This is a collaborative post: Skin conditions can affect anyone at any time. Some are lasting conditions that people have to live with throughout their entire lives, others come and go, can be treated, and are resolved with time or the right medication. A lot of skin conditions appear with similar symptoms, so being able to distinguish between each of the conditions can be helpful for home treatment, but if you do suspect you have a skin condition, seek advice from your GP or a professional dermatologist to make sure you get the help you need.
What are Skin Conditions?
Anything that affects the appearance or health of your skin is a skin condition. It could be irritation, itching, redness or inflammation. Some people experience more severe symptoms than others, and conditions do have variations, whether they be temporary or permanent, painful or painless. There are multiple different causes of skin conditions; they can be a result of allergies, viral infections, bacteria, fungi, parasites and sometimes even genetics. With some conditions, it isn’t clear why they occur in the first place, but there are certain environmental elements that can worsen the symptoms or make the condition flare up, like clothing detergent, the weather or the materials you come in contact with.
Signs You Have a Skin Condition
Whilst the symptoms and severity can vary between different skin conditions, there are a few common signs to look out for to determine whether you have a skin condition or not. Often, changes in colour and appearance of the skin is a sign of a skin condition; for example, itching, redness, sores, blisters, flaking, swelling or dryness. If you have any of these symptoms that continue for more than a few days and spread to other areas of your skin or grow larger, you probably have a skin condition.
How Common are Skin Conditions?
Most people will experience some sort of skin condition at some point during their life. Right from the moment we are born we are susceptible to skin conditions like diaper rash, and conditions that affect the skin are regularly dealt with throughout our life span. Sometimes, these conditions are noticeable or can leave visible scars and marks, greatly affecting a person’s confidence. Here are some of the most common skin conditions to be aware of and how they appear on your skin, so you can begin to distinguish between them.
Dermatitis
This skin condition can affect both babies and adults. In babies, it is commonly known as cradle cap, and appears as greasy, scaly patches on the skin, usually on the scalp. In adults, it can affect any part of the body. Affected areas look red, swollen and greasy, and there may be a white or yellow crust that appears at the surface of the skin. People with dermatitis tend to experience flare ups and periods of dormancy throughout their lives and medicated creams or shampoos can be used to ease the symptoms.
Moles
Moles are regular and normal, and most people have at least 40 across their body. Moles can be flat but are often raised bumps of a darker colour. They form when skin cells grow and bunch together and are usually harmless. Moles should be checked regularly for any changes in appearance like size or shape and they should be checked by a doctor as this can be an early sign of skin cancer.
Rosacea
The most common symptom of rosacea is patches of redness on the face. You may also notice visible blood vessels, irritation and redness of the eyes, swollen eyelids, acne like breakouts and bumpy, thickening skin. There is currently no known cure for rosacea, though symptoms can be eased with prescribed medication.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain and can affect any part of the body. On the skin, symptoms are usually red patches or rings, circular painless rashes, and sunburn-like rashes on the cheek and nose. These are often accompanied with fever, headaches, stiff or painful joints and fatigue. Lupus is a long term condition that can vary in severity, often flaring up for a few weeks and then settling down.
Morgellons Disease
Morgellons is condition characterized by chronic itching or crawling sensations. The exact cause of the condition remains unknown. However, some healthcare professionals and researchers believe Morgellons disease results from a tick-borne bacterial infection, similar to Lyme disease, while others believe it is a mental health disorder. Morgellons treatments include a wide variety of therapies.
Psoriasis
Another autoimmune condition, psoriasis symptoms generally include patches of sore itchy skin. These patches can vary in size but are typically red or pink with a white scale like appearance. Much like lupus, psoriasis is a lifelong condition, there is no known cure and symptoms vary in severity throughout a person’s lifetime. If you want more information on psoriasis, have a look at Patient. They have detailed articles that are written and reviewed by trusted doctors, as well as tools and resources to help you look after your own health. For in-depth information on Psoriasis, the different types and treatment options available, check out their article.
Eczema
This condition is most common in children, and many grow out of it as they get older, but it can be found in adults as well. Eczema causes rashes of dry, flaky skin usually around the face, elbows, neck, scalp, wrists, ankles and legs. These rashes look bumpy, can change colour and become thicker, and are usually incredibly itchy. In adults, the area affected by eczema can become much more widespread. There is no known cure for eczema, but it does tend to resolve on its own over time.
Acne
This is a common skin condition for people going through puberty as it can be causes by hormonal changes in the body, but anyone at any age can get acne. It is one of the most widely experienced skin conditions. Acne can appear on the face, back and buttocks and there are four different symptoms that usually occur: pustules, which are pimples that have pus at the tip; papules, that are infected hair follicles which cause raised red bumps; nodules, which are beneath the surface of the skin and cause painful lumps; and cysts, which are also beneath the surface of the skin but are larger, more painful, pus filled bumps.
Hives
If you have itchy, raised welts that are pink or red, you might have hives. They can be different shapes and sizes, sometimes appearing as small red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body and are caused by an allergic reaction. The rash is often itchy or you experience a burning sensation, but symptoms don’t usually last long, often disappearing within a few minutes or days.
Warts
Warts are contagious bumps that can appear anywhere on the body, but usually on the hands or feet. They tend to be the same colour as the person’s skin but can appear darker, are hard to the touch, raised and rough. Other forms of wart can be round, flat and yellow, appearing in clusters, or spread over a larger area of skin. They aren’t harmful but can be itchy or painful at times so can be removed by a doctor or dermatologist.
Athlete’s Foot
This is caused by a fungi that thrives in warm damp areas, which is why it is common in between the toes and on the feet. Athlete’s foot appears as blistered, flaky, peeling skin and may cause the skin to be soggy, pale, and cracked.
At some point in your life, you are likely to experience a skin condition. They can be painful, uncomfortable and sometimes reduce your confidence, but distinguishing which one you have is important for effective treatment and easing your symptoms.