Stasis dermatitis is the dark discoloration of the skin, usually a brown pigmentation, due to poor venous drainage in the legs. It is also known as venous eczema. This is usually as a result of poor circulation caused by venous insufficiency, the inability or incompetence of the leg veins to assist with returning circulating blood back to the heart.
Localized scratch dermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus or neurodermatitis, is a chronic itchy skin condition. It is believed that their is a strong psychogenic cause to localized scratch dermatitis and contrary to common beliefs, it has not been linked to any allergies or allergic causes.
Lichen simplex chronicus or neurodermatitis has a characteristic appearance of thick, dark discoloration of the skin occurring in plaques and at times may be misdiagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris.
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease where scaling of the skin occurs. Seborrheic dermatitis is not usually a dry skin condition as the skin is producing its normal oil (sebum). However the appearance of skin scaling often leaves sufferers to believe that the condition occurs due to excessively dry skin or a lack of sebum.
There are two main types of fungi (singular ~ fungus) that affect the human skin :
- Dermatophytes (also called molds)
- Skin yeasts (also called thrush or candida)
Both types of fungi (mold-like and yeast link fungi) are not threatening to human skin unless there is damage or irritation of the area or the health of the skin cannot be maintained due to poor circulation, lowered immunity or use of toxic chemicals.
A skin fungus can occur on any part of the body but it is prevalent in areas that are covered (dark), warm and moist.