Skin diseases are a scourge that affects a certain part of the population. Common causes for most of the ailments include climatic conditions, sub-par living environment, and allergic reactions to atmospheric elements and so on. Irrespective of whether the suffering can be done away completely or not, it is important that only safe treatment practices must be followed.

Someone asked to guess the answer to the largest organ of the human body would be forgiven for responses such as the heart, lungs and so on. It is purely ignorance of the fact that the correct response would be indeed, the skin. Yes, that's correct; the stretchy, tan-friendly covering that encases the vital parts of the body is indeed an organ in itself.

Acting as a protective skin against the harmful effects of the sun and the environment, it also helps keep the temperature of the body at optimum levels, regulate hydration, prevent bacterial attacks and provide vital sensory inputs. It is not constant in appearance and function throughout the body, varying in-fact in different parts. For example, it is thick and hairless on the palm of the hands as well as the soles of the feet, while growing thinner and with a crop of hair at the head region.

Skin is also thick at the elbows and knees as well. It can be sub-divided into distinct layers. The first one is called the dermis and viz. the dermis and epidermis, with a layer of fat on the innermost side. While the former layer is responsible for skin colour due to the presence of pigmentation, the latter is the one that offers sensory responses to touch and pain. It also contains collagen that determines the overall strength and flexibility of a person's skin. The innermost layer of fat acts as a protective layer for the organs encased within, protecting them from bumps and shocks, whilst also helping to regulate the internal heat and temperature levels.

Flawless skin tone and colour is a societal expectation that causes untold hardships for people around the world. However, the skin also remains highly vulnerable to changes in atmospheric conditions not to mention, personal neglect and abuse. More life altering than life threatening, commonly occurring skin disorders like eczema and their like, can be quite discomforting on both, the physical as well as a psychological and social level. Given their chronic nature, timely treatment is a must. Inflammation or reddening of the skin, with a scaly scab being developed is what characterise these ailments. Blisters too get formed in some cases, leaving the person in severe pain. The great thing about these symptoms is that they are easily treatable, provided one begins treatment at the earliest.

Psoriasis on the other hand is caused due to an over-sensitive reaction to Ultra-violet rays of the sun. The intensity of the problem varies from person to person, with some being so hypersensitive that they completely avoid going out during the daytime. The skin of such people gets easily damaged and adds years to their looks.

Pigmentation disorders too are quite common among sections of the people, with vitiligo being such disease. Those that suffer from it often have a condition wherein their skin cells can no longer process or create fresh melanin, resulting in the formation of white patches all across the skin surface.

Most of the common treatments for skin diseases, used to rely on a barrage of chemical based ointments, lotions and pills. In recent times however, there has been growing awareness on the harmful effects of such remedies. These are being replaced with treatments that control, contain and alleviate the suffering sans any damaging side-effects.