What are Common Skin Conditions and How to Manage Them?

Skin is the biggest organ of your body. Almost everyone cares about the skin as any skin condition is visible and may scar the appearance. Your skin is very sensitive and can often react to a lot of things. Sometimes other physical or mental conditions can also cause skin conditions. Skin conditions like acne and eczema can vary in symptoms and severity. These conditions can be temporary or permanent. Skin conditions are usually painless but some conditions can be painful. People can get skin conditions due to situational causes meanwhile the condition can also be genetic. Skin conditions are usually minor but some conditions may indicate serious health issues.

Common types of skin disorders

Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition. A person can get acne on any part of the body but acne mostly appears in the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Acne breakout can cause redness, blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, painful cysts, and nodules. Sometimes, acne conditions can leave scars or may darken the skin. People of color may experience dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Blister

Blisters also known as vesicles are the raised portion of skin filled with fluid. You may get a blister when you wear the wrong size of shoes. Blisters mainly occur due to friction between the skin and shoes. This skin condition is very annoying and painful. But this is not a serious condition and can heal within a few days without any medical intervention.

Hives

Hives cause itchy, raised welts that occur when the skin gets exposed to any allergen. These welts can be warm and can cause mild pain when you touch them. In darker skin tones, hives can appear raised and might be a bit darker or lighter than the natural skin color. When a person has a light skin tone, hives may appear red.

Actinic keratosis

In this condition, the skin becomes thick, and scaly or has a crusty skin patch. Actinic keratosis usually has a size of less than 2 cm. This condition mainly appears in the body parts that receive a lot of sunlight like hands, arms, face, neck, and scalp. These skin patches are pink but can also appear in brown or tan color depending on skin color.

Eczema

Eczema condition is characterized as white scaly patches that flake off. The affected areas may be itchy or greasy. When a person has a light skin tone, eczema can appear like a red rash. Meanwhile, in dark skin tones, eczema may look brown or purple. Some people also witness hair loss in the affected area.

Psoriasis

This condition causes scaly, sharp, silvery skin patches. In darker skin tones, the patches may appear in brown or purple. Psoriasis patches mainly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. Sometimes this condition may be itchy.

Symptoms of skin disorder

The symptoms of skin disorder can be wide depending on the condition. Meanwhile, there are a few typical symptoms of skin disorder such as:

1. Raised bumps that appear red or white
2. Scaly or rough skin
3. Rash
4. Itchy skin
5. Ulcers
6. Peeling skin
7. Dry or cracked skin
8. Open sores
9. Fleshy bumps, or warts
10. Changes in mole color or size
11. Excessive flushing
12. Loss of skin pigment

Common causes behind skin disorders

1. Bacteria trapped in skin pores
2. Weak immune system
3. Viruses
4. Sunlight
5. Fungus, parasites, etc
6. Contact with allergens or irritants
7. Genetic factor

Skin conditions can also occur due to illnesses that can affect the thyroid, immune system, kidney, and other body systems. Drugs for inflammatory bowel disease can cause skin tags, vitiligo, allergic eczema, etc. When a person has diabetes, he can get folliculitis, diabetic blisters, fungal infection, etc. In females, pregnancy can also cause skin conditions like stretch marks, eczema, melasma, and pemphigoid. Any kind of stress can cause hormonal imbalances that can trigger skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and acne.

Treating skin disorders

Medications

Not all skin conditions require medications. Some skin conditions may disappear in a few days. Meanwhile, for conditions like acne, eczema, etc, you can take OTC medications. If the skin condition is not showing any positive results with OTC medicines, you can talk to a doctor. He will prescribe medicines, gels, or creams to get rid of the skin condition.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is also a good treatment option for skin conditions. People often choose homeopathy over other medications as it is fully safe. Look for a homeopathic dr near me and have a visit. The doctor will check the skin condition and ask a few questions. He will prescribe homeopathic medicines that not only treat the condition but will also prevent a recurrence.

Natural ways to manage your skin condition

Drink excess water

Many skin conditions can appear when the body is dehydrated. If your skin is dry, you should increase your water intake. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water every day. It will keep your body hydrated and also remove all the toxins.

Protect your skin from sunlight

Sunlight is necessary for your body. However, it can also cause various skin conditions. Sun exposure can lead to age spots, wrinkles, and other skin issues. Before going out, you should apply a good sunscreen to all exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands. If your skin is very sensitive you should talk to a dermatologist and get a sunscreen with the correct SPF.

Eat healthy food

If you eat good food, your skin will look healthy. To prevent any skin conditions, you should add things like fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains to your diet. Some research shows that eating a diet rich in fish or fish oil can reduce unhealthy fats and make your skin look younger.

Manage your stress

People sometimes get skin conditions like acne due to work or any kind of stress. Applying creams or other treatments will only work temporarily. The condition will appear again until you manage your stress. You can do meditation to reduce stress. Certain exercises and practices like aromatherapy can help to manage stress.