General7 Common Skin Conditions

Your skin is an immediate indicator of your overall health. Sometimes dermatological symptoms are signs of issues under the surface and other times they are conditions of their own. Knowing about common skin conditions can help you to look out for early signs of health challenges. Take a few minutes to review skin conditions and prepare to be your best advocate during your next appointment.

1. Psoriasis

Itchy and dry patches of skin can indicate psoriasis. This build up of scaly skin cells is considered an immune system issue. Symptoms can increase due to illness, emotional stress, and infection. It can appear on many areas of the body, from a rash on the face to around joints. Can psoriasis look like ringworm? Many patients wonder this because the rashes for each condition can be difficult to differentiate upon first glance.

2. Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a condition that causes significant skin irritation and inflammation. It is not contagious and can be present in people from infancy to advanced age. Although young children with eczema may grow out of the symptoms, others may deal with eczema throughout their life.The skin may become dry, cracked, and red during flare-ups. It typically begins with intense itchiness and may recur in a usual area or move to different zones, such as the face or hands. Severe presentations should be addressed by a doctor and medicated ointments can ease discomfort.

3. Sunburn

It can be very tempting to enjoy the sun without proper skin protection on a summer afternoon. The warm rays are enticing, but the skin is vulnerable to burns from UV exposure. Prolonged time in the sun can lead to painful pink or red sunburns that take time to heal. Severe sunburns are infection risks. Protect your skin from burns and potential skin cancer by using sunscreen daily and reapply regularly. Children may forget this step before swimming and supervising adults must apply diligently to avoid future skin problems. Aloe gel or creams may help relieve the heat of a mild sunburn before the peeling stage of healing.

4. Acne

Acne occurs when dead skin cells and oil clog pores or hair follicles. It is visible as red bumps, pimples, whiteheads or blackheads. This skin condition can appear suddenly or linger and is impacted by hormonal fluctuations. People with periods may notice acne that appears in certain areas of their face during their menstrual cycle. Teenagers are most typically challenged by acne and can benefit from improved skin care hygiene. Acne can also appear on the neck, chest, shoulders, and back. Over the counter or prescription treatments may aid in skin healing without scarring. Some people with periods find acne-clearing benefits from birth control interventions. Avoid touching active acne without cleaning your hands first in order to mitigate irritating bacterial spread.

5. Rosacea

Redness in the face can be a condition called rosacea. Fair-skinned women of middle age are the population most often presenting with this skin issue. Rosacea frequently causes bumps on the face and may last chronically. People with self-identified sensitive skin may actually have rosacea. Although the root cause is not known, rosacea is generally considered an immune system issue that can be irritated by environmental factors. Rosacea may also be hereditary in families that observe recurring cases throughout generations. Anti-acne treatments may help with pus-filled bumps, and antibiotics may aid with progressed presentations.

6. Contact Dermatitis

Encounters with irritating substances like certain fragrances, plants, metals, cosmetics, and soaps can lead to skin rashes. This kind of contact rash is known as contact dermatitis. It may be a reaction to a known allergen or something like poison ivy. An advanced rash may become raised or filled with fluid and spread. Treatments generally include medicated ointment and eliminating exposure to the causal substance. Antibiotics may be appropriate for a worsening rash or related infection.

7. Dry Skin

Creaked, pealing, or flaky skin may be dehydrated and dry. Dry skin may necessitate the addition of moisturizing lotion and environment changes. Extremely dry offices or homes may benefit from portable humidifiers. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier can help you to resist infections and irritants.

Being an informed patient can lead you to answers and treatments more quickly. Take care of your skin now and enjoy the benefits for decades.

This post has been sponsored by Rank Castle