lecture about skin diseases

1. Prepared by:
Yasmeen Farag Mohamed
1
Skin diseases

2. Content:
2
 Introduction
 Skin composition
 Acne.
 Psoriasis.
 Eczema.
 Anal itch.
 Wounds and cuts.
 Athlete's foot.
 Burns.
 Dandruff.

3. Introduction:
3
 The skin is the largest organ of the body, accounting for about 15% of the total
adult body weight.
 It performs many vital functions, including:
 Protection against external physical, chemical, and biologic assailants.
 Prevention of excess water loss from the body and a role in thermoregulation.
 The skin is continuous, with the mucous membranes lining the body's
surface(1)
 Dermatologic problems can result in psychosocial effects that seriously affect
patient’s lives.
 Skin disease can produce anxiety, depression, and other psychological
problems that affect patient’s lives in ways comparable to arthritis or other
disabling illnesses. (2)

4. Skin composition:
4
 The skin is composed of three layers:
 The epidermis
 The dermis
 The subcutaneous tissue
 The thickness of these layers varies considerably, depending on the
geographic location on the anatomy of the body , the eyelid, for
example, has the thinnest layer of the epidermis, whereas the palms and
soles of the feet have the thickest epidermal layer. (1)

5. Skin composition:
5
 The skin is composed of three layers:
 The epidermis : the outer most level, consists of :
 Corneocytes : make up the very outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum
corneum or horny layer .
 Keratinocytes: a specific constellation of cells which function to synthesize
keratin, a long, threadlike protein with a protective role .
 Melanocytes : produce the pigment melanin that protects against UV radiation and
gives skin its colour.(1)

6. 6
 The dermis : the middle layer, is fundamentally made up of the fibrillar structural
protein known as collagen that includes the following:
 Sweat glands : produce sweat that travels via sweat ducts to openings in the
epidermis called pores,they play a role in temperature regulation.
 Hair follicles : are pits in which hairs grow. Hairs also play a role in temperature
regulation.
 Sebaceous glands : produce sebum (an oil) to keep hairs free from dust and
bacteria.
 The subcutaneous tissue: the dermis lies on the subcutaneous tissue, which
contains small lobes of fat cells known as lipocytes.

7. Acne vulgaris:
7
 Acne vulgaris :It is a type of skin disease(infectious disease) which arises when
there is a blockage of hair follicles with the departed skin cells.(4)
 It is characterized by different areas of scaly red skin (seborrhea), pinheads
(papules), blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), large papules (nodules), and
sometimes scarring (pimples).(3)
 Pimples are produced and the canals are blocked due to overproduction of sebum.
 Blocked canals will lead to overgrowth of bacteria which is responsible for acne,
these bacteria release the enzymes which cause breakage of the sebum which
stimulates inflammation.(4)

8. 8
 The key factors in the formation of acne lesions are increase in sebum production,
sloughing of keratinocytes, bacterial growth and inflammation .(4)
 The microorganism named, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acne) has been recognized
to be the main cause in acne vulgaris development.(4)
 These changes usually require androgen stimulation, acne vulgaris is usually due to
an increase in body androgens, and occurs more often in adolescence during
puberty, regardless of sex. (3)
 Acne is usually seen on the face, upper part of the chest, and the back of subjects
who possess greater numbers of oil glands(3)

9. Herbal Drugs used for acne:
9
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Eucalyptus
(Leaves)
• 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)
• Citronellal
• Citronellol
• Citronellyl acetate
• P-cymene
• Eucamalol
• Limonene
• Linalool
• α-pinene
• Possesses antiseptic
properties as well as
astringent property to
treat acne-prone skin(4)

10. 10

11. Herbal Drugs used for acne cont.:
11
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Holy basil
(Leaves)
(Oil)
• Linolenic acid
• Methyl cinnamate
• Linalool
• Camphor
• linolenic acid which is
present in basil can block
the cyclooxygenase and
lipoxygenase pathways
of arachidonate
metabolism which could
be responsible for the
anti-inflammatory
activity of the oil and
hence responsible for the
anti-inflammation
associated with acne.
• show good antimicrobial
activity.(4)

12. Psoriasis
12
 Psoriasis is from the greek language, meaning "roughly itching condition“
 Psoriasis is an immune mediated disorder (not infectious), where a normal skin
cell mistakes for a pathogen, and sends a faulty signal that causes over production
of new skin cell.
 It is also a hereditary condition but the way it inherits is still not predictable.
 It is a typically lifelong condition, which is not having a permanent cure, but
various treatments can be implemented for controlling the severity of symptoms
produced by it.
 The mostly affected parts in psoriasis are the skin, nails and joints.(5)

13. Herbal Drugs used for psoriasis:
13
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Aloe vera
(Gel or latex from leaves)
• Anthroquinones
• Salicylic acid
• Steroids
• Saponins
• Mucopolysaccharides
• Salicylic acid, a
component of aloe vera, is
a keratolytic and would
contribute to its reported
efficacy in the
desquamation of psoriatic
plaques.(5)

14. Herbal Drugs used for psoriasis cont.:
14
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Chamomile
(Flower)
• Chamazulene
• Matricin
• Quercetin
• Apigenin
• Have anti – inflammatory
activity by inhibition of
lipoxygenase and as a
result, leukotriene B4
(LTB4) formation.
• Quercetin also shows
good skin penetration
property.(5)

15. Eczema
15
 Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a common chronic, relapsing
skin disease characterized by pruritus, disrupted epidermal barrier function, and
immunoglobulin E–mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens.
 Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease that arises from interactions between genes
and the environment. (6)
 The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:
 Dry, scaly skin
 Skin flushing
 Itching
 Open, crusted, or weeping sores

16. Herbal Drugs used for eczema :
16
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Coconut
(Oil)
 The fatty acids:
• Caprylic acid
• Capric acid
• Lauric acid
• Myristic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid
• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid
• The antibacterial abilities
of coconut oil can reduce
staph bacteria on the
skin, which helps prevent
infection.
• This is important for
people with eczema
because patches of
inflamed skin may crack
and ooze, allowing
bacteria to enter.

17. Herbal Drugs used for eczema cont.:
17
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Witch hazel
(Leaves and bark)
 Tannins, specifically
gallotannins
 Flavonoid including:
• Procyanidins
• Catechins
• Flavenols
• An astringent , dry-up
oozing areas, relieve
itching and calm
inflamed skin.

18. Anal itch
18
 Anal itch (Pruritus ani) is an unpleasant irritation of the skin that
provokes an urge to scratch; it is the most common symptom in
dermatology and an important dermatologic clue for the existence of a
significant underlying disease such as AIDS, malignancy, chronic
kidney disease, cholestasis, and hematologic disorders.(7)
 Skin condition that affects your perianal area, which may become
worse at night or after a bowel movement.

19. Herbal Drugs used Anal itch :
19
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Tumeric
(Rhizome)
curcumin • Reduced high-
sensitivity Creactive
protein (hs-CRP)
levels with no side
effect
• Antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory
properties

20. Herbal Drugs used Anal itch cont.:
20
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Chile pepper
(Fruit)
Capsaicin • Capsaicin produced a hot
sensation when applied
to the skin which confers
its anti-pruritic effects,
activating transient
receptor potential
vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)
which is the key in the
various itch pathways

21. Wounds
21
 Wounds are physical injuries that result in an opening or break of the skin.
 Proper healing of wounds is essential for the restoration of disrupted anatomical
continuity and disturbed functional status of the skin. (9)
 Accidents or injuries usually cause wounds, but can they can have any of the
following causes:
 Surgery
 Heat or chemical burn
 Temperature extremes (frostbite)
 Radiation

22. Herbal Drugs used wounds :
22
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Tea Tree
(Oil)
(leaves)
• Terpinen-4-ol
• γ-terpinene
• 1,8-cineole
• α-terpinene
• α-terpineol
• p-cymene
• α-pinene
• Topical antiseptic for
preventing the growth of
problematic
microorganisms that can
cause or worsen
infections.

23. Herbal Drugs used wounds cont.:
23
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Myrrh
(Resinous exudate)
• Limonene
• Curzerene
• Germacrene B
• Isocericenine
• Myrcenol
• Beta selinene
• Spathulenol
• Used topically to clean
wounds, reduce oedema,
and provide pain relief
(analgesia) (10)

24. Athlete's foot
24
 Athlete's foot (tinea pedis )is a type of fungal infection that can cause painful
symptoms like itching, redness, peeling of the skin, and even blistering. It often
affects the skin between the toes, but it can occur on other areas of the foot as well,
like the sole.
 Athlete’s foot starts between the toes of people who get sweaty feet and wear tight,
enclosed shoes for long periods.

25. Herbal Drugs used Athlete's foot :
25
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Bitter orange
(Fruit)
• α-pinene
• β-pinene
• Myrcene
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Linalyl acetate
Natural fungus fighter.

26. Herbal Drugs used Athlete's foot cont.:
26
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Green tea.
(Leaves)
• Green tea contains
polyphenols, which
include flavanols,
flavonoids, and phenolic
acids.
• Most of the green tea
polyphenols are:
flavonols, commonly
known as catechins.
• Have antifungal powers.
Soak your feet in
lukewarm green tea and
you may notice less
peeling and redness.
• But this method won’t
work quickly. You may
have to soak your feet
every day for 3 months.

27. Burns
27
 Burns can happen when the skin is exposed to heat (from fire or hot liquids),
electricity, corrosive chemicals, or radiation (UV rays from the sun or tanning beds,
or radiation treatments).
 Burns are classified as follows, according to the severity of tissue damage:
 First-degree (superficial) burns: affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin.
 Second-degree -(partial thickness) burns:involve the epidermis and part of the
dermis layer of skin.
 Third-degree (full thickness) burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis,may also damage the
underlying bones, muscles, and tendons.

28. Herbal Drugs used Burns :
28
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Pomegranate
(Peel)
• Ellagitannins
• Gallic acid
• Punicalagin
• Potential antioxidant
therapy for burn
wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
activities. (11)

29. Herbal Drugs used Burns cont.:
29
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Calendula
(Flower)
• Carotenoids
• Flavonoids
• Saponins
• Sterols
• Phenolic acids
• Lipids
• This remedy has a slight
antiseptic action, speeds up
the healing of damaged
skin, and keeps the skin
moisturized.

30. Dandruff
30
 Dandruff is a common scalp disorder due to the excessive shedding of dead skin
cells from the scalp.
 As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is
normal and in fact quite common, it sticks to the nails when the scalp is scratched.
 It affects almost half of the pubertal population of any ethnicity in both the genders
but most prevalent in male population between the age group of 20-60 years.
 There are two types of dandruff :
 (a) Dry and flake type
 (b) Oily type (12)

31. Herbal drugs used dandruff :
31
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Neem
(Leaves)
• Nimbin
• Nimbanene
• Nimbandiol
• Nimbolide
• Ascorbic acid
• The antifungal
properties of neem
help fight dandruff by
killing bacteria and
fungi and detoxifying
the scalp to give relief
from itchiness and
irritation.

32. 32

33. Herbal Drugs used Dandruff cont.:
33
Plant Chemical constituents Mechanism of action
Lemon
(Fruit)
• Citric acid
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Flavonoids :
 Diosmin
 Hesperidin
 Limocitrin
• Rich in antioxidants and
contains antifungal
properties, which means
it can help get rid of
dandruff naturally.

34. References :
34
 1-Kolarsick, Paul AJ, Maria Ann Kolarsick, and Carolyn Goodwin. "Anatomy and physiology of the skin." Journal of the Dermatology
Nurses' Association 3.4 (2011): 203-213.
 2-Barankin, Benjamin, and Joel DeKoven. "Psychosocial effect of common skin diseases." Canadian Family Physician 48.4 (2002): 712-
716.
 3- Nasri, Hamid, et al. "Medicinal plants for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a review of recent evidences." Jundishapur journal of
microbiology 8.11 (2015).
 4- D. MANOGNA REDDY1, VIKAS JAIN1, AN OVERVIEW ON MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACNE ,
Journal of Critical Reviews, Vol 6, Issue 6, 7-14
 5-Kamlesh Kumar Singh, Surendra Tripathy, Natural Treatment Alternative for Psoriasis: A Review on Herbal Resources, Journal of
Applied Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 4 (11), pp. 114-121, November, 2014
 6- Sohn, Andrew, et al. "Eczema." Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine: A Journal of Translational and Personalized Medicine 78.5 (2011):
730-739.
 7-Parvizi, Mohammad Mahdi, et al. "Complementary and integrative remedies in the treatment of chronic pruritus: A review of clinical
trials." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022).
 8-Mohajerani, Fahimeh, et al. "Medicinal plants as a source of future anti-pruritic drugs: A comprehensive review." Boletín
Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas 18.1 (2019).
 9-Kumar, B., et al. "Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing—exploring medicinal plants of India." Journal of
ethnopharmacology 114.2 (2007): 103-113.
 10-Aleksandra Shedoeva etal, Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative
Medicine, Volume 2019, Article ID 2684108, 30 pages.
 11-Maden, S., Çalıkoğlu, E., & Bodamyalızade, P. (2018). Herbal Therapy for Burns and Burn Scars. InTech. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.71
665
 12-Sharma, Shalini, et al. "Herbal Armamentarium for the culprit dandruff." International Journal of Phytopharmacy Research 4.1
(2013): 23-28.

35. 35