Studies have found that the predisposition to certain skin diseases may be linked to the quality of genetic material, which gives new importance to the care of our skin.
It is well known that certain groups of people may be more prone than others to suffer from some type of disease. Some studies have shown that there are skin diseases that can manifest in individuals with certain genetic characteristics.
Although the field of genetics still presents many challenges for scientists, the truth is that there is a relationship between skin conditions and genetic material. We explain it here.
Skin diseases: between health and aesthetics
Many skin diseases are easy to diagnose, as they usually manifest as an alteration of the melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for giving the skin its color.
Spots, uneven pigmentation, or even a skin color that is too light are key signs of a skin condition.
Although our skin is an organ designed to protect our body, it turns out to be extremely susceptible to many conditions and external elements in our environment.
Pollution, overexposure to sunlight, and even an allergic reaction are capable of producing certain alterations that affect our skin.
Thus, one of the main triggers of many skin diseases is the well-known ultraviolet or UV rays.
It is well known that excessive exposure to these rays can trigger problems that directly affect the dermis. These range from discoloration of certain areas to the formation of cancer cells.
Although we are referring here to health problems, we must also mention that the sun’s rays cause a lot of aesthetic damage.
For this reason, when talking about skin conditions, the emotional and social consequences experienced by the person who suffers from them cannot be ignored.
Thus, as this is a problem that affects so many people and in so many different ways, it has become a point of study for many scientists and laboratories.
Specialized studies and research have given us a much broader idea of how an individual’s genetics have a certain degree of influence on their general health.
In this way, we can say that a person’s genetic code is capable of giving us important clues about their health.
One of the factors where genetics plays a determining role is a person’s immune system and how it responds to diseases.
Each of the cells contributed by an individual’s parents is a fundamental piece in defining which possible disease they may be most vulnerable to.
Now, in the specific case of skin diseases, it is important to highlight that there is a whole series of clinical conditions that cause genetic abnormalities and alter the pigmentation and resistance of the skin.
One of the most well-known genetic skin diseases is albinism, a condition that completely alters the pigmentation of the skin and makes it much more sensitive to light.
However, the most common skin conditions among the population arise as a consequence of overexposure to external elements, and not due to genetic factors at birth.
Typically, most of them affect only the outer layer of the skin, but if not treated properly they can lead to more serious health problems.
Understanding how a person’s genes influence how vulnerable and susceptible they are to skin diseases is not that complicated.
Aspects such as skin sensitivity and cell regenerative capacity are fundamental characteristics that are directly linked to genetic material.
The most common skin conditions today
Some external elements such as climate change, pollution, and hygienic conditions are triggers for the emergence of skin conditions.
However, other conditions can cause these conditions, such as diet, stress, and the amount of time a person spends exposed to the sun.
For this reason, it is important to keep in mind that to properly care for your skin, it is necessary to acquire certain habits and make some changes in your life.
Many studies have shown that some skin diseases tend to be more common than others. Among the most common skin conditions today we can mention:
Vitiligo
It is a condition characterized by the appearance of white “spots” on different parts of the body, mainly those that are most exposed to sunlight. These are generated by the loss of melanin in the skin and the most extreme cases, the affected area is so sensitive to sunlight that the patient may develop skin cancer.
Vitiligo is generally a condition that is more noticeable in dark-skinned people, but this condition can occur on any skin type.
Although the exact causes of this condition are still unknown, many studies have shown that a considerable percentage of people may have a genetic condition that makes them more vulnerable to this disease.
As with most skin conditions, there are now many clinically approved treatments that help balance skin pigmentation.
These range from the use of therapeutic ointments rich in corticosteroids to surgeries with UV rays, which aim to stimulate the production of melanin.
Acne
There is no doubt that when it comes to skin diseases, this happens to be one of the best-known and easiest to treat.
Acne occurs when the hair follicles of the skin become clogged, causing the patient to have accumulations of fat or sebum in certain parts of their body.
This condition is usually more common in teenagers and occurs as a result of the hormonal changes their body experiences during puberty.
However, there are individuals with a specific skin type that makes them genetically prone to suffer from it at other stages of their life.
In the specific case of acne, there is a wide variety of treatments and natural remedies available that allow deep cleansing of the sebaceous glands.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer cases have increased alarmingly over the past twenty years. This is a direct consequence of the weakening of the ozone layer caused by greenhouse gases.
Like most skin diseases, this condition occurs when skin cells are constantly exposed to the effects of ultraviolet rays.
Of all known types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous of all, as it spreads rapidly and can affect important internal organs.
People with sensitive skin or those with epidermal deformities are more vulnerable to suffering from this type of condition.
As with most cancers, early detection of any symptoms is the best way to prevent cancer cells from growing.
Athlete’s foot
This is one of the skin diseases that usually occurs frequently, especially among people who go to places such as swimming pools, gyms, or bathrooms with public access showers.
This condition is extremely easy to diagnose, due to the intense itching sensation and peeling of the skin covering the foot.
All of this is the result of the action of a fungus, which only needs a warm and humid environment to be able to grow and reproduce easily.
Compared to other skin conditions, athlete’s foot is a highly contagious disease that can spread to the rest of the body if not treated properly.
The best thing you can do to avoid suffering from it is to avoid walking barefoot in public bathrooms or spaces with a lot of humidity, and never share personal hygiene items with other people.
It is also very helpful to use products such as talcum powder or foot creams with a high hydrogen peroxide content.
Warts
They are benign bumps that appear on the skin as a result of the body’s immune response to the microorganisms responsible for human papillomavirus.
Although these types of rashes do not negatively affect health, there are cases where they can cause discomfort or pain to the person.
As a natural response of the body to an illness, warts may be related to a genetic condition specific to a certain group of people.
These have been the subject of numerous studies since they represent a way of analyzing how the immune system of each individual reacts to external threats.
Unlike other skin diseases, warts usually disappear on their own after a couple of years.
However, it is possible to remove them from the skin by applying products containing salicylic acid or with a cryotherapy treatment.
Psoriasis
It is a skin condition that can appear on the skin, either due to environmental consequences or due to a genetic predisposition.
This manifests itself in the form of scales or red spots on the epidermis and causes a sensation of itching or pain in the affected area.
Of all skin conditions, this is one of the most persistent and can arise as a symptom of a much more complex disorder such as obesity, smoking, or even stress.
Being a disease classified as chronic, psoriasis can appear suddenly through episodes that can last weeks or months.
Although there is no cure for this condition yet, there are a variety of medications and treatments that can help slow down the rate at which skin cells fall off.
Can genetic skin diseases be cured?
The best way to know how to treat a skin disease is to consult an expert who will identify the type of pathology and indicate which treatment would be most advisable.
With careful study and monitoring by a health professional, even pathologies linked to a genetic condition can be treated effectively.
The years of training and knowledge of a qualified dermatologist will always be appreciated, especially in the case of skin diseases where cancer cells are involved.
Even though we already have a genetic code defined by our parents’ DNA, our case must be examined individually.
Today, the market offers a wide range of products, both made with natural ingredients and manufactured in laboratories, which are useful for treating epidermal conditions.
Although this is a great relief, it is not advisable to resort to treatment without the approval of a professional.
Our genetic code not only defines which diseases our body is most vulnerable to, butit also allows us to calculate the possible reactions our body may present when exposed to certain compounds.
Many personal hygiene products have very high pH levels, which can radically alter the entire chemical composition of even the most sensitive skin.
Some elements such as hydrogen peroxide or salicylic acid are capable of producing quite severe allergic reactions in certain types of skin.
Allergic reactions can alter the results of many remedies or treatments made with ingredients of natural origin, bringing with them another series of problems that can permanently damage the skin.
Each of the cells that make up the skin is loaded with genetic information, which makes it react in a certain way to external agents such as UV rays or excess moisture.
It is precisely for this reason that many professionals consider dermatology to be one of the branches of medical science where the patient’s genetic code plays a fundamental role.
Conclusion
To understand the importance of genetics in the study and treatment of skin diseases, it is necessary to keep in mind that skin is constantly exposed to various external factors.
Each of its layers is made up of a complex community of cells that react in different ways, and the integrity of our health depends on them.
Sensitivity, pigmentation, and the speed with which our skin cells die and renew themselves are determined by all the genetic material that makes up our DNA.
While our immune system is not necessarily the same as that of our parents, it is always useful to have a deep understanding of our genetic lineage.
This will not only allow us to be more prepared against possible skin diseases, but also against all types of conditions that could compromise our health.
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