Did you know that skin conditions contribute to 1.79% of the most common burden of diseases in primary care globally? Studies have shown that at least 1.9 billion people have skin diseases globally. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that 84.5 million, equivalent to 1 in 4 people, in America have a skin disease. Common skin diseases affect the appearance and texture of your skin. These diseases may cause itchiness, rashes, inflammation, or other skin-related changes. Most common skin diseases are due to genetic composition or your lifestyle, affecting the treatment approach you should take.
Fortunately, almost all common skin diseases are curable. Learning to differentiate skin diseases can help with home care remedies; consulting a specialist is the best option. Your specialist evaluates your skin condition to advise on the most effective treatment options. Here are the major skin conditions, causes, and treatments:
10 Most Common Skin Diseases
While your skin has many functions ranging from stabilizing your body temperature, synthesizing vitamin D, preventing dehydration to helping you feel sensations, it is prone to various skin conditions as described below:
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is caused by irritants such as detergents and soaps. It causes itching, redness, and dryness on your skin and leaves scaly and bumpy patches on your neck, hands, face, wrists, ankles, and elbows. Eczema is common in children but can affect other ages too.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is caused by a lack of melanin in your skin. This condition affects your skin color, leaving pale white patches all over your body. Vitiligo affects your pigment cells, which are responsible for uniform skin color. It is common in faces, neck, and hands but can appear in other body parts.
Contact Dermatitis
This is a dry and itchy rash resulting from direct contact with substances you are allergic to. These substances can be cosmetics, jewelry, or fragrances. Your skin reacts to the allergic elements on exposure, leading to rash formation.
Rosacea
Rosacea disease causes flushing of blood vessels on your skin. It produces small bumps around your blood vessels, making them more visible. You notice rosacea signs for about a week or month, after which they disappear for a while. The common skin disease affects the face, primarily the neck, nose, chick, and forehead.
Melasma
If you have melasma, you notice spots and patches on your face. They tend to be darker compared to your normal skin tone. You require the help of an expert to tell melasma apart from other common skin diseases. The common causes are infrared and ultraviolet sun radiations.
Warts
These are small and grainy growths on your skin. They also appear as tiny blackheads, majorly on your hands or fingers. Warts create a rough texture on your skin. Its symptoms include grainy bumps, itching, and uneven skin growth.
Actinic Keratosis
Do you have some dry, rough, and scaly patches on your skin? It might be solar keratosis also actinic keratosis. The patches form when your skin is damaged by the sun. In rare occasions, when untreated actinic keratosis turns into skin cancer. You need the help of a professional to diagnose this condition.
Acne Vulgaris
This condition is commonly associated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions on your face, chest, and back. It occurs when your skin produces excessive oily substance (sebum) that blocks your hair follicles, leading to inflammation.
Urticaria
Urticaria or hives is an itchy rash appearing on a part of your body. It may be due to insect bite, emotional stress, or medication side effects. The size of the rash grows bigger as you touch it. Urticaria commonly affects people with a previous history, women, and children.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is a skin cancer that develops due to exposing your skin to excessive sun. It appears as a glossy black or brown bump will rolled border. Your specialist helps you determine whether you have this condition and starts a treatment plan.
Ways to Prevent Skin Diseases
Proper skin care and a good lifestyle help maintain your skin healthy. Below are ways to prevent skin diseases:
- Avoid contact with irritants and harsh chemicals
- Put on a quality sunscreen
- Use gentle cleanser and moisturizer daily
- Eat healthy foods and drink enough water
- Avoid emotional and physical stress
Treatments Available for Skin Diseases
Some skin conditions require the attention of a specialist to diagnose and administer effective treatment. Depending on the disease, your professional may recommend the following:
- Laser resurfacing
- Oral medications
- Steroid injections, creams, or pills
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Medicated gels or creams
- Surgical procedures
Get the Right Treatment for Your Skin Today
Have you noticed an abnormal change in your skin, and you’re not sure what it might be? Allow your specialist to diagnose the signs and symptoms and guide you on the best treatment approach. Common skin diseases require specialized care. Depending on your skin condition, your physician advises home care or administers a treatment plan. At Radiant Dermatology, we offer treatments and procedures to help prevent and treat skin diseases. Fill out the form below to get started.