What are the Most Common Chronic Skin Conditions?
The skin being the largest body organ means that we should take good care of it. There are days that your skin might decide to glow, whereas, on other days, you might experience a serious breakout or flare-up. Dealing with skin issues may greatly affect your quality of life. The good thing, however, is that you can consult dermatologists who are helping people with chronic skin conditions. At this point, you might be wondering, what are some of the common chronic skin conditions? In this piece, we have highlighted 8 common chronic skin conditions;
- Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affect many people around the world. While acne is most common among teenagers who are going through adolescence, it affects people of all ages. It is caused when dead skin cells and excess oils produced by the sebaceous glands clog the pores. This, in turn, results in pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts in some cases. Acne mostly appears on the face but might also affect other parts of the body, such as the chest area.
2. Eczema
Atopic dermatosis, commonly known as eczema, is characterized by severe itchiness of the skin, causing it to appear red. In severe cases, people with eczema tend to scratch due to the itchiness until they start bleeding. It is common in babies and infants, but it also affects people of different ages. Common causes of eczema are genetics and environmental factors. Also, soaps and detergents, fragrances, allergens are common causes of eczema. Eczema mostly affects the inner elbow, behind the knees, the neck, and ankles.
3. Psoriasis
Commonly confused with eczema due to almost similar symptoms, psoriasis is also a common chronic skin condition. It occurs due to the overproduction of skin cells which multiply ten times faster than normal. It causes red, scaly, itchy patches with a silver hue on the skin. It often affects people between the ages of 15- 35 years. The scalp, knees, palms of your hands, lower back, soles of your feet, and the face are common areas that it affects. If your scalp is affected, your dermatologist will guide you on how to use scalp lotion to treat the condition.
- Hair loss
Another common chronic skin condition is hair loss which often is hereditary. Some people may start going bald from a tender age which may affect their confidence at some point. The good thing, however, is that a dermatologist can advise you on different procedures that you can undergo to grow back your hair.
- Rosacea
Rosacea which is caused by immune system issues, environmental issues, or vein issues, causes swelling and redness on the skin. While there is no cure for these chronic diseases, there are various treatment methods that can keep them at bay.
- Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema which is caused when our skin reacts to something we touch- an irritant or an allergen. To avoid infection or scarring of the skin, prompt treatment is necessary.
- Vitiligo
When the cells that produce the skin pigment die, you may start noticing white patches on your skin. This is what is known as vitiligo. Some of the areas that you can notice the difference in the skin pigmentation include the mouth, eyes, nose, groin, and armpits. However, note that you might notice the patches anywhere on your body.
Vitiligo is not painful; the only thing you will notice is the white patches on the skin. It may be caused by genetic factors, an autoimmune disorder, self-destruction, or neurogenic factors. While there is no cure for vitiligo, some treatments of the condition include surgery, repigmentation therapy, camouflage therapy, and light therapy.
- Sunburns
While the sun is a good source of vitamin D, too much of it may harm to your skin. Sunburns can be painful, especially the server ones. As such, it is advisable to always wear sunscreen when you are out in the sun and also to avoid too much exposure. To treat the sunburns, you may need to stay indoors for a while as more exposure may cause more sunburns which may be fatal. Bathing using mild soap and applying oil-free moisturizers may also help. In severe cases, you might need to see a dermatologist who will prescribe some medications.
Take Away
Dealing with any of the above chronic skin conditions may be a painful and stressful experience. The minute you suspect that you are suffering from any of them, it is advisable to talk to your doctor to help you find a solution. Home remedies may also come in handy, but not all of them are effective. If you have any other medical conditions, it would be best to consult your doctor before trying any of the home remedies.
