The skin is the largest organ on the body, and it comes with many complexities. It serves to protect you by acting as a shield against the outside world, but that means it can take more damage than other organs. If you want to know how to best care for your skin, reach out to Complete Family Dermatology in Lincoln, NE. We are committed to finding the best treatment for any skin condition. In the meantime, take a look at five common skin conditions…
Acne:
Nobody likes having acne, but yet, it’s the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne is typically is seen on patients between 12 and 24 years old. However, if you’re older than that, it doesn’t mean you’re exempt. Acne can still occur in your 30s and 40s.
Since acne affects a wide range of people, it makes it challenging to treat because there is not just one underlying cause. In general, acne occurs when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Each case has varying symptoms, but acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. It can come in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
As you treat your acne, it’s important that you are patient as it can take months for your skin to clear up. If at-home acne remedies don’t help, then please schedule an appointment with us for expert treatment.
Eczema:
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to be red, itchy, dry, and inflamed. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (AD).
The most common eczema symptoms are itchy skin, dryness, redness, inflammation, oozing, and swelling. It can appear on your face, neck, wrists, elbows, hands, ankles, and feet. It’s frequently seen on babies and children, but it can last into adulthood.
In general, these tips can help with managing most eczema flare-ups: know and avoid triggers, bathe, and moisturize every day, and follow your prescribed treatment given by a dermatologist. While there is not a cure, we can create a treatment plan to manage and fight eczema together.
Psoriasis:
In the United States, psoriasis affects nearly 7.5 million people. This common skin condition causes red and itchy rashes typically found on the knees, elbows, stomach, and scalp. Sometimes psoriasis can show up in small spots, or it can cover a large portion of the body.
Psoriasis is thought to be a problem with the immune system as it makes the skin regenerate faster than normal. This then causes the skin cells to build up and result in red, itchy patches.
Common triggers for psoriasis are infections, cold or dry weather, cuts or scrapes, sunburns, stress, and smoke. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but we can focus on relieving the symptoms.
Rosacea:
If you have noticed your face is red, but you haven’t gotten a sunburn recently, you may be suffering from rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes the face to turn red and may produce small bumps. Most often, this skin condition affects your facial areas, such as your forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose. However, it can occasionally show up on your neck or chest areas. It can often be confused with acne and left untreated.
It’s unclear what causes rosacea, but it’s thought to be due to hereditary and environmental factors. For example, spicy foods, red wine, sun exposure, and exercise all can trigger rosacea, but also you’re more likely to develop it if you’re a female with fair skin and blonde hair over 30 years old.
Fortunately, rosacea is a manageable condition when you seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, more than 1 million Americans live with melanoma, and it’s estimated 192,310 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed this year. Skin cancer happens when there is a growth of abnormal cells on the outer layer of skin and forms malignant tumors.
The leading causes of skin cancer are overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and the use of UV tanning beds. It’s known that having five or more sunburns in your life doubles the risk of getting melanoma. As a safe practice, it’s important to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and check your skin every month.
As you check your skin, be sure to notice any changes and consult your dermatologist about them. Fortunately, when caught early, skin cancer can be highly treatable.
Closing Thoughts on Common Skin Conditions
If you have a skin condition, you are not alone. The dermatologists at Complete Family Dermatology are here to help you manage and treat any skin condition. We take pride in serving a wide range of patients of all ages and backgrounds in southeast Nebraska. To schedule an appointment, please call 402-423-1111!
