Skin is often called the mirror of the body. There are some rare diseases that this “mirror” can reflect. Read on and find out about them.

Rare Skin Diseases

The largest organ of our body, our skin, is usually the first to reflect any weird changes or infections in our bodies. The first signs that something is wrong with us are usually reflected in our skin, which leads to the skin being called the mirror of the body. Since the skin is very delicate, it is quite prone to various injuries and allergies, apart from regular disorders like acne and minor allergies. Since many skin disorders are not properly characterized, there is no proper treatment for some of them and there are still others that are difficult to diagnose and treat. However, it is assumed that the primary cause of skin disorders is an allergy and medical experts usually explore this possibility before doing an in-depth analysis. There are also numerous rare skin diseases that are caused by disturbances in genetic composition. 
 
Rare Skin Disorders
 
Harlequin Ichthyosis 
In the case of a person who suffers from this disorder, the skin becomes thick and appears like a scaly coat. The scaly skin is then shed at a faster pace, than a normal skin does. The person’s skin resembles the exterior of a fish, and even the hair appears scaly. 
 
Goltz Syndrome 
Also known as, focal dermal hypoplasia, this skin disease is characterized by the appearance of white fat-filled lumps all over the skin. This is formed due to an excess of fat from the thin layer of skin. This disorder is also characterized by thinning of the skin and by red rashes all over it. There are other accompanying symptoms, such as brittle nails and fingers, presence of an extra finger or absence of one, as well as eyes that are under-developed. In some cases, the stomach, heart, lungs, and intestines could also be affected. 
 
Scleroderma 
When a person is infected by scleroderma, the skin becomes hard, and at times, red. The exact cause of scleroderma is not known. 
 
Urticaria 
Urticaria is characterized by a wheel and flare reaction in which the skin develops hives. It would become red and itchy and is usually caused due to an allergy. Other causes include stress and pollution. 
 
Xeroderma-Pigmentosum 
This is a genetic disorder, where the genes that are involved in the normal function of DNA repair are altered. This prevents skin repair when exposed to sunlight or powerful UV rays. Therefore, this is manifested as red patches on the skin and can affect exposed as well as un-exposed portions of the skin. 
 
Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa 
This is a very rare disorder of the skin, due to the fact, that the skin is unable to produce a collagen-building protein. Since collagen is needed to keep the skin intact, it becomes very delicate and even, a slight touch or cut can damage the skin terribly. This is not limited to just the external skin. The internal lining of the mouth, intestines, and esophagus could also be effected. 
 
Sweets Syndrome Or Neutrophilic Dermatosis 
This disorder occurs due to hypersensitive reactions due to allergies. Painful plaques appear all over the skin and the person gets a high fever. 
 
Morgellon’s Disease 
Morgellon’s disease is relatively new and has not been studied completely as yet. This disease is characterized by reduced vision, itching, fatigue, mental disorders and memory loss or loss of concentration.

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