What are some common skin diseases?

There are many different types of skin diseases, but these are some of the most common:

• Acne, which is the most common skin condition in the United States, develops when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside a hair follicle. Different types of acne include blackheads, mild pimples, moderate inflammatory papules, and severe cysts. Acne often needs professional treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.
• Eczema, which is a general name for a variety of skin conditions that cause diverse symptoms. Itching is common, but skin manifestations differ, so you may experience a red rash, swelling, dry and scaly patches, cracked areas, or sores that ooze and then crust over.
• Rosacea, which affects 16 million Americans annually. It typically affects people over age 30 and causes redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead with temporary flare-ups and remissions. If left untreated, bumps and pimples can form.
• Psoriasis, which normally affects the outside of your elbows, knees, or scalp. Psoriasis is itchy and may burn or sting. Psoriasis is linked to other serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
• Actinic Keratoses (AK), which refers to precancerous dry, scaly patches or spots that typically develop after age 40. AKs usually form on areas of skin that get lots of sun exposure. They can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.
• Shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appear in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body.
• Dysplastic nevi or dysplastic nevus syndrome, a condition where a person has a large number of moles, some larger than normal and/or atypical. This condition signals an increased risk of malignant melanoma.

What causes skin diseases?

Some of the most common causes of skin diseases and conditions include:

• Bacteria found in skin pores and hair follicles
• Fungus, parasites, or microorganisms on the skin
• Certain viruses
• A weakened immune system
• Contact with someone else’s infected skin

Other health conditions and lifestyle factors may also cause skin problems to develop. For some skin diseases, like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, exact causes outside of genetics or immune system issues aren’t known.

What should I do if I have a skin disease?

The physical symptoms of skin diseases are uncomfortable, irritating, and sometimes downright painful. Skin disease also affects your appearance, which often leads to depression and lack of self-confidence. Please don’t suffer with a skin issue that won’t clear up. Dr. Anderson’s experience can help you get the relief you need from skin conditions.