Most Common Skin Conditions And How To Treat Them

Nearly everyone has skin that is a bit finicky in some way.

Those advertisements in magazines and billboards are heavily Photoshopped, and it’s easy to forget that no one – no matter how naturally beautiful they are- actually has flawless skin. Skin conditions are actually pretty common and dealing with them can be rough. In some of the more severe cases, it might feel as though your skin is on fire or throbbing with pain, and the sudden change in appearance can impact your self-confidence. If you’re currently battling a bothersome skin condition and feel like you’ve hit a wall, unable to find the appropriate treatment, then the following tips should be of help.

Rosacea

There is a common misconception that rosacea comes to afflict only those who are extremely fair-skinned or heavy drinkers. Neither of which is true. The onset of rosacea is marked by skin suddenly becoming reactive and relatively thin. Broken red vessels give off the impression of constant blushing, although the effect can spread to the forehead and chin as well, which looks more like a sunburn. Other symptoms include skin dryness, raised red bumps that are not unlike acne which appear in the cheeks, forehead, chin, and even the ears, chest, and back in the worst cases. The main way to treat it is to settle upon a skincare routine that focuses on calming and soothing the skin and avoid abrasive treatments such as exfoliating or moisturizers with retinol. Also, avoid other triggers that aggravate rosacea are conspicuous consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, so it’s best to avoid all three or keep them to a minimum.

Acne

Acne is arguably the bane of any teen’s existence, and it can last well into middle age. Acne can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and also the upper back. Breakouts typically occur when pores become clogged and inflamed by sebum and the buildup of dead skin. While clearing acne can sometimes feel nearly impossible, there are many ways to keep it under control. A healthy diet coupled with regular exercise can surely help, but if you think you have cystic acne, then it is always best to see a dermatologist since most over the counter treatments will not be effective in your case. However, depending on your skin type and the root cause of your breakouts, these different acne treatments can work for you. If it is a hormonal imbalance, you may need a topical treatment as well as medicine, such as antibiotics, to help treat the condition from the inside out. If it is a matter of using the wrong cleanser, then these products may very well provide a solution, one that is more attuned to your skin’s PH and inner workings.

Hives

Anyone with allergies is bound to experience hives at one moment or another in their lives. Hives appear as red, itchy welts on the skin, sometimes small or incredibly large. This happens when you experience an allergic reaction to a plant, or type of food, and even the weather. Most hives will disappear within twenty-four hours, although in some awful cases they can last for up to six weeks. Skin creams can help, but for sure, taking an antihistamine as soon as you experience any itchiness or see a raised bump on your body should be the first point of order. If the discomfort feels especially painful, then you may need to see a medical professional – you may be experiencing a more serious kind of allergic reaction that requires an Epipen, or more intense intervention.

Psoriasis

Perhaps one of the more painful and difficult skin conditions to deal with, psoriasis causes the body to generate new skin cells within days. These cells simply stay on the surface of the skin and create scaly patches that are itchy and hard to remove. Plaque psoriasis can appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, and even the scalp. Treatments for this condition can vary, but the most standard procedures include a prescription for anti-inflammatory medicine, steroid creams, vitamin A treatments, and so on. A severe psoriasis flare-up is sometimes due to excessive stress, so your doctor may simply tell you to find ways of managing stress or consider talk therapy. Also, ultraviolet treatments are sometimes prescribed as a way of dealing with the issue.

Shingles

Shingles are a contagious, painful skin condition that results in a red rash full of blisters to appear around your torso, face, and other places around your body. Extreme fatigue, fever, and headaches may also accompany the blisters. Since shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, you’re at risk of the former if you’ve had the latter in the past. People who are immunocompromised and senior citizens are often at higher risk of getting shingles, so they need to be extra careful given how contagious it is. Treatment primarily comes in the form of a vaccine, so speaking with a doctor first is the best course of action.

Sunburn

This should go under the list of preventable skin conditions that unfortunately still happen with regularity. Treating it is harder than preventing it, which is why sunscreen and UV protective clothing or accessories such as sunglasses or a hat are incredibly important. Preventing the frequency of sunburns can also lessen the chances of getting cancer later in life. Applying sunscreen of at least SPF 50 every two hours is a lifesaver, as is just avoiding the sun whenever possible. If you’ve spent some time sunbathing, only to emerge with a nasty sunburn, your best treatment is to find some shade immediately, cool down, and apply aloe gel repeatedly. The pain will eventually subside, but you will need to be patient.

Most skin conditions can be treated with a few simple products or natural treatments. However, a few others are exceptionally painful and may require medical attention. Depending on your situation, you may find a way out of your predicament a bit faster than you’d expect, but always be sure to seek advice from a dermatologist or your primary care physician before applying any treatments.