7 Skin Conditions and Symptoms You Should Know About

Nothing can be scarier than having a medical condition and not quite knowing exactly what it is. This is even more true when the condition may be visible, such as a skin condition. For these reasons, it’s helpful to know as much as possible about common skin conditions so that you can be prepared for whatever may come your way. Let’s take a look at some of the most common skin conditions and their primary symptoms.

What are Skin Conditions?

Skin conditions contribute roughly 1.79% of diseases globally. According to a study from the American Academy of Dermatology, Eighty-five million Americans have skin problems. Most are just minor issues but there are some serious skin conditions that will require hospital treatment. Red, itchy or inflamed skin can indicate a host of skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, and ringworm. Skin conditions can be temporary or permanent.

These are also called “Cutaneous disorders or Dermatologic disorders”. Hundreds of skin disorders can cause similar symptoms, so learning their distinctions to look out for is the key. While learning to tell one condition from another is crucial and it’s best to receive a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. We have concluded the seven most common skin problems and their symptoms that most of us have encountered. Let’s take a look.

7 common skin problems and symptoms

Keep an eye out for any changes in your skin that could indicate a common skin problem. These are the 7 common skin problems and symptoms you should be aware of.

1) Cold Sores

Red, painful and fluid filled blister that appears near the mouth and lips. The affected area may feel painful or delicate and will often burn before the sore is. It may be accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms such as low fever body aches and swollen lymph nodes. While there is no cure, various treatments like light therapy can reduce outbreaks.

2) Acne

Acne is one of the most widespread skin conditions and any person can get acne. It is commonly located on the face. Neck, shoulders, chest and upper back. Breakouts are composed of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and nodules that can leave scars or darken the skin if untreated.

3) Ringworm

It is also known as Dermatophytosis. It has nothing to do with a worm but the ring part comes from the fact that it can cause a ring shaped rash. It can be itchy and red. Symptoms can include itchy, red and cracked skin that’s sometimes accompanied by hair loss that appears between 4 and 14 days after coming into contact with the fungus.

4) Eczema

It is also known as Atopic Dermatitis and develops early in childhood but can arise in adulthood. The exact cause is not known but researchers believe it may involve genetics, the environment or your immune system. It can appear on the face, hands or feet. Symptoms may be most noticeable with lighter skin than darker skin. Common symptoms are dry, scaly and itchy skin and constant scratching may lead to a thickened area. There is no known cure for eczema. Topical steroids are often used to lessen the symptoms.

5) Shingles

Shingles or Herpes Zoster results in a red blistering rash that may wrap around your torso or appear anywhere on your body. You can have a fever, as well as feel fatigued with headaches. It is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox, which is the varicella-zoster virus. You are at risk for shingles if you’ve had chickenpox. One preventive shingles vaccine is available in the U.S. shingles can be painful but early treatment with antivirals like oral Valtrex can lessen the symptoms.

6) Hives

Itchy, raised welts that occur after exposure to an allergen, stress, illness and friction from tight clothes. Hives form in clusters. Symptoms are red, warm and mildly painful to touch. It can be small round and ring-shaped or large-shaped. Treatment usually involves antihistamines or corticosteroids.

7) Rosacea

This disease goes through cycles of fading and relapse that can be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised, red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness and skin sensitivity. There is no known cure and doctors treat the symptoms with topical or oral inflammatory medications.

Conclusion

Learning about proper skincare and treatment for skin disorders is essential. Some skin problems may require hospital care while some can be treated at home. You should consult your doctor about your symptoms or condition to determine what’s the best treatment or methods for you. Those with a strong family history of skin problems may need to visit the doctors more frequently. If you notice something unusual on your skin, don’t wait to book an appointment with your dermatologist.

References:

“Common Skin Diseases and conditions”, Medical News Today. Retrieved September 29,2021 from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316622
“10 of the Most Common Skin Conditions: Photos and Treatments”, Drugs.com. Retrieved September 29,2021 from: https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/most-common-skin-conditions-1086
“Common Skin Disorders, Diseases, & Conditions”, Offeringhope.org. Retrieved September 29,2021 from: https://www.offeringhope.org/9-common-skin-disorders
“Skin Conditions”, MedlinePlus.gov. Retrieved September 29,2021 from: https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html