Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus passages. There are four pairs of sinuses in the human skull that help circulate moist air throughout the nasal passages. The common cold is the most prevalent predisposing factor to sinusitis. Hay fever, other environmental triggers, food allergens, and dental infections can also lead to sinusitis.
Acne rosacea is a chronic skin condition of the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin that occurs mostly in middle-aged adults with fair skin. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but there is likely a genetic component. Severe, untreated rosacea can be disfiguring to the face.
Common acne, known medically as acne vulgaris, occurs most commonly in teenagers and to a lesser extent in young adults. The condition results in part from excessive stimulation of the skin by androgens (male hormones). Bacterial infection of the skin also appears to play a role.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited disorder that results in the inability to absorb adequate amounts of zinc from the diet. Anyone who is severely zinc deficient can develop the symptoms of the inherited form of this disorder.
A number of different fungi can infect the skin and nails of toes. This infection may result in the condition known as athlete’s foot. Generally, athlete’s foot does not cause serious problems; however, the disruption of the skin barrier can be a source of significant infections in people with impaired blood flow to the feet, such as people with diabetes or impaired immune systems. Infections of the nails are more difficult to treat than those affecting only the skin.
