Our skin is one of the main protective barriers we have against infections and diseases. It serves as the first line of defense against germs and other foreign invaders. At the first signs of common skin problems, it’s only natural for us to worry and seek solutions.
Are you struggling with your skin? Here are seven of the most common skin conditions you’re likely to face and how to go about dealing with them. Read on to discover more.
1. Acne
There’s nothing more annoying than trying to deal with that angry, red blemish on your skin. Although more commonly found on the face, acne also affects other body parts like the back and butt. So while disconcerting, it isn’t all too uncommon.
Dirt and oil clogged in your pores and bacteria are the leading cause of acne flareups. When trying to find a way on how to treat acne, remember these two culprits. While there are plenty of reputable drugstore solutions, it’s best to consult a specialist first.
It’s crucial to shop based on your needs, like skin type and other underlying issues. Keep your pores clean and apply acne cream to the affected areas as instructed. Each skin type has its own effective solution, which you can learn more about here.
Consistency is an essential factor. Ensure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions and never forget to apply the ointment.
2. Eczema
Better known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition that affects 31.6 million people in the US. For successful eczema solutions, those afflicted must consult a specialist first. This is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” remedy for eczema.
Each person may have different triggers and severities. Unfortunately, eczema can be quite specific, hence meaning it needs tailored treatment. Everything from your environment, immune system, and genetics can act as triggers.
Common locations include the face, folds of the skin like elbows or knees, and your hands and feet. Scaly and dry skin, with thick areas where it’s most itchy, is typical. Topical steroids are the most common treatment, as they help manage your symptoms.
Dupixent is a promising injectable solution, while Eucrisa is an effective topical ointment.
3. Rosacea
Make-up, like color correctors, concealers, or foundations, can serve as a temporary solution. However, they’re far from cures for common skin problems. All they do is hide, and it’s advisable to target the root of the problem.
Solutions to rosacea depend on how sensitive your skin is and what triggers it. To some, switching to gentler cleansers and skincare products do the trick. Others may need more serious treatments that involve oral and topical antibiotics.
4. Melasma
Melasma is a common skin disorder that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by dark spots or freckles on your face, upper arms, and forehead. It comes in various shades of brown or blue-gray and is a result of pigment cell overproduction.
It often affects pregnant women, giving it the nickname of the “mask of pregnancy.” It’s harmless but damaging to self-confidence. It darkens in the summer and recedes in winter, and fades after a few months.
Certain foods, products, and medications can bring on melasma. So it’s important to try to identify potential triggers. Topical medications that include tyrosinase inhibitors are the most effective after managing triggers.
5. Hives
Known as urticaria, pinpointing the exact reason for what causes hives and why it occurs isn’t as easy as you think. The trigger can be food, medicine, or a bug bite, and the flareups tend to be aggressive and very noticeable.
The tell-tale red welts that appear can be anywhere on your skin. However, if you notice your throat or face swelling at an alarming rate, get medical help ASAP.
Swelling from hives can affect your breathing which can be deadly. If the welts cover a large section of your body, that’s also a sign you may want to call 911. Hives will go away in about 4 hours, but chronic urticaria can last for months or even years.
Treatments include allergy and antihistamine medications such as Claritin and Allegra. Injections such as Xolair and Cetrizine have also been effective against chronic and acute urticaria. The best form is prevention, so get tested for allergies and avoid the trigger.
6. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema which has roots in allergies. Often you’ll flare up in relation to something you’ve touched or come into contact with. These can be obvious, like poison ivy or things that require thought and testing, like latex or soaps.
The first step is to find out what’s causing the rash and avoid it at all costs. Talk to your doctor and have them perform a patch test if you don’t know what you could be allergic to. Topical or oral steroids are a common treatment option, as are antihistamines.
A good old colloidal oatmeal bath can do the trick as well, as many of us remember if we had chickenpox as children.
7. Sunburn
Let your skin rest, and never peel off blisters. It’s there to help your skin heal. There are plenty of ways on how to treat sunburn, but the right one for you depends on how bad your sunburn is.
Your skin sensitivity and possible allergies are something you should consider as well. While aloe-based gels or creams are the standard go-to, they may not always be the best solution. Although rare, aloe can still cause an allergic reaction to some.
That said, before using any topicals (aloe or not), read the products’ ingredients list first. Remember, though, that prevention is always better than cure. Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancers and worse.
Common Skin Problems Are Easy to Deal With
Common skin problems can affect our self-confidence, and they can even be gross and dangerous. Treatments and solutions are available, with frequent breakthroughs in dermatology. Being able to diagnose and treat skin problems is important.
Talking to your doctor, eliminating triggers, and starting treatment aren’t difficult. If you need more on common skin problems and how to treat them, then our site has plenty more guides to look through.