Skin Conditions Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
What are Skin Conditions?
Skin conditions are a group of problems that affect the skin. It includes redness, irritation, swelling, and inflammation. People get various kinds of skin disorders with various symptoms and severity. Two persons with the same condition may react differently to the illness; one gets painful symptoms, while the other doesn’t feel anything.
There are lots of possible sources for skin conditions. People can acquire a skin disorder from bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, and allergens. Some people even get conditions inherited from their parents and families through genetics.
Allergens often cause common skin conditions. Triggering factors such as particular foods, materials, animal furs, or soaps are typically the culprit.
Some skin conditions may worsen when the ill person’s skin comes into contact with particular items. Among such conditions are atopic eczema and psoriasis.
What are the common signs?
Various general signs are appearing on the skin that could signal a skin condition.
These include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Flaking
- Itching
- Blistering
- Sudden Growths on the Skin Surface
Persons must take note of any difference in the appearance, texture, and colour of their skin. If they notice a sudden change in their skin accompanied by any of the symptoms above, and if it persists after a few days, it’s best to have a doctor check it. The doctor might also refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.
Which are contagious?
Plenty of skin conditions are contagious. Some of these disorders occur more commonly in grown-ups than in kids. Still, other disorders pop out in children more than they do so in adults.
Enumerated below are the most contagious skin diseases:
- Ringworm
- Thrush
- Yeast Infections
- Shingles
- Impetigo
- Scabies
- Herpes
How common are skin conditions?
UK’s Primary Care Dermatology Society cited a study pointing out that skin conditions are adults' second most prevalent and familiar illness group. Another study reports that many people talk about skin problems to their physicians, with 54% of those surveyed having consulted about a skin problem in the 12 months of the study.
The British Skin Foundation also reports a whopping 60% of British people currently and previously battled skin conditions sometime in their lives. Among these people, 70% acquired visible conditions or scars, significantly affecting their self-esteem and confidence.
Not all skin conditions merit serious medical care, though. Primary Care Dermatology Society cited another research that discovered only 22.5% of the existing skin condition cases need medical attention.
How are skin conditions diagnosed?
Doctors initially assess the patient’s affected skin visually. Visual assessment is typically enough to make an accurate diagnosis. Doctors do this in person or over video consultations.
But certain skin conditions merit more thorough surveying. Doctors use various techniques and tools to examine the patient’s skin in this case. They can use dermatoscopes or hand-held lenses to assess the affected skin.
Complicated cases will require advanced procedures such as patch and prick testing, skin biopsies, and skin scraping for culture determination.
How are skin conditions treated?
Most skin conditions are treated through the following means:
- Ointments and creams
- Antibiotic therapy
- Antihistamines
- Prescription drugs
- Steroid and vitamin injections
- Laser treatment therapy
Non-contagious skin infections can be prevented by:
- Cleaning your skin every day in a gentle manner
- Putting on your sunscreen regularly
- Religiously applying moisturisers
- Avoiding allergen contact
- Keeping oneself hydrated
- Mainly eating nutritious food in your diet
- Sleeping well for at least seven hours each night
