Skin problems are common issues that most of us have had to deal with at one time or the other. Unfortunately, they can be a cosmetic nuisance that we all wish away. In addition, chronic skin problems can cause depressive symptoms due to low self-esteem. Most people dealing with skin problems end up socially isolating themselves, which can lead to loneliness and low quality of life.
Understanding the different skin problems can help you better care for your skin. Moreover, find herein insights to help address that skin problem that you might be struggling with.
Common skin problems, causes, symptoms, and treatment
Skin problems manifest in different ways, causing the skin to appear abnormal or different from the surrounding skin, usually skin lesions appearing on different parts of the body. This abnormality can be in terms of color, texture, size, and more. Common forms include raised bumps, blisters, scales, rashes, and red, brown, black, or white patches, among others.
Common causes of skin lesions include:
- Skin injury or damage caused by insect bites, excess exposure to the sun, burns, and the like
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Poor circulation
- Hereditary such as birthmarks and moles
- Allergic reaction to medication or food
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Others occur as a sign of an underlying condition
Skin lesion treatment varies depending on the type and cause. Some skin lesions, such as moles, skin tags, and birthmarks, don’t require treatment. But you can have others, such as cherry hemangiomas or skin tags removed. Other skin lesions, such as acne and allergy reactions, can also clear without medical intervention. However, you might want to see a doctor if there is pain, swelling, bleeding, leaking pus, or you notice an increase in size or change in shape. Below, we explore six skin problems, including effective ways to address them:
1. Acne
Acne occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged, resulting in pimples or zits. The clogging can be caused by excess oil production, dead skin cells build-up, and sometimes bacteria growth in the pore. Also, other factors such as excess androgen hormones in the body or hormonal medications increase the risk of developing this skin problem. While it is common in teens, it continues to the thirties and forties for some people. How can you address acne?
- See a doctor or dermatologist – Your doctor can prescribe the best medication for your type of acne
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid foods with high content of oil and sugar
- Wash your skin with warm water and mild cleanser twice a day
- Use oil-free moisturizer
- Avoid products with exfoliants, alcohol, astringents on your skin
- Don’t sleep with makeup on
- Wash your skin after excessive sweating
2. Eczema
This skin problem manifests itself in itchy and rough patches on the skin. Other symptoms include open and crusted sores that could be weeping, discolored skin, scaly patches, and skin flushing. Areas where the rashes occur depend on the age of the patient. For instance, they appear on the scalp and cheeks of infants, while adults experience them on the creases of the knees, elbows, and neck. Eczema can be caused by different factors, including genetic and environmental factors. They include allergens, changes in temperature, irritants, hormones, microbes, stress, and food. While eczema has no cure, you can do the following to treat symptoms:
- Know your triggers and avoid them
- Medication such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, and topical creams.
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Wear clothes that are soft on the skin
- Reduce stress
3. Vitiligo
Vitiligo makes the skin lose its pigment, making the affected areas appear lighter than normal – often white patches. In areas where there is hair, vitiligo causes the hair to turn silver or white. This condition is caused by a lack of melanocytes in the body. The body’s immune system destroys or alters the function of this melanin-producing chemical. This could be due to stress, genetic disorders, or an autoimmune condition. Vitiligo is a cosmetic issue that doesn’t require treatment. However, patients who don’t like the look of their skin can find solutions to make the skin tone uniform. Your doctor could recommend treatment for slowing down the loss of pigmentation or restoring the skin color. Patients can also opt for depigmentation to eliminate pigmentation in the remaining areas.
4. Psoriasis
This is a chronic skin condition that is immune-related. It occurs in cases of an overactive immune system that causes the skin cells to multiply rapidly. This results in scaly and inflamed patches on the skin, mostly on the knees, palms, trunk, soles of the feet, elbows, and scalp. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis that causes painful and swollen joints and neck and back pain. As a long-term skin problem, psoriasis occurs in cycles of flares and remission. This means that in some months, the symptoms become worse and improve in others. Psoriasis treatment depends on the severity of the condition. But generally, your doctor can recommend topical creams and ointments, phototherapy, or injected/oral medications.
5. Impetigo
Impetigo affects children and can be highly contagious. It presents itself in reddish sores that burst after about a week, forming honey-colored crusts. The sores appear mostly on the face. However, if other areas come into contact with the fluids oozing from the sores, the infection spreads to those areas. Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus aureus or groups A streptococcus bacteria or both. Treatment involves antibiotics, either topical or oral.
6. Hives
Hives are a type of skin lesions that appear as reddish bumps or splotches that are usually itchy and cause a burning or stinging feel. Some patients might also experience painful swelling on the eyes and lips or puffiness caused by swelling under the skin. They happen as an allergic reaction from medication, food, drink, or irritants, such as touching something that the body is sensitive to. Hives can be treated by taking allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroids. Home remedies include:
- Identifying your allergens and avoiding them
- Reducing stress
- Nit exposing the body to extreme weather changes
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes
- Applying cold compresses
- Taking a cool bath to relieve hives
Conclusion
As seen above, different skin problems manifest in different symptoms from one person to the other. The trick in addressing skin problems lies in understanding the problem that you are battling with. Consult a specialist for tests and medication. In addition, take intentional steps to stay healthy and give your skin some love and care.
