Did you know that our skin is the largest organ in our bodies? It protects us and our other vital organs, but it can also be very vulnerable to certain conditions that affect our overall health. Considering the importance of our skin, it is not surprising that a number of skin disorders can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
In previous blogs, we have discussed other categories of disabling conditions, including those that affect our respiratory system and our musculoskeletal system. In this post, we will continue this series by exploring skin disorders.
There are seven main categories of skin impairments that may be covered by SSDI, each of which is described below and includes information from the Mayo Clinic. These illnesses could make it all but impossible for a person to be exposed to certain environments and perform certain tasks.
- Ichthyosis: This condition can result in dry, flaky skin that resembles fish scales. There is no cure for this condition, so regular treatment may be necessary.
- Bullous disease: Painful and even life-threatening blisters are indicators of this condition. Certain types of this disease predominantly affect people over the age of 60.
- Chronic skin infections: Infections of the skin can make a person vulnerable to other illnesses and may require frequent or ongoing medical attention and hospital stays.
- Dematitis: There are a number of different types of dermatitis, but each can result in pain, itching and redness.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: This condition is identified by the subcutaneous lumps that fill with fluid. These lumps can burst and become very painful and unpleasant for patients, and the condition can worsen over time without treatment.
- Burns: Skin burns can be extremely painful and be caused by anything from genetic disorders to chemicals to scalding. Treatment for burns depends heavily on the type and extent of the burn and may require surgery and ongoing medical care.
Each of these conditions should be taken very seriously and medical attention should be sought sooner, rather than later, to get the appropriate treatment and care.
These skin disorders can affect people in a multitude of different ways. If they are so severe that they — or the courses of medical treatment — make it impossible for a person to continue working, it would be wise to consider speaking with an attorney to determine if SSDI benefits may be available.
