Most Common Skin Conditions

Acne (Acne vulgaris)

Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in non-inflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or acne.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers and frequently into adulthood. The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne.

Bacteria responsible for acne are

Staphylococcus aureus:

S. aureus is the most common cause of acne. It is a spherical bacteria frequently found in the nose and on the skin of a person.
About 20% of the population are long-term carriers of S. aureus.
S. aureus can cause a range of illnesses from minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo etc.

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a state that makes your skin itchy and red. It is most commonly seen in children but can occur at any age. It may also be accompaniedby asthma or hay fever.

Medical science is yet to discover a cure for atopic dermatitis. But there are remedies and precautionary measures that can help with itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, moisturizing your skin regularly and apply medicated creams or ointments can help significantly with eczema.

Atopic dermatitis can appear on the face (especially in babies), hands, feet or at the creases and folds of the skin.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis Is a Sort of eczema–it is induced when we touch something that evolves into a skin reaction. It may arise for various reasons, e.g., plants (poison ivy), jewelry, latex gloves, and irritants from soaps & skincare products.

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat is a skin rash caused by sweat trapped in the skin. Normally, sweat travels to the surface of the skin through tiny ducts. If the ducts become narrowed or clogged, the sweat is trapped in the skin. This can cause redness, itching, and small blisters.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than average. This makes the skin build up into bumpy red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis can’t be passed on from one person to another.

Hives (Urticaria)

Hives are the familiar welts (raised, red, itchy areas) that can occur on the skin. Common causes of hives can be medication, food, and bug bites or stings. One has to be extra cautious if the hives cover a large area of your body e.g. if your throat or facial area is swelling, then it can affect your breathing.

Hives usually go away in a matter of hours, but in some people, hives may persist for months or even years; this condition is called chronic urticaria. Avoiding the trigger, whatever it may be, is the best tactic to tackle with hives.

Sunburn

Sunburns happen when there is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This results in skin turning red, painfulto the touch, and in serious cases may even peel away.It’s difficult to determine how much time is safe in the sun, but issue can be dealt with sunscreen protection.

The first step in countering sunburn is to seek shade, get inside & let the skin cool down. Take a cool bath or shower with a mild soap. Take plenty of fluids and moisturize the skin with a light moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

Diaper Rash

Anyone who has had a baby knows about diaper rash. When a soiled diaper is left on too long on a baby can lead to red bumps and rash in the diaper area, the buttocks, genitals, and skin folds. Urine, stool and chemicals in a disposable diaper can dissolve out and irritate the baby skin.

To help prevent diaper rash, change diapers as needed to keep the area dry and expose the baby’s bottom to fresh air when possible.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the face, with redness and pimples. Rosacea is common in women over the age of 30, but it can also happen to men. Disturbance in the immune system or the environmental issues can cause the condition.

Medical science is yet to discover a curefor rosacea, but people can treat the symptoms using creams and medications. Some foods and beverages can worsen the symptoms, such as dairy products, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Sun exposure can also make the symptoms worse.

Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet. You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back. Athlete’s foot can lead to extreme itching, redness, and cracked skin on the feet and in between the toes.

You can help prevent athlete’s foot by keeping your feet clean and dry, changing wet socks and shoes, and wearing slippers/flip-flops in public pool or shower areas.

If fungus creeps under your toenails, which can appear as a white, yellow or brown color with crumbly texture to your nail, be sure to see a podiatrist as more intensive treatment may be needed.