The condition of your skin doesn’t only affect the way you look and your confidence level. Unfortunately, it can also affect your overall health, as when not treated, some skin problems could also cause infections.
And because of that, they need to be given some medical attention right away. This way, they won’t worsen and cause further health issues.
That said, it’s important that you know something about common skin problems and how they need to be dealt with. To help you prevent or treat existing skin problems, here are some pieces of information you need to know about common skin problems.
Table of Contents
Acne
Acne is one of the most widespread skin problems on this list. It comes in many forms: pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts. And it’s important to know what kind of acne you’re dealing with as they require different treatment.
For starters, pustules are the usual red pimples that have pus at their tips, papules are raised red bumps, nodules are painful bumps under the surface of your skin, and cysts are larger painful bumps that are already infected with pus.
To treat acne, there are several options you could go for. Usually, you can use products to soothe irritated skin and to address acne. You can also consult your dermatologist so they can prescribe you some oral medications.
However, acne can also be caused by different factors. It could be puberty, excess oil and dirt, or using wrong skincare products, to name a few.
Dermatitis
Like acne, dermatitis also comes in several forms and is also common. But among all of those, contact and atopic dermatitis are the most widespread.
The former occurs when your skin gets into contact with allergens, such as laundry detergents that cause either painful or itchy rashes. Meanwhile, the latter happens when the skin barrier is damaged. Hence, the skin becomes dry and itchy.
Depending on the type of dermatitis you have, your doctor might advise you to stop using certain products that could be causing your dermatitis. Sometimes, topical or oral medications are prescribed.
Hives
Hives are often triggered by medications or certain food like seafood, peanuts, tree nuts. In some cases, they aren’t triggered by food and medication allergies but by activities or exposure to certain temperatures.
If certain foods or medication are what’s causing your hives, unfortunately, avoidance is the only thing you can do. As for the symptoms, you can treat them by taking antihistamines.
In case you’re not sure which one is causing your hives, keeping a log will help you track which food or medication is the culprit. You may also see an allergy specialist to diagnose and help you have a treatment plan that’s best for your condition.
Sunburn
Sunburn is yet another common skin problem that many people often suffer from. Yes, it’s important to get sun exposure to get the vitamins that our body needs from the sun. However, like other things, too much of it can be bad not just for the skin but for your overall health too.
Sunburn occurs when you get too much exposure to ultraviolet light, which the sun and artificial sources (like tanning beds and sunlamps) emit. And when your skin gets too much exposure to it, it will eventually turn red and irritated.
To treat it, you can take frequent showers. This will relieve the pain. You can also use moisturizers that have soy or aloe vera as their main ingredient to soothe the skin.
To prevent it from happening again, one of the ways you can do this is to wear clothing that’s thick enough so you shouldn’t see any light passing through. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen and re-apply it every two hours.
Don’t worry. Unlike other skin concerns, sunburns don’t last that long. Even so, make sure that you don’t bask in the sun for too long frequently as it can result in long-lasting damage to the skin and increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
Athlete’s Foot
For starters, an athlete’s foot is a rash that is caused by a fungus. It quickly multiplies in damp and warm conditions like athletic shoes, hence the name.
Symptoms of it include dry, itchy red skin. Usually, the skin between the patient’s toes or under the foot is soggy, white, scaly, or cracked. And often, these parts itch and feel sore.
It can also cause the feet to smell bad due to the buildup of sweat and bacteria.
People who are at risk of it are those who visit public places without wearing any footwear to protect their feet. Those who often share shoes, socks, and towels with an infected person can also contract it. If you have sweaty feet, often wear tight closed-toe shoes, and if you keep your feet wet for long periods, you’re also at risk of athlete’s foot.
Fortunately, it’s treatable. Often, an over-the-counter topical antifungal medication will solve the issue. But, if it still doesn’t work for you, your doctor may prescribe another topical or oral medication to get rid of the fungi. Proper foot care and home remedies (like soaking your feet in saltwater) may also be recommended by your doctor.
Hyperhidrosis
A lot of people don’t usually notice that they suffer from hyperhidrosis. Yes, it’s normal for people to have sweaty palms, armpits, and feet, depending on what they’re wearing or feeling. What’s not normal, though, is excessive sweating in these areas, and this condition is referred to as hyperhidrosis.
Sometimes, hyperhidrosis may be hereditary, as there are cases where it runs in the family. But, it could also be due to underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, certain types of cancer, or nervous system disorders, to name a few.
For treatment, your doctor may prescribe antiperspirant with aluminum chloride. Creams that have glycopyrrolate may also be given. Depending on the underlying medical condition that’s causing it, your doctor may prescribe other medications.
Your skin’s health is important. So, don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you feel something is wrong with your skin.
Featured Image by Sharon McCutcheon on Pixabay
