Your skin has a significant impact on how you see yourself and how other people see you. Unfortunately, not all people are endowed with healthy, naturally glowing skin. In fact, because the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is susceptible to a wide array of common dermatological conditions. Many people around the world suffer from various skin conditions that can significantly impact their self-confidence, their work performance, and even their social relationships.
If you are interested in improving the health and aesthetics of your skin, read on to learn the six most common dermatological conditions, as well as their symptoms and causes. A consultation with a dermatologist in Sarasota can help you identify your skin condition and get the treatment you need.
Six Most Common Dermatological Conditions
1. Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition in which the hair follicle under the skin becomes clogged while sebum and dead skin cells in the epidermis—keratinocytes—plug the pores. When the skin cells cannot shed and the sebum is kept from reaching the surface of the skin, the bacteria that normally live on the skin grow in the plugged follicles, leading to swelling, redness, heat, and pain. In time, the walls of the plugged follicles break down and spill the bacteria, skin cells, and sebum, causing lesions or pimples.
Although acne is a common nuisance in adolescents, teens, and young adults, some people still suffer from it until they are well into their forties and fifties.
Symptoms:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Tender, small pink bumps on the skin called papules
- Pus-filled lesions, commonly called pimples
- Painful, solid lesions called nodules
- Deep painful lesions that are filled with pus
Causes:
- Too much oil production
- Skin cells build-up
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Family history
- Puberty
- Age
- Diet
- Pressure or friction from face masks, helmets, tight-fitting clothes, or backpacks
- Pollution
- Squeezing or picking blemishes
2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a noncontagious inflammatory skin condition that can cause severe itching and result in very dry, sensitive skin. Although most eczema patients are children who eventually outgrow it over time, this condition can also develop in adulthood, at which time it becomes more difficult to manage. Eczema is a chronic condition among adults characterized by inflamed, red, and itchy patches of skin that can affect the face, hands, and even eyelids. The symptoms in adults are often unbearable because eczema develops to affect skin all over the body.
Symptoms:
- Severe itchiness
- Redness of the skin
- Oozing and scaly rashes
Causes:
- Overreaction of your immune system to irritants and allergens
- Genetic disposition
Triggers:
- Exposure to smoke and other pollutants
- Exposure to pet hair or foods that can trigger allergic reaction
- Exposure to some fabrics and skin care products
- Stress and other emotional triggers
- Food allergies
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition characterized by an overactive immune system that causes cells to multiply too quickly. Although its symptoms are usually seen on the scalp, elbows, and knees, they can also manifest on other parts of the body.
Symptoms:
- Scaly and inflamed patches of skin on the scalp, elbows, and knees
- Small scaly spots, usually seen in children
- Exceedingly dry skin that sometimes bleeds
- Flare-ups that come and go after a few months
Causes:
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors
Triggers:
- Strep throat or skin infections
- Cold or dry weather conditions
- Bug bites
- Cuts or scrapes on the skin
- Severe sunburn
4. Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes skin redness and a rash on the face. It is usually centered on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Although rosacea patients are usually women older than 30, this condition can also affect children, teenagers, and men.
Symptoms:
- Flushing or facial redness
- Redness that persists
- Pus-filled redness that burns or stings
- Visible blood vessels
- Watery or bloodshot eyes
- Burning or stinging feeling on the face
- Dry and rough central facial skin
- Skin thickening resulting in rhinophyma
- Edema
Causes:
- Microscopic skin mites
- Infection by the H. pylori bacteria
- Malfunctioning of the cathelicidin protein
Triggers:
- Stress
- Alcohol consumption
- Spicy foods
- Sun exposure
- Hot or cold temperature
- Hormonal changes
- Skincare or hair care products
It is important to remember that symptoms may vary from one individual to the next, given that there are different types of rosacea.
5. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that results when the skin comes in contact with a certain stimulus in the environment. It often affects hairstylists, food workers, construction workers, florists, healthcare providers, janitors, plumbers, mechanics, and other people who are in daily contact with various substances. This condition can even affect babies.
Symptoms:
- A red or purple rash
- Blisters
- Pus
- Painful burning or itchy feeling
- Flakes or scales on the affected skin
Causes:
- Plants
- Skincare products
- Medications
- Chemicals and preservatives
6. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that is characterized by scaly patches, inflamed skin, and dandruff. It affects the scalp and other oily areas of the body, like the eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, ears, and chest.
Symptoms:
- Flaky skin on your scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, beard or mustache
- Patches of greasy skin with white or yellow crust on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, chest, and other parts of the body
- Itchy ring-shaped rash
Causes:
- Change in the season
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Mental health conditions such as depression
- Immune system disorders
- Stressful medical conditions
Treatment
There are various dermatological treatments for these conditions, from topical medications to oral medications to therapies combined with lifestyle changes. However, your treatment plan should be customized for your unique situation, your age, the severity of your skin condition, your skin type, and what you are willing and able to commit to. Your skin specialist will be able to give you a customized treatment plan after seeing you.
Visit Sarasota ISO Today!
If you have been struggling with any of these most common dermatological conditions, do not waste any more time wishing for the symptoms to go away or using products that have not been specially prescribed to you by a licensed dermatologist. Get the relief you need and boost your self-confidence by seeking treatment from a dermatological specialist. Contact the Institute of Dermatology and Oculoplastic Surgery to get the expert help you need.