can be fatal is melanoma. It spreads rapidly. It is a skin tumor that arises from melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its color. Melanocytes produce melanin pigment, which gives the skin its color. The more the skin is exposed to sunlight, the more melanin pigment is produced and the darker the skin becomes.

The most common symptoms are:

• A change in the color, size or shape of moles on the body,
• Irregular borders appearing on moles
• A change in the color of moles
• Itching or bleeding of moles
• A new “mole” appearing next to or around an existing mole.

The best-known risk factors for melanoma are:

• A history of melanoma or another skin cancer,
• Family history,
• Exposure to sunlight,
• Tanning beds.

Other malignant skin tumors are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These can appear as lumps and sores on the skin. They grow into the surrounding area but, unlike melanoma, do not spread throughout the body and are not life-threatening.

To protect against all malignant skin tumors, sun protection is necessary, especially during childhood. Adults and children should always use sunscreen. In sunscreens, the higher the protection factor, the higher the oil content. A factor of 15 or above is sufficient.