Health

5 Most Common Skin Conditions

Skin conditions do more than just harm the integrity of our skin. The human skin is more than just an outer layer; it’s also a part of a person’s self esteem. Everybody loves good clear skin so when that is disrupted, it feels uncomfortable. Below are the 5 common skin conditions and how to treat them

5 Most Common Skin Conditions
5 Most Common Skin Conditions

1. Acne

Acne is any teenager’s worst nightmare but it also occurs in 20% of adults. Acne is caused by blocked hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin, often triggered by hormonal changes.

The term acne also refers to blackheads, cysts, and nodules. Acne occurs on the face, back and chest.

Treatment

  • See a skin specialist who will prescribe topical creams and pills to treat the acne.
  • Avoid popping blackheads and cysts as this causes scarring.
  • Drink lots of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
  • Do not use harsh soaps on your face and avoid excessive scrubbing.

2. Hives

Also known as urticaria Hives are raised, red, itchy areas that can occur on the skin.

Hives are commonly caused by medication, food, and bug bites or stings.

Treatment

  • Hives are an emergency so call emergency or rush quickly to where you can receive medical treatment.
  • Hives often subside after 2 to 4 hours however in some cases can last for months to years.
  • Avoid triggers as much as possible.
  • Have antihistamines at hand which help to relieve the itching.

3. Cold Sore

Cold sores are tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores or fever blisters, which can recur. Cold sores are caused by the type I herpes simplex virus (HSV).

These cause sore, tingling lips, or ulcers, blister, rashes, or redness with a burning sensation.

Treatment

  • Antivirals reduce viruses’ ability to replicate.
  • Cool compress to soothe painful muscles or joints and may help reduce inflammation.
  • Take pain medicine such as an analgesic, or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This relieves pain, decreases inflammation and reduces fever.
  • Visit specialists such as a dentist, dermatologist, general practitioner to deal with the specific areas of the ulcer.

4. Sunburn

Sunburns occur when there is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunlamps.

The skin turns red, painful, hot to the touch, and may even peel away. Prolonged sunburned can cause skin cancer in The long run.

Treatment

  • Cool the skin by taking a cool bath or shower with a mild soap.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and moisturise the skin whilst damp.
  • Taking an analgesic to help with any discomfort or swelling.
  • Do not scratch skin or blisters.
  • Wear protective clothing when going into the sun to avoid further damage.

5. Moles

Some people may draw a mole on their face but for those that have them, it’s not a sight of beauty. Moles are known medically as pigmented naews. These are a non-malignant (non-cancerous) collection of pigmented cells in the skin.

Treatment

  • Freezing is a medical treatment which uses extreme cold during surgery or medical treatment.
  • One can undergo surgical excision where there is the removal of abnormal tissue with surgical techniques.

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