Millions of people across the world suffer from common skin problems, regardless of their skin type, skin colour, or their genetic background. We all share the same skin, and anyone can be affected by one of many common skin conditions.
Here is a list of the ten most common skin problems, and how anyone with any skin type can treat them or prevent them.
Psoriasis
This is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis usually appears as an inflammation on the skin, with raised scales called plaques presenting in patches on the surface. There could also be some minor swelling around these patches.
There are a few different treatments available for Psoriasis, the most common treatment is a topical cream or ointment to help reduce the inflammation on the skin. Oral medications and light therapy, known as phototherapy, can also be used to treat some cases of Psoriasis. No treatment can cure or prevent Psoriasis, but it can reduce the size and severity of the inflammation.
Eczema
The exact cause of this common skin condition remains unknown, though research suggests that it can be triggered by environmental factors as well as genetics. Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis, often affects newborn children and toddlers but can continue on into adulthood.
Steroid creams are often prescribed to treat Eczema and are often very effective if they are applied early after Eczema first presents on the skin. Though people with existing allergies often suffer from Eczema there is no direct link between allergic reactions and outbreaks of Eczema on the skin.
Athlete’s Foot
Tinea Pedis, often called Athlete’s Foot, is a fungal infection that causes the skin to become itchy and causes cracked skin on the base of the feet, with flaky skin between the toes. It can also cause foot odour and excessive sweat.
Effective treatment for Athlete’s Foot is available in most drugstores and grocery stores without the need for a doctor’s appointment or prescription. Both sprays and powders are available, and the fungal infection should take between three and six weeks to clear.
Acne
Nearly every person in the world will experience Acne at some point in their life, most often in their teenage years. Though triggered by hormonal changes in the body Acne can still affect adults, even if it has been decades since they were a teen. It is caused by oils blocking the hair follicles and pores of the skin, which build up over time.
Typically it affects the face, but it can be found in other areas of the body such as the back, chest, or armpits. Minor cases can often be treated completely by medicated washes or creams that can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. Severe cases of Acne may need to be treated in consultation with a dermatologist to choose the right type of treatment for the skin type and size of the breakout.
Sunburn
Over-exposure to the sun can cause many skin problems, including skin cancer. The best way to treat sunburn, and reduce the risk of skin cancer, is to prevent over-exposure to the sun. This can be done by simply seeking shade, or by covering up the skin when the sun is out with clothes or sunscreen with a high skin protection factor (SPF).
Sunburn can be very painful, and in extreme cases can cause blistering of the skin. People who are experiencing sunburn should take a cool bath or shower with minimal soap to help rehydrate the skin. They should also apply aftersun lotions or moisturizers to help get moisture back into their skin and soothe the burning and itching sensations of sunburns. Drink plenty of fluids when sunburnt too.
Rosacea
This common skin condition presents as redness and swelling on the face. Though it is known to mostly affect women, men can also suffer from Rosacea. Blood vessels and pimples can also become more prominent on the skin due to the swelling. This condition can be painful for some people as the skin becomes very sensitive to touch and become irritated by soaps or moisturizers.
There are several different treatments for Rosacea, with the most common being antibiotics. These can be very effective at treating Rosacea, but severe cases require more severe treatments including laser surgery, or cosmetic surgery. Beta-blockers can sometimes be prescribed in order to treat the redness, or flushing, of the face.
Shingles
This rash is caused by the same virus as chicken pox, making it incredibly common. If you have had chickenpox, you are more susceptible to shingles, as the virus lays dormant in your body after treatment and can remerge later in your life. The rash is red and causes blisters and can spread across your torso or be in patches anywhere on the body.
Early treatment is essential to reducing the impact of shingles, and the pain and discomfort it causes. Antiviral treatment from oral medications like Valtrex (valacyclovir) can stop shingles early and lessen the symptoms. Shingrix is a shingles vaccine for the over-50s at a higher risk of infection as their auto-immune system ages. It has been proven to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is a common type of skin cancer that rarely spreads and can be cured with a variety of treatments, and cancer therapies like radiotherapy or chemotherapy are only needed in severe or advanced cases. These shiny, red, and sometimes scaly growths are often found around the head and scalp.
Many Basal Cell Carcinomas can be treated with a medicated cream which will reduce the growth. This may be removed surgically later if required. Larger growths may be treated with radiation therapy followed by surgery.
Hives
Severe cases of Hives can be dangerous, and if these red and itchy welts cover a large area of the body you should seek emergency care immediately.
Minor cases of Hives, where these raised bumps called welts are limited to a small patch, can be treated at home with antihistamines. These patches should be monitored closely, and if they spread or if the number of patches present on the skin increases you should consult a doctor.
Nappy Rash
This problem affects most babies at some point before they become potty trained. It can also be found in adults and the elderly who wear adult nappies.
The wetness from urine or stools can inflame the skin after prolonged contact, and the cracked skin can become infected. This can be very painful and be easily irritated by further contact with urine or stools in that area. If rashes persist for more than 2-3 days, you should consult your family doctor for advice.
Regularly changing diapers helps to reduce the risks of diaper rash, and zinc oxide ointments can be applied to the skin as a protective barrier to prevent rashes.
These skin conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, skin type, or colour. Preventative treatment is always best, and early treatment comes a close second.
If you experience any of these skin conditions there are treatments available, often without the need for a visit to a doctor’s office. Hopefully, this guide will help you to spot the signs of a problem early and get the right treatment for your skin.