Skin diseases are the most common ailment. These can be caused by many factors, including external and internal factors like sun exposure, bacteria, viruses, stress levels, etc. Some of these skin diseases are benign, while others may lead to severe consequences in the future if left untreated.
There are many different skin diseases that one should know about to take preventive measures against them. This blog will provide you with a list, including what they are and the symptoms to be aware of!
Acne
Acne is the most common skin disease out the lot. The acne affects more than 80% of teenagers and almost half of adult women. Symptoms of acne include pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and cysts. Acne treatments vary depending on severity.
Although acne is not a severe medical condition, it can leave permanent scars. Treatment options vary depending on severity but often include chemical peels. The dead cells are sloughed off using enzymes, exposing fresh, healthy tissue, which gets renewed faster.
Alopecia areata
This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and suppresses hair growth. Researchers report that this condition affects more than 5 million people in the United States and has no cure.
Nor is there a way to prevent alopecia areata from occurring, although some studies indicate that certain types of cancer and other autoimmune diseases can contribute to this condition. Hair replacement therapy is the only treatment available for people with alopecia areata.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
It is a skin disease that brings about redness, itching and dry or cracked skin. In infants, the affected areas are often on the face and neck, and in adults, the face and hands are often affected.
Studies indicate that atopic dermatitis can be inherited and is related to allergies such as hay fever. Allergies may trigger the condition of food, dust mites, pollen or animal dander. Treatments include moisturizers, topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
Psoriasis
More than 7 million people in the United States have psoriasis, a skin disease that causes abnormal growth of skin cells. Psoriasis results due to problems with the immune system.
It can appear on any part of the body and most often affects skin folds such as the elbows, knees and skin around the navel. Symptoms include red scaly patches that are itchy and painful, bleeding of affected skin areas, thickened or pitted nails.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Although there is no cure for this condition, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Symptoms include episodic numbness or pain in the fingers, toes and occasionally other areas such as the tip of the nose. A narrowing of blood vessels causes the condition in response to cold or stress.
Rosacea
This condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects adults between 30 and 50 years of age. Rhinophyma, red scaly skin around the nose, is an example of a more severe form of rosacea. Symptoms include redness on the cheeks, nose and chin, noticeable blood vessels and pimples. Treatments include antibiotics, methotrexate, laser surgery and retinoids.
Skin cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Symptoms include a shiny, pearly-white growth, pink, red or flesh-coloured bleeding, crusting, itching or tenderness. Treatments include surgical removal of abnormal cells, radiation
therapy and chemotherapy.
The list does not end here, but many skin diseases need to be taken care of. Prevention is better than cure. If you’ve found these symptoms in you or those close to you, please do not hesitate to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes the loss of skin pigmentation resulting in white patches on various parts of the body. This condition often occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 40. Vitiligo causes cells called melanocytes to stop producing melanin, which gives the skin its pigment.
Vitiligo can also affect the hair and the inner ear. In some cases, a person’s eyelashes, eyebrows and hair turn white.
Final Thoughts
Skin diseases can be treated with methods such as topical creams, phototherapy, and surgery. If you have a skin disease bothering you or your family member, it’s essential to know what treatment will work best for the specific condition. There are many different types of skin diseases, so we recommend seeking an expert dermatologist if you don’t think one can diagnose your ailment correctly. Don’t wait! Get better today by finding a licensed medical professional who specializes in treating these conditions.