Skin Disorders: A Common Morbidity Associated with Unhealthy Lifestyles

Abstract

Skin disorders are a common cause of morbidity. Globally, the major bulk of these disorders is represented by dermatitis (atopic, contact, and seborrheic dermatitis), acne vulgaris, psoriasis, urticaria, viral skin diseases, fungal skin diseases, scabies, malignant skin melanoma, pyoderma, cellulitis, keratinocyte carcinoma, decubitus ulcer and alopecia areata. It is not appreciated that even in high-income countries like the USA, one in four individuals have a skin disease. Since skin is the largest organ in the body, is extensively visible, and has important functions, proper care to keep it healthy is extremely important. It is not well appreciated the five major lifestyle factors play a major role in keeping the skin healthy. Since these factors are modifiable, it behooves the medical community to instill healthy behaviors in society. The role of these five factors, namely smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, exercise, and diet in the pathogenesis of skin disorders is discussed in this manuscript.