List of Most Common Skin Issues and How to Deal with Them
As the body’s protective layer, your skin is dealing with dirt, sweat, pollution, and other external elements every day. This may cause it to react negatively through the form of skin issues. Anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin can cause symptoms of skin problems like redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Below is a list of the most common skin issues, from temporary to chronic conditions, and their usual symptoms.
A | Temporary Skin Issues
Almost everyone suffers from Acne. It is one of the most common skin conditions that typically starts in your teenage years and can last until adulthood. It happens when dead skin cells and natural oils from your skin clog your pores or the tiny openings on your skin. It commonly comes with blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. If the clogged pores are large, it can turn into blackheads. These are small and dark spots commonly found on your nose. If the plugged pores remain small, it can form into whiteheads, or tiny, light-colored bumps. These can develop into red swollen lumps or pimples.
Severe cases of acne may lead to cystic acne. Having a pimple or two can be common, but if you have large, red, and painful breakouts under your skin, it can be a symptom of cystic acne. It happens when bacteria is trapped inside your pores and caused an infection. It creates itchy or painful bumps that are full of pus. Unlike whiteheads and blackheads, cystic acne doesn’t rise up to your skin’s surface.
How is it treated?
There are over-the-counter treatments and natural ways available to treat acne. But before anything else, don’t pop that zit! Picking your acne may be really tempting, but doing that will only make it worse. Popping a pimple can tear the skin and force all the oil, dirt, and bacteria outside. This will create an open wound that may serve as an entrance for the bacteria coming from your hands, into your skin. It will make the opening prone to infection and will lead to more pimples. There are better ways to remove acne. Below is a more detailed list of what you can do or what medications you can take to treat those pesky little bumps safely.
1| for Acne
There are many available over-the-counter remedies for acne. You can use Salicylic acid as a spot treatment for your pimples. It helps in unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells trapped in your skin. Other natural treatments for acne are having a healthy lifestyle, following a holistic skin care, washing your make up brushes often, and more.
2| for Cystic Acne
Because of infection, treatments for milder acne may only have a little effect on a cystic cane. Dermatologists typically recommend the following medications.
1. Birth Control Pills
Cystic acne is often caused by hormonal imbalance. Taking birth control pills that are prescribed by your doctor can help your body to regain its natural hormone levels. This will result in a noticeably clearer skin.
2. Multivitamins
People suffering from acne often have vitamin E, A, and zinc deficiencies. These vitamins play a huge role in blocking free-radicals from the body and to prevent skin damage. You can take these types of multivitamins to restore clearer and glowing skin. Consult your doctor to know the right dosage for you.
3. Cortisone Shot
Cortisone shots are injections that may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. It is commonly injected into your joints but can also be used as a quick-fix for cystic acne. Also known as the “magic shot”, one cortisone shot can make your flare-ups subside in a few hours. BUT because of potential side effects like nerve damage and joint infection, dermatologists only recommend using this as a last resort for cystic acne and not as a treatment. For instance, if you have a major event coming up, you can consult your trusted aesthetician and get a shot.
These are small and rough bumps in your skin that often look like a small cauliflower. It happens when your skin came into contact with human papillomavirus or HPV. The virus causes the fast growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin, making it pile into small bumps.
HPV can enter your body through cuts or wounds. This is why warts are more likely to develop on a broken skin like scratches from shaving or areas near bitten fingernails. It normally affects one area of the body like your hands or feet. But it can also spread in other areas, like on your face, genitals, and feet through picking. Although common warts are generally painless, it is contagious and can be spread through skin to skin contact. But don’t fret! Warts can be treated by a doctor or even at home.
How is it treated?
Simple warts on your hands and fingers usually go away on an average time span of 18 months. It can be treated with over-the-counter medications or medical treatments like the following:
1. Applying Salicylic Acid
This over-the-counter wart treatment is often available in drugstores in the form of drops, gels, pads, and plasters. Mild acids can burn your warts off if you apply it directly to the affected area. This allows the acid to peel it away. Repeat this process until your warts are gone.
2. Having a Laser Treatment
When natural and over-the-counter warts treatment does not work, you can opt for a Laser Treatment. This procedure uses an intense beam of light, or laser, to burn and destroy the wart tissue. Although it may be a little costly, this is the fastest way to remove warts.
3. Using a Duct Tape
You may find this trick weird but, people use duct tapes to remove warts! All you have to do is stick a piece of duct tape on your warts and change it every few days. It is believed that duct tape can peel away the layers of your warts, making it easier to scrape off. Take note that there is no clear proof that this method really works. If you’re unsure whether your tiny bumps are warts, it’s best to seek professional help.
When to See a Doctor?
When you notice warts on your genital area, it’s time to consult a doctor. Genital warts are sexually transmitted infections and can cause pain and discomfort. The same goes if your warts are bleeding, painful, and if it does not disappear after six to nine months.
This skin issue commonly occurs when your skin has an allergic reaction to a certain substance it came in contact with. These substances may include soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, and plants. The rash often comes in red, severely itchy skin that may cause swelling or burning sensation. Although the allergy is neither contagious nor life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable.
How is it treated?
It is best to avoid the root cause of your allergic reaction to help the rash clear up. Relief for your symptoms may depend whether the rash is mild or severe.
For mild allergic reaction, you can take antihistamine pills and directly apply moisturizer or corticosteroids to the affected area. Topical corticosteroids are man-made corticosteroid medications for treating skin conditions such as rash, dermatitis, itching, eczema, and psoriasis. Most patients use this medicine twice a day for a week, or once a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
On the other hand, a severe allergic reaction may come with face swelling and spread of rashes all over your body. This may need a stronger treatment. Your dermatologist may recommend medicine that addresses your severe allergy such as prednisone and other similar medicines. This medication treats severe allergies and inflammation. It is important to take this medication exactly as directed to avoid making the rashes worse.
When to see a Doctor?
Contact dermatitis can cause severe itchiness that may prevent you from sleeping well or doing your daily activities. It may also lead to skin infection if your skin begins secreting pus. If your rashes become severely painful, seek medical help immediately.
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Sunburn
With the warm and welcoming heat of the summer, who doesn’t want to achieve a golden tan? But you might want to slather on more sunscreen before hitting the beach. Sunburn is one of the most common types of skin issues people encounter during the summer. Obviously, it happens when you stay under the sun for too long. Your skin will likely develop red, hot, and painful patches that may take several days to fade.
How is it treated?
Sunburn treatment can be easily found at home. Here are a few home remedies that can relieve your burned patches:
1. Cold Compress and Refrigerated Skin Cream or Gel
Applying a cold compress or taking a cool bath can provide a quick relief for your burns. To reduce the sting out of your sunburn, apply a refrigerated skin cream or gel with aloe, chamomile, or camphor.
2. NSAID medicine
These are over-the-counter Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like ibuprofen, that can reduce swelling or inflammation.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink a lot of water and fluids to keep your body from being dehydrated.
After treatment, make sure never to catch sunburn again. Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than five sunburns. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, refrain from going outdoors during these times. If you cannot avoid going outside, you should always wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
When to see a Doctor?
Sunburn can be easily treated at home. But if you experienced dehydration, fever, chills, severe pain, and sun blisters that cover 20% or more of your body; you should consult a doctor right away. These are serious signs of sun poisoning, which can severely inflame your skin.
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Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually starts between your toes. This type of fungus typically develops in a moist and enclosed area. So if your feet tend to be very sweaty while wearing tight-fitting shoes, you are more likely to develop athlete’s foot. Its signs and symptoms include scaly rash, sole blisters, and itchy feet. This infection is very contagious. It can easily spread from your feet to your hands and groins through picking. You can also catch athlete’s foot from coming in contact with infected people or by walking barefoot in public places.
How is it treated?
Catching Athlete’s Foot is very easy but treating it can be challenging. Many cases of this skin issue can be relieved at home through over-the-counter anti-fungal creams. If you want natural options to get off this stinky skin condition, you can try the following:
1. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil contains antibacterial properties. It reduces the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of your skin by rubbing it on your feet twice a day. Just make sure to do a patch test to check your skin’s reaction to tea tree oil.
2. Sunflower Oil
Because of its natural germicidal properties, many people are using sunflower oil to fight athlete’s foot by massaging it to the affected area. It is also used as an anti-fungal medicine.
When to see a Doctor?
Athlete’s Foot is not a serious skin disease, but if it does not respond to treatments, you should consult your doctor. This also applies if you are diabetic. Since your immune system is weaker, you can experience more severe symptoms of athlete’s foot like oozing or crusting feet blisters.
Treating and keeping these common skin issues at bay should be done in a consistent manner in order to be effective. You can read more about other ways to achieve a healthy and glowing skin here:
B | Chronic Skin Issues
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red and flaky patches of dry skin that is usually covered with silvery scales. These symptoms are usually found on the elbows, knees, and scalp but it can affect the legs, trunk, and nails, too. It happens when the immune system abnormally starts producing skin cells too quickly.
Celebrity Facts: Even the Brightest stars can catch this skin issue. Along with 7.5 million people in the world, former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Cara Delevigne and American socialite, Kim Kardashian also suffers from Psoriasis.
How is it treated?
Although it is not contagious, there is no cure for Psoriasis. BUT its symptoms can be managed. You can calm down its flare-ups using topical treatments like calamine but you can also do these natural ways:
1. Eat Healthy
Removing red meat and fatty food in your diet may help reduce Psoriasis flare-ups. Cold water fish, seeds, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids are also known for their ability to reduce inflammation.
2. Reduce Stress
Aside from the fact that having Psoriasis can be stressful, stress is one of the common triggers of Psoriasis. Try reducing your stress levels through activities like yoga and meditation.
3. Take More Turmeric
Turmeric can be a great treatment for Psoriasis because of its antihistamine properties that reduce inflammation. You can mix it up with a little amount of juice and pepper and drink it every day. You can also sprinkle it over your lunch or dinner.
When to see a Doctor?
If your flare-ups are discharging pus and accompanied with a 38°C or higher fever, consult a doctor.
Eczema is often described as a group of medical conditions that cause patches of your skin to become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. The exact cause of eczema is unknown but dermatologists link it to allergic reactions from certain irritants. These irritants may include certain foods such as nuts and dairy. Environmental factors like smoke and pollen can also trigger eczema.
How is it treated?
Eczema is a more common skin issue in children. Some outgrew this skin condition while others continue to have it in their adulthood years. Although there is no cure of this, symptoms of eczema can be managed. Treatments for eczema target to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups. Aside from antibiotics, here’s a short list of how you can treat eczema at home:
- Moisturize every day to prevent dry skin.
- Wear loose clothing with cotton and soft fabrics.
- Only use a mild soap or gentle cleanser when washing.
- Do not rub your skin with a towel after bathing. Air dry or gently pat your skin with a towel instead.
- Keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching and breaking your skin.
When to see a Doctor?
Eczema is not usually a serious skin problem but you may infect it through frequent scratching. If you’re Eczema keeps getting worse and makes you feel irritable, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Checklist | Different Skin Types & its Common Skin Issues
Every skin type has its individual needs. They all have unique characteristics that make them more prone to different kinds of skin issues. If you have a dry, oily, combination, or aging skin, below are the common skin issues that you may often encounter or try to avoid:
1| Dry Skin Issues
This skin type is caused by lack of moisture. The skin usually appears dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. It may lack elasticity, with accentuated fine lines and wrinkles. In more severe cases, itching and burning may occur. Extremely dry skin shows signs of cracking and fissuring. Having a dry skin makes you more prone to the following skin issues:
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Infection
- Wrinkles
2| Oily Skin Issues
Oily skin is due to overproduction of sebum and dirt build-up. This often causes the skin to become prone to:
3| Sensitive Skin Issues
This skin type reacts very easily to a wide range of substances like makeup, facial cleansers, fabrics, and more. If you have a sensitive skin, you have to be extra careful in choosing what kind of products to use. Below are the following skin issues you should be wary about if you have this skin type:
- Acne
- Contact Dermatitis
- Infection
4| Ageing Skin Issues
As you age, your skin loses its ability to protect itself. It begins to reflect the hands of time on your skin through sagging or development of fine lines. This skin type is susceptible to the following skin issues:
- Liver Spots
- Wrinkles
- Sun Damage
Have you spotted some of these signs on your skin? Dealing with skin issues can be frustrating and embarrassing. But knowing the nature of your skin issue and using the proper treatment for them can help you win this battle. Be proud of the skin you are in! Find out how you can assert that self-confidence here:
Start your journey to eliminate skin issues, now!
