Skin complaints are one of the most common reasons for people to visit their doctor around the world. In this post, we are going to be covering some of the most common skin problems that can occur, why they occur, and potential treatment options for them. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes itchy, red, dry, and highly irritated. It can vary in severity, from minor itching, redness, and discomfort, to extremely tight, painful, cracked skin. It can be debilitating for those that suffer from it, especially in more severe cases. Many sufferers have to apply treatments to keep their skin hydrated daily morning and night, keep their skin covered, and could be sensitive to sunlight and certain products. The causes of eczema are not entirely known and could be due to a number of potential reasons. For example, it’s believed it could be genetic or caused by an overreaction of the immune system. It can also potentially be brought on by other health conditions or from stress. The treatment of eczema usually consists of a prescribed ointment or oral treatment.
Scabies
Scabies occurs when a tiny mite lays eggs underneath the skin. The signs of scabies include itching, redness on light skin and dark spots on darker skin, irritation, raised skin, and bumps appearing quickly. It can appear anywhere on the body, but common places include the hands, neck, and head. Anyone can catch scabies. However, it can also be treated quickly and easily. The treatment does not need to come from a doctor, as it can be prescribed by a pharmacist. Treatment for scabies usually consists of a cream that is applied to the affected areas around the body and will need to be repeated to ensure scabies has gone. Anyone you live with or have had close contact with will also need to seek treatment. Symptoms may persist for a while even after the mites have been killed off.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes dry, flaking, and irritated patches of skin on any part of the body. The exact cause is unknown, but potential causes could include:
- Stress and mental health problems
- Genetic predisposition
- Infections
- Medication
- Vitamin deficiency
Due to the vague nature of the cause of this skin disease, it can be difficult to find an effective treatment. Some of the treatments offered may include medicated creams and oral medication. If you have an idea of what might be causing psoriasis, then you could try other treatments as well such as stress-relieving treatments and changing your diet to include more nutrition. Sometimes psoriasis can simply disappear as quickly as it appeared, lying dormant for months or even years.
Shingles
Shingles can occur when the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster) has been lying in the nerve roots for years and flares back up. This can be triggered for a number of reasons such as stress, medication use, or old age. The signs of shingles include a rash with painful blisters dotted throughout. Shingles can clear up after a few weeks, but it’s important to seek treatment as it can cause severe pain and potential complications such as eye complications and brain inflammation if it goes untreated. The treatment usually prescribed by a doctor can include medication to help with symptoms, as well as vaccination to help protect against the virus and breakouts again in the future.
Hives
Hives is an itchy and uncomfortable rash that can be caused by a number of triggers. Potential triggers include allergic reactions, changes in temperature, emotional distress, dust, and sunlight. It appears as raised, bumpy batches of irritated red skin that can cause a stinging or burning sensation. Treatment may include antihistamines to reduce the reaction to the trigger, as well as lotions to soothe the discomfort. The best way, however, to treat hives is to identify what is causing it and whether it’s a reaction to something. This way, you can avoid potential triggers and the discomfort of hives when they arise.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that causes painful and chronic cysts to appear on the skin. It commonly appears on the face, neck, back, and thighs. It can be hard to pin down the unique causes of acne as it can vary from person to person. However, generally, it is linked with hormone imbalances, genetics, and sometimes medications. Due to its link with hormones, acne is particularly common amongst adolescents where it can flare up with their shifting hormone levels. For the same reason, it is also a common side effect of pregnancy, menstruation, and conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Acne can sometimes clear up on its own after the teenage years and early twenties as hormone levels start to balance out, however, this isn’t always the case and some people have acne throughout adulthood. Treatment is possible but finding the right one can take some time and experimentation. Your doctor or dermatologist may have to try prescribing a few different treatments to find one that works with your skin and helps to calm your symptoms of acne.
Rosacea
Rosacea is the intense reddening and discolouration of the skin and tends to be particularly common in fair-skinned women. It can be triggered due to high body temperature, alcohol, spicy foods, exercise, and even emotions. It can also be common in those past their thirties or on certain medications. Those with rosacea can experience flare-ups where their skin becomes very red, particularly on the face, and becomes hot to the touch. Treating rosacea can be difficult as it is very often due to hereditary reasons. However, you can avoid rosacea flare-ups by keeping cool and being aware of potential triggers such as drinks and food. Or alternatively, you can try using gels and lotions designed to reduce symptoms, pulse laser therapy treatments, or specific antibiotics that can be prescribed by your doctor.
Athlete’s Foot
An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes, soles, and heels of the feet and can cause the skin to peel, itch, and create a burning sensation. Blisters and sores can also sometimes develop, leading to greater discomfort. It can be caused by sweat gathering on the feet, caused by poorly ventilated shoes, and certain materials for socks. Wearing breathable cotton socks, well-ventilated shoes, and regularly washing your feet can help you to avoid getting athletes’ foot. Treatment is simple and can be purchased from most stores or pharmacies as a cream that is applied to the affected area. It is important to treat it, however, as it can lead to painful sores and potential infection if left untreated.
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers occur on the skin due to lack of mobility, poor hygiene of the area, and prolonged periods spent in the same position. For these reasons, pressure sores are especially common in the elderly, disabled, and sick. The severity can vary from small sores to large holes in the skin that can go down to the bone. Some pressure sores can also quickly develop from small sores into huge wounds if left untreated. It’s important to take action as soon as you see a pressure sore developing in order to make sure it doesn’t get worse and lead to a high risk of infection. Treatment includes regularly mobilising and reducing pressure on the affected area such as the buttocks, legs, and feet. The sores should also be kept clean and free of bacteria and may need to be covered. There are also some specific barrier sprays that can be prescribed to help reduce infection.
