Several skin conditions vary greatly in symptoms and severity. Some of them are temporary but more painful, while others are permanent but may be painless. While some skin conditions are caused due to environmental exposure, changes in hormones, and bacteria, others may be genetic. Some can also be life-threatening. Hence, everyone needs to be informed about the most common skin problems, symptoms, and treatment options.
The 6 Most Common Skin Problems and Treatments
1. Acne
Acne tops the list of the most common skin problems in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 suffer from acne outbreaks. Acne usually occurs when a pore is clogged with oil and dead skin cells get inflamed. Pores that do not close and turn dark are known as blackheads, whereas pores that are completely blocked are called whiteheads. Both blackheads and whiteheads are types of acne. Sometimes, hormones and certain types of bacteria are also responsible for triggering acne, mostly on the face, chest, and back.
Treatment:
- OTC and prescription topical creams
- Oral isotretinoin
- Tablets
2. Eczema
Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition that causes inflamed, red, dry, and itchy skin. The most common causes of eczema are irritants (like soaps), allergens, and stress. The climate can also trigger flares in eczema patients. This disease often appears on the hands, elbows, hands, and in skin folds.
Treatment:
- Topical creams
- Steroids
- Ointments
- Injections (for more severe cases)
3. Shingles
Shingles are best recognized as rashes of raised dots. These can easily turn into painful blisters. Shingles make your skin itch, burn, tingle, or become very sensitive over time. This skin problem mostly appears on the buttocks or the lower back, but it can occur anywhere. A single shingle outbreak can last for two weeks, but the numbness, itchy-feeling, and pain might remain for quite some time, perhaps even the rest of your life.
Treatment:
- Topical patches
- Creams
- Antidepressants
- Antiviral drugs
- Steroids
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is one of the most common skin problems marked by thick and red skin patches covered with silver or white scales. It occurs when your immune system triggers new skin cells to grow too quickly. Psoriasis patches mostly show up on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Even though they can heal via treatment, they can always come back anytime in your life.
Treatment:
- Creams
- Ointments
- Light therapy
- Oral medications
- Injections
- IV
5. Hives
Hives is a skin condition in which your skin starts developing little swollen patches that can itch, sting or burn. These patches vary in size and can sometimes even join together. They can appear on any part of your body and last anywhere between a few minutes to a few days. Hives are mostly caused by changes in extreme temperatures, allergies to certain foods, additives, and medicines, and infections like strep throat.
Treatment:
- OTC and prescription antihistamines
- Creams
- Injections
6. Rosacea
Last up on our list of the most common skin problems is rosacea. Under this condition, your skin develops a tendency to flush easily, and you experience redness on your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. If this condition worsens with time, your skin can get redder, and blood vessels can be seen. You might also develop bumps, pus-filled pimples, or thick skin.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics (oral or cream-based)
- Gels
- Isotretinoin
- Laser or surgical treatments
- Topical agents
Noticing Symptoms? Contact irvingprimarycare.com Immediately
The 6 most common skin problems mentioned in this blog tend to escalate very quickly. Hence, it would be best to visit a doctor when you first experience symptoms so the doctor can suggest treatments and preventative measures to stop the condition from worsening.
To make an appointment with a physician at irvingprimarycare.com, visit our website or call (469)262-5762 today.