Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Skin disorders, such as acne and eczema, vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful. Some can be life threatening.

Some skin disorders have situational causes, while others may be genetic. While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue.

Contact a doctor if you believe you may have one of these common skin problems.

There are many different types of skin disorders. Here are pictures of 25 different conditions, followed by a list of details for each.

Acne

• Acne is commonly located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back.
• Breakouts on the skin are composed of redness, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful cysts and nodules.
• This condition may leave scars or darken the skin if untreated.
• People of Color can experience dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Learn more about acne.

Cold sore

• This condition causes a red, painful, fluid-filled blister that appears near the mouth and lips. People with lighter skin may notice more redness than those with darker skin.
• The affected area will often tingle or burn before the sore is visible.
• Outbreaks may also be accompanied by mild, flu-like symptoms such as low fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Cold sores usually look similar on any skin color but can also cause PIH in people with darker skin.

Learn more about cold sores and cold sores on dark skin.

Blister

• Blisters are characterized by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin.
• They may be smaller than 1 centimeter (cm) (vesicle) or larger than 1 cm (bulla) and can occur alone or in groups.
• Blisters can be found anywhere on the body.

Learn more about blisters.

Hives

• This causes itchy, raised welts that occur after exposure to an allergen.
• Welts may be warm and mildly painful to the touch.
• Hives on darker skin can appear raised or inflamed and might be slightly darker or lighter than your natural skin color. On lighter skin, hives usually appear red.
• They can be small, round, ring-shaped, or randomly shaped.

Learn more about hives.

Actinic keratosis

• This condition causes a thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch.
• It’s typically less than 2 cm or about the size of a pencil eraser.
• It often appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck.
• The skin patch is usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base. This patch may appear the same color as the surrounding skin in people with darker skin.

Learn more about actinic keratosis.

Rosacea

• This chronic skin disease goes through cycles of fading and relapse.
• Relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• There are four subtypes of rosacea encompassing a wide variety of symptoms.
• Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity.
• People with darker skin tones may notice brown discoloration or dry and swollen patches of dark skin.

Learn more about rosacea.

Carbuncle

• This causes a red, painful, and irritated lump under your skin.
• It may be accompanied by fever, body aches, and fatigue.
• It can also cause skin crustiness or oozing.
• It may appear more violet on darker skin.

Learn more about carbuncles.

Latex allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required. Contact 911 or local emergency services.

• This causes a rash, which may occur within minutes to hours after exposure to a latex product. It may be less visible on darker skin or appear lighter or darker than surrounding tissue.
• It also causes warm, itchy wheals at the site of contact, which may take on a dry, crusted appearance with repeated exposure to latex.
• Airborne latex particles may cause cough, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
• A severe allergy to latex can cause swelling and difficulty breathing.

Learn more about latex allergies.

Eczema

• Eczema is characterized by yellow or white scaly patches that flake off.
• Affected areas may be itchy, greasy, or oily.
• On light skin, eczema can cause a red rash. This rash may appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin.
• Hair loss may also occur in the area with the rash.

Learn more about eczema.

Psoriasis

• This causes scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches. Darker skinned people might also experience dark brown or purplish patches on the skin.
• Patches are commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
• This condition may be itchy or asymptomatic.

Learn more about psoriasis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a medical emergency. A person should contact 911 or local emergency services if they have any symptoms of cellulitis.

• Cellulitis is caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin.
• It causes painful swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly.
• The skin might appear red on lighter skin. However, this may be less noticeable on darker skin tones.
• The skin may feel hot and tender to the touch.
• Fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash might be symptoms of a serious infection requiring medical attention.

Learn more about cellulitis.

Measles

• Symptoms of measles include fever, sore throat, red or watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose.
• It also causes a red rash, which spreads from the face down the body 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear. This rash might be more difficult to see on darker skin.
• Tiny red spots with blue-white centers may appear inside the mouth.
• Measles may cause more obvious PIH in People of Color

Learn more about measles.

Basal cell carcinoma

• This condition is often characterized by raised, firm, and pale areas that may resemble a scar.
• It can cause dome-like, pink or red, shiny, and pearly areas that may have a sunk-in center, like a crater. For people with dark skin, it might appear darker and less pearly.
• Blood vessels on the growth may be visible.
• It might cause easy bleeding or an oozing wound that doesn’t seem to heal or heals and then reappears.

Learn more about basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma

• This condition often occurs in areas exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as the face, ears, and back of the hands.
• It may be characterized by a scaly, reddish patch of skin, which progresses to a raised bump that continues to grow. The bump may be lighter on darker skin.
• It can also cause a growth that bleeds easily, doesn’t heal, or heals and then reappears.

Learn more about squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

• This is the most serious form of skin cancer, which is more common in people with light skin.
• It can appear anywhere on the body as a mole that has irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical shapes, and multiple colors. In People of Color, melanoma often appears in areas that are less exposed to the sun.
• It might also appear as a mole that has changed color or gotten bigger over time, which is usually larger than a pencil eraser.

Learn more about melanoma.

Lupus

• Lupus symptoms include fatigue, headaches, fever, and swollen or painful joints.
• It can cause a scaly, disc-shaped rash that doesn’t itch or hurt.
• Scaly red patches or ring shapes are most commonly located on the shoulders, forearms, neck, and upper torso and worsen with exposure to sunlight. People of Color have a greater risk of developing PIH and abnormal scarring.
• It also causes a warm, brown, or red rash that spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose like butterfly wings and worsens in the sun.

Learn more about lupus.

Contact dermatitis

• This condition appears hours to days after contact with an allergen.
• It causes a rash with visible borders and appears where your skin touched the irritating substance.
• The skin may be itchy, scaly, or raw. Lighter skin can appear red, while darker skin may appear purple, gray, or dark brown.
• It might also cause blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty.

Learn more about contact dermatitis.

Vitiligo

• Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in the skin due to autoimmune destruction of the cells that give skin its color.
• Focal vitiligo causes loss of skin color in only a few small areas, which may merge together.
• Segmental pattern vitiligo causes depigmentation on one side of the body.
• Vitiligo can also cause premature graying of the scalp or facial hair.
• People of different skin tones will usually develop skin patches much lighter than their natural skin tone. In people with darker skin, it tends to be more noticeable, which may cause increased stigma related to the condition.

Learn more about vitiligo.

Wart

• Warts are caused by many different types of a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• They may be found on the skin or mucous membranes and can occur singly or in groups.
• Warts are contagious and may be passed to others. They may appear darker on skin of color.

Learn more about warts.

Chickenpox

• This can cause clusters of itchy, red or brown, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body.
• The rash is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
• Chickenpox remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over.
• Chickenpox can be harder to see on darker skin.

Learn more about chickenpox.

Seborrheic eczema

• This condition is characterized by yellow or white scaly patches that flake off.
• Affected areas may be red, itchy, greasy, or oily.
• People with darker skin may also notice hypopigmentation, or loss of skin color, in affected areas.
• Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash.

Learn more about seborrheic eczema.

Keratosis pilaris

• This common skin condition is most often seen on the arms and legs but might also occur on the face, buttocks, and trunk.
• It often clears up on its own by age 30.
• It often causes patches of skin that appear bumpy, appear slightly red, and feel rough.
• Symptoms may get worse in dry weather.
• The hair follicles may look darker than the surrounding skin on darker skin. They’ll usually look red or purple on lighter skin.

Learn more about keratosis pilaris.

Ringworm

• This condition causes circular, scaly rashes with a raised border.
• Skin in the middle of the ring might appear clear and healthy, and the ring’s edges may spread outward.
• The skin often feels itchy.
• The ring is usually red or pink on light skin and brown or gray on darker skin.

Learn more about ringworm.

Melasma

• This common skin condition causes dark patches to appear on the face and — rarely — the neck, chest, or arms.
• Melasma is more common in pregnant people (chloasma) and individuals with a darker skin color or heavy sun exposure.
• It might not cause other symptoms beyond skin discoloration.
• It may go away on its own within a year or may become permanent.

Learn more about melasma.

Impetigo

• This condition is common in babies and children.
• It usually causes an irritating rash, which is often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose.
• It might also cause fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust.
• It may be harder to see on darker skin.

Learn more about impetigo.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational illnesses, often resulting from contact with chemicals or other irritating materials.

These substances can trigger a reaction that causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Affected areas might also appear red, purple, gray, or dark brown. Most cases of contact dermatitis aren’t severe, but they can be rather itchy.

Topical creams and avoiding the irritant are typical treatments.

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a minor condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps usually form on the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks. They’re typically red or white and don’t hurt or itch.

Treatment isn’t necessary, but medicated creams can improve skin appearance.

Some chronic skin conditions present from birth, while others appear suddenly later.

The cause of these disorders isn’t always known. Many permanent skin disorders have effective treatments that enable extended periods of remission. However, they’re incurable, and symptoms can reappear at any time.

Examples of chronic skin conditions include:

• rosacea, which is characterized by small, pus-filled bumps on the face
• psoriasis, which causes scaly, itchy, and dry patches
• vitiligo, which results in large, irregular patches of lighter skin

Skin disorders are common in children. Children can experience many of the same skin conditions as adults. Infants and toddlers are also at risk of diaper-related skin problems.

Since children have more frequent exposure to other children and germs, they may also develop skin disorders that rarely occur in adults.

Many childhood skin problems disappear with age, but children can also inherit permanent skin disorders. In most cases, doctors can treat childhood skin disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or condition-specific drugs.

Common childhood skin disorders include:

• eczema
• diaper rash
• seborrheic dermatitis
• chickenpox
• measles
• warts
• acne
• fifth disease
• hives
• ringworm
• rashes from bacterial or fungal infections
• rashes from allergic reactions

Skin conditions have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms on your skin that appear due to common problems aren’t always the result of a skin disorder. Such symptoms can include blisters from new shoes or chafing from tight pants.

However, skin problems with no obvious cause may indicate the presence of a skin disorder that requires treatment.

Skin irregularities that are typically symptoms of a skin disorder include:

• raised bumps that are red or white
• a rash, which might be painful or itchy
• scaly or rough skin
• peeling skin
• ulcers
• open sores or lesions
• dry, cracked skin
• discolored patches of skin
• fleshy bumps, warts, or other skin growths
• changes in mole color or size
• a loss of skin pigment
• excessive flushing

Common known causes of skin disorders include:

• bacteria trapped in skin pores and hair follicles
• fungus, parasites, or microorganisms living on the skin
• viruses
• a weakened immune system
• contact with allergens, irritants, or another person’s infected skin
• genetic factors
• illnesses affecting the thyroid, immune system, kidneys, and other body systems

Numerous health conditions and lifestyle factors can also lead to the development of certain skin disorders. Some skin conditions have no known cause.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term for a group of intestinal disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. These bowel-related disorders often cause skin problems.

The drugs used to treat these diseases can cause certain skin conditions, such as:

• skin tags
• anal fissures
• stomatitis
• vasculitis
• vitiligo
• allergic eczema

Diabetes

Many people with diabetes experience a skin problem due to their condition at some point.

Some of these skin disorders only affect people with diabetes. Others occur more frequently in people with diabetes because the disease increases the risk of infection and blood circulation problems.

Diabetes-related skin conditions include:

• bacterial infections, such as boils, styes, and folliculitis
• fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections
• acanthosis nigricans
• diabetic blisters
• diabetic dermopathy
• digital sclerosis

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage the skin, joints, or organs inside the body. Common skin problems that occur from lupus include:

• a red, butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
• round lesions on the face and head
• thick, red, scaly lesions
• red, ring-shaped lesions on body parts exposed to sunlight
• flat rash on the face and body that looks like a sunburn
• red, purple, or black spots on fingers and toes
• sores inside the mouth and nose
• tiny red spots on the legs

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes significant changes in hormone levels that may lead to skin problems. Preexisting skin problems may change or get worse during pregnancy. Most skin conditions that arise during pregnancy go away after the baby is born. Others require medical attention during pregnancy.

Common skin conditions caused by pregnancy include:

• stretch marks
• melasma
• pemphigoid
• pruritic urticarial papules and plaques
• eczema

Stress

Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, which may trigger or aggravate skin disorders. Stress-related skin problems include:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• acne
• rosacea
• ichthyosis
• vitiligo
• hives
• seborrheic dermatitis
• alopecia areata

Sun

The sun can cause many different skin disorders. Some are common and harmless, while others are rare or life threatening. Knowing if the sun causes or worsens your skin disorder is important for treating it properly.

Sunlight exposure may cause or aggravate the following conditions:

• moles
• wrinkles
• sunburn
• actinic keratosis
• skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
• photosensitivity

Many skin disorders are treatable. Common treatment methods for skin conditions include:

• antihistamines
• medicated creams and ointments
• antibiotics
• vitamin or steroid injections
• laser therapy
• targeted prescription medications
• biologics

Skin flare-ups

Not all skin disorders respond to treatment, and some conditions go away without treatment.

People with permanent skin conditions often go through periods of severe symptoms. Sometimes people are able to force incurable conditions into remission. However, most skin conditions reappear due to certain triggers, such as stress or illness.

You can often treat skin disorders that are temporary and cosmetic with:

• medicated makeup
• over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products
• good hygiene practices
• small lifestyle adjustments, such as making certain dietary changes

Certain skin disorders aren’t preventable, including genetic conditions and some skin problems due to other illnesses. However, it’s possible to prevent some skin disorders.

Follow these tips to prevent infectious skin disorders:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses with other people.
• Avoid direct contact with the skin of other people who have an infection.
• Clean things in public spaces, such as gym equipment, before using them.
• Don’t share personal items like blankets, hairbrushes, or swimsuits.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Get vaccinated for infectious skin conditions, such as chickenpox.

Noncontagious skin disorders

Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable. Prevention techniques vary depending on the condition. Here are some tips for preventing some noninfectious skin disorders:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water every day.
• Use moisturizer.
• Avoid environmental and dietary allergens.
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night, as many skin conditions can worsen due to lack of sleep.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, and wind.

Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require a doctor’s attention, while you can address others safely at home.

You should learn about your symptoms or condition and talk with a doctor to determine the best treatment methods.

What are the most common skin disorders?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Other common skin disorders include atopic dermatitis, hair loss, and rosacea.

What is the most serious skin disease?

There are several serious skin conditions. In particular, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be especially dangerous, as it could spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Cellulitis and latex allergy can also be very serious if left untreated.

Which skin disease is not curable?

A few examples of chronic skin conditions include rosacea, psoriasis, and vitiligo. While these conditions can’t be cured, some may have treatments available to help manage symptoms.

Different types of conditions affect the skin. Some are chronic, while others are temporary. Some conditions may be painful or uncomfortable, but they’re not dangerous. Other conditions, such as skin cancer, can be life threatening.

The treatment for each depends on the specific cause. If you experience any new or unusual skin symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Skin disorders, such as acne and eczema, vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful. Some can be life threatening.

Some skin disorders have situational causes, while others may be genetic. While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue.

Contact a doctor if you believe you may have one of these common skin problems.

There are many different types of skin disorders. Here are pictures of 25 different conditions, followed by a list of details for each.

Acne

• Acne is commonly located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back.
• Breakouts on the skin are composed of redness, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful cysts and nodules.
• This condition may leave scars or darken the skin if untreated.
• People of Color can experience dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Learn more about acne.

Cold sore

• This condition causes a red, painful, fluid-filled blister that appears near the mouth and lips. People with lighter skin may notice more redness than those with darker skin.
• The affected area will often tingle or burn before the sore is visible.
• Outbreaks may also be accompanied by mild, flu-like symptoms such as low fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Cold sores usually look similar on any skin color but can also cause PIH in people with darker skin.

Learn more about cold sores and cold sores on dark skin.

Blister

• Blisters are characterized by a watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin.
• They may be smaller than 1 centimeter (cm) (vesicle) or larger than 1 cm (bulla) and can occur alone or in groups.
• Blisters can be found anywhere on the body.

Learn more about blisters.

Hives

• This causes itchy, raised welts that occur after exposure to an allergen.
• Welts may be warm and mildly painful to the touch.
• Hives on darker skin can appear raised or inflamed and might be slightly darker or lighter than your natural skin color. On lighter skin, hives usually appear red.
• They can be small, round, ring-shaped, or randomly shaped.

Learn more about hives.

Actinic keratosis

• This condition causes a thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch.
• It’s typically less than 2 cm or about the size of a pencil eraser.
• It often appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck.
• The skin patch is usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base. This patch may appear the same color as the surrounding skin in people with darker skin.

Learn more about actinic keratosis.

Rosacea

• This chronic skin disease goes through cycles of fading and relapse.
• Relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• There are four subtypes of rosacea encompassing a wide variety of symptoms.
• Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity.
• People with darker skin tones may notice brown discoloration or dry and swollen patches of dark skin.

Learn more about rosacea.

Carbuncle

• This causes a red, painful, and irritated lump under your skin.
• It may be accompanied by fever, body aches, and fatigue.
• It can also cause skin crustiness or oozing.
• It may appear more violet on darker skin.

Learn more about carbuncles.

Latex allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required. Contact 911 or local emergency services.

• This causes a rash, which may occur within minutes to hours after exposure to a latex product. It may be less visible on darker skin or appear lighter or darker than surrounding tissue.
• It also causes warm, itchy wheals at the site of contact, which may take on a dry, crusted appearance with repeated exposure to latex.
• Airborne latex particles may cause cough, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
• A severe allergy to latex can cause swelling and difficulty breathing.

Learn more about latex allergies.

Eczema

• Eczema is characterized by yellow or white scaly patches that flake off.
• Affected areas may be itchy, greasy, or oily.
• On light skin, eczema can cause a red rash. This rash may appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin.
• Hair loss may also occur in the area with the rash.

Learn more about eczema.

Psoriasis

• This causes scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches. Darker skinned people might also experience dark brown or purplish patches on the skin.
• Patches are commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
• This condition may be itchy or asymptomatic.

Learn more about psoriasis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a medical emergency. A person should contact 911 or local emergency services if they have any symptoms of cellulitis.

• Cellulitis is caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin.
• It causes painful swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly.
• The skin might appear red on lighter skin. However, this may be less noticeable on darker skin tones.
• The skin may feel hot and tender to the touch.
• Fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash might be symptoms of a serious infection requiring medical attention.

Learn more about cellulitis.

Measles

• Symptoms of measles include fever, sore throat, red or watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose.
• It also causes a red rash, which spreads from the face down the body 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear. This rash might be more difficult to see on darker skin.
• Tiny red spots with blue-white centers may appear inside the mouth.
• Measles may cause more obvious PIH in People of Color

Learn more about measles.

Basal cell carcinoma

• This condition is often characterized by raised, firm, and pale areas that may resemble a scar.
• It can cause dome-like, pink or red, shiny, and pearly areas that may have a sunk-in center, like a crater. For people with dark skin, it might appear darker and less pearly.
• Blood vessels on the growth may be visible.
• It might cause easy bleeding or an oozing wound that doesn’t seem to heal or heals and then reappears.

Learn more about basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma

• This condition often occurs in areas exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as the face, ears, and back of the hands.
• It may be characterized by a scaly, reddish patch of skin, which progresses to a raised bump that continues to grow. The bump may be lighter on darker skin.
• It can also cause a growth that bleeds easily, doesn’t heal, or heals and then reappears.

Learn more about squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

• This is the most serious form of skin cancer, which is more common in people with light skin.
• It can appear anywhere on the body as a mole that has irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical shapes, and multiple colors. In People of Color, melanoma often appears in areas that are less exposed to the sun.
• It might also appear as a mole that has changed color or gotten bigger over time, which is usually larger than a pencil eraser.

Learn more about melanoma.

Lupus

• Lupus symptoms include fatigue, headaches, fever, and swollen or painful joints.
• It can cause a scaly, disc-shaped rash that doesn’t itch or hurt.
• Scaly red patches or ring shapes are most commonly located on the shoulders, forearms, neck, and upper torso and worsen with exposure to sunlight. People of Color have a greater risk of developing PIH and abnormal scarring.
• It also causes a warm, brown, or red rash that spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose like butterfly wings and worsens in the sun.

Learn more about lupus.

Contact dermatitis

• This condition appears hours to days after contact with an allergen.
• It causes a rash with visible borders and appears where your skin touched the irritating substance.
• The skin may be itchy, scaly, or raw. Lighter skin can appear red, while darker skin may appear purple, gray, or dark brown.
• It might also cause blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty.

Learn more about contact dermatitis.

Vitiligo

• Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in the skin due to autoimmune destruction of the cells that give skin its color.
• Focal vitiligo causes loss of skin color in only a few small areas, which may merge together.
• Segmental pattern vitiligo causes depigmentation on one side of the body.
• Vitiligo can also cause premature graying of the scalp or facial hair.
• People of different skin tones will usually develop skin patches much lighter than their natural skin tone. In people with darker skin, it tends to be more noticeable, which may cause increased stigma related to the condition.

Learn more about vitiligo.

Wart

• Warts are caused by many different types of a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• They may be found on the skin or mucous membranes and can occur singly or in groups.
• Warts are contagious and may be passed to others. They may appear darker on skin of color.

Learn more about warts.

Chickenpox

• This can cause clusters of itchy, red or brown, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body.
• The rash is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
• Chickenpox remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over.
• Chickenpox can be harder to see on darker skin.

Learn more about chickenpox.

Seborrheic eczema

• This condition is characterized by yellow or white scaly patches that flake off.
• Affected areas may be red, itchy, greasy, or oily.
• People with darker skin may also notice hypopigmentation, or loss of skin color, in affected areas.
• Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash.

Learn more about seborrheic eczema.

Keratosis pilaris

• This common skin condition is most often seen on the arms and legs but might also occur on the face, buttocks, and trunk.
• It often clears up on its own by age 30.
• It often causes patches of skin that appear bumpy, appear slightly red, and feel rough.
• Symptoms may get worse in dry weather.
• The hair follicles may look darker than the surrounding skin on darker skin. They’ll usually look red or purple on lighter skin.

Learn more about keratosis pilaris.

Ringworm

• This condition causes circular, scaly rashes with a raised border.
• Skin in the middle of the ring might appear clear and healthy, and the ring’s edges may spread outward.
• The skin often feels itchy.
• The ring is usually red or pink on light skin and brown or gray on darker skin.

Learn more about ringworm.

Melasma

• This common skin condition causes dark patches to appear on the face and — rarely — the neck, chest, or arms.
• Melasma is more common in pregnant people (chloasma) and individuals with a darker skin color or heavy sun exposure.
• It might not cause other symptoms beyond skin discoloration.
• It may go away on its own within a year or may become permanent.

Learn more about melasma.

Impetigo

• This condition is common in babies and children.
• It usually causes an irritating rash, which is often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose.
• It might also cause fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust.
• It may be harder to see on darker skin.

Learn more about impetigo.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational illnesses, often resulting from contact with chemicals or other irritating materials.

These substances can trigger a reaction that causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Affected areas might also appear red, purple, gray, or dark brown. Most cases of contact dermatitis aren’t severe, but they can be rather itchy.

Topical creams and avoiding the irritant are typical treatments.

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a minor condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps usually form on the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks. They’re typically red or white and don’t hurt or itch.

Treatment isn’t necessary, but medicated creams can improve skin appearance.

Some chronic skin conditions present from birth, while others appear suddenly later.

The cause of these disorders isn’t always known. Many permanent skin disorders have effective treatments that enable extended periods of remission. However, they’re incurable, and symptoms can reappear at any time.

Examples of chronic skin conditions include:

• rosacea, which is characterized by small, pus-filled bumps on the face
• psoriasis, which causes scaly, itchy, and dry patches
• vitiligo, which results in large, irregular patches of lighter skin

Skin disorders are common in children. Children can experience many of the same skin conditions as adults. Infants and toddlers are also at risk of diaper-related skin problems.

Since children have more frequent exposure to other children and germs, they may also develop skin disorders that rarely occur in adults.

Many childhood skin problems disappear with age, but children can also inherit permanent skin disorders. In most cases, doctors can treat childhood skin disorders with topical creams, medicated lotions, or condition-specific drugs.

Common childhood skin disorders include:

• eczema
• diaper rash
• seborrheic dermatitis
• chickenpox
• measles
• warts
• acne
• fifth disease
• hives
• ringworm
• rashes from bacterial or fungal infections
• rashes from allergic reactions

Skin conditions have a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms on your skin that appear due to common problems aren’t always the result of a skin disorder. Such symptoms can include blisters from new shoes or chafing from tight pants.

However, skin problems with no obvious cause may indicate the presence of a skin disorder that requires treatment.

Skin irregularities that are typically symptoms of a skin disorder include:

• raised bumps that are red or white
• a rash, which might be painful or itchy
• scaly or rough skin
• peeling skin
• ulcers
• open sores or lesions
• dry, cracked skin
• discolored patches of skin
• fleshy bumps, warts, or other skin growths
• changes in mole color or size
• a loss of skin pigment
• excessive flushing

Common known causes of skin disorders include:

• bacteria trapped in skin pores and hair follicles
• fungus, parasites, or microorganisms living on the skin
• viruses
• a weakened immune system
• contact with allergens, irritants, or another person’s infected skin
• genetic factors
• illnesses affecting the thyroid, immune system, kidneys, and other body systems

Numerous health conditions and lifestyle factors can also lead to the development of certain skin disorders. Some skin conditions have no known cause.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term for a group of intestinal disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. These bowel-related disorders often cause skin problems.

The drugs used to treat these diseases can cause certain skin conditions, such as:

• skin tags
• anal fissures
• stomatitis
• vasculitis
• vitiligo
• allergic eczema

Diabetes

Many people with diabetes experience a skin problem due to their condition at some point.

Some of these skin disorders only affect people with diabetes. Others occur more frequently in people with diabetes because the disease increases the risk of infection and blood circulation problems.

Diabetes-related skin conditions include:

• bacterial infections, such as boils, styes, and folliculitis
• fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections
• acanthosis nigricans
• diabetic blisters
• diabetic dermopathy
• digital sclerosis

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage the skin, joints, or organs inside the body. Common skin problems that occur from lupus include:

• a red, butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
• round lesions on the face and head
• thick, red, scaly lesions
• red, ring-shaped lesions on body parts exposed to sunlight
• flat rash on the face and body that looks like a sunburn
• red, purple, or black spots on fingers and toes
• sores inside the mouth and nose
• tiny red spots on the legs

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes significant changes in hormone levels that may lead to skin problems. Preexisting skin problems may change or get worse during pregnancy. Most skin conditions that arise during pregnancy go away after the baby is born. Others require medical attention during pregnancy.

Common skin conditions caused by pregnancy include:

• stretch marks
• melasma
• pemphigoid
• pruritic urticarial papules and plaques
• eczema

Stress

Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, which may trigger or aggravate skin disorders. Stress-related skin problems include:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• acne
• rosacea
• ichthyosis
• vitiligo
• hives
• seborrheic dermatitis
• alopecia areata

Sun

The sun can cause many different skin disorders. Some are common and harmless, while others are rare or life threatening. Knowing if the sun causes or worsens your skin disorder is important for treating it properly.

Sunlight exposure may cause or aggravate the following conditions:

• moles
• wrinkles
• sunburn
• actinic keratosis
• skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
• photosensitivity

Many skin disorders are treatable. Common treatment methods for skin conditions include:

• antihistamines
• medicated creams and ointments
• antibiotics
• vitamin or steroid injections
• laser therapy
• targeted prescription medications
• biologics

Skin flare-ups

Not all skin disorders respond to treatment, and some conditions go away without treatment.

People with permanent skin conditions often go through periods of severe symptoms. Sometimes people are able to force incurable conditions into remission. However, most skin conditions reappear due to certain triggers, such as stress or illness.

You can often treat skin disorders that are temporary and cosmetic with:

• medicated makeup
• over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products
• good hygiene practices
• small lifestyle adjustments, such as making certain dietary changes

Certain skin disorders aren’t preventable, including genetic conditions and some skin problems due to other illnesses. However, it’s possible to prevent some skin disorders.

Follow these tips to prevent infectious skin disorders:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses with other people.
• Avoid direct contact with the skin of other people who have an infection.
• Clean things in public spaces, such as gym equipment, before using them.
• Don’t share personal items like blankets, hairbrushes, or swimsuits.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Get vaccinated for infectious skin conditions, such as chickenpox.

Noncontagious skin disorders

Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable. Prevention techniques vary depending on the condition. Here are some tips for preventing some noninfectious skin disorders:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water every day.
• Use moisturizer.
• Avoid environmental and dietary allergens.
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours each night, as many skin conditions can worsen due to lack of sleep.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, and wind.

Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require a doctor’s attention, while you can address others safely at home.

You should learn about your symptoms or condition and talk with a doctor to determine the best treatment methods.

What are the most common skin disorders?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Other common skin disorders include atopic dermatitis, hair loss, and rosacea.

What is the most serious skin disease?

There are several serious skin conditions. In particular, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be especially dangerous, as it could spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Cellulitis and latex allergy can also be very serious if left untreated.

Which skin disease is not curable?

A few examples of chronic skin conditions include rosacea, psoriasis, and vitiligo. While these conditions can’t be cured, some may have treatments available to help manage symptoms.

Different types of conditions affect the skin. Some are chronic, while others are temporary. Some conditions may be painful or uncomfortable, but they’re not dangerous. Other conditions, such as skin cancer, can be life threatening.

The treatment for each depends on the specific cause. If you experience any new or unusual skin symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool here.

TOP-5 skin diseases and their symptoms. A network of medical centers and MC “Health” in Moscow.

The skin is the largest human organ. And at the same time the most vulnerable. Often it is she who takes the first blow, and even more often she becomes a signaling system that says that something is going wrong in the body. In this article, we will analyze 5 skin diseases that are most common.

Not every symptom indicates danger. But sometimes we ignore those symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Someone is embarrassed by the problem, someone is afraid of doctors, someone prefers to apply plantain.

The doctors of the Zdorovye clinic network will tell you about those manifestations of skin diseases that should never be ignored.

What symptoms should you see a doctor urgently

People often resort to self-diagnosis of diseases when they detect changes in the skin. The Internet is full of articles with a detailed description of the symptoms and treatment of diseases. But there are many dangerous symptoms, upon detection of which you should immediately contact a specialist.

1. Rash . A rash is a symptom of many diseases, both skin and related to other organs. Rashes can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, stress, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, and even cancer. If the rash is brightly colored and does not go away for more than 48 hours, do not put off a visit to a specialist.

2. Warts . The appearance of warts on the skin is caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus. The virus is transmitted from person to person, so if you find papillomas or warts on any part of the body, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist or dermatovenereologist.

3. Peeling . At first glance, a harmless symptom can serve as a signal of a dangerous disease. If skin peeling is accompanied by prolonged itching, redness and severe dryness, it is better to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If peeling has become a skin response to exposure to frost, sun or wind, then we recommend that you protect your skin more carefully and use special creams.

4. Skin discoloration . A change in skin color after tanning or peeling is quite understandable, but if you find suddenly appearing spots on your body or face 0, this is a reason to make an appointment with a doctor. Red spots may signal an acute allergic reaction or gastrointestinal diseases, yellowing of the skin is one of the symptoms of hepatitis B and C, dark spots may indicate necrotic processes.

TOP-5 skin diseases

Skin diseases are quite common and can appear at any age. They cause physical discomfort to a person, make them hide the affected areas under tight clothing or use cosmetics to hide imperfections.

Fortunately, modern dermatology successfully fights against skin diseases. And here are the 5 most common ones.

1. Acne.
Acne, or acne, is an inflammatory skin disease that occurs as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands. More than 80% of the world’s population is affected by acne, most of them are teenagers. The disease begins with the appearance of blackheads, blackheads and papules (inflammatory nodules). If you are a parent of a teenager with acne, bring him to a doctor’s appointment to cure the disease in time and prevent its complications, or come yourself if you suddenly encountered the disease in adulthood.

2. Atopic dermatitis.
Another inflammatory skin disease is atopic dermatitis. The disease is especially common among children (10–15% in developed countries). The disease is accompanied by redness of the upper layer of the skin, dryness and severe itching. A complete cure of the patient is impossible, but to mitigate the course of the disease, moisturizing therapeutic ointments and local immunomodulators are used. Ignoring the disease can lead to serious complications and the development of skin infections.

3. Psoriasis.
Another common disease (about 5% in developed countries) is psoriasis. This is a chronic inflammatory non-infectious disease, which is characterized by the appearance of bright pink or red plaques on different parts of the body and head. In addition, there is a strong burning sensation and itching, dry skin. If left untreated, the risk of stroke increases, and internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are also affected.

4. Herpes simplex.
One of the most common viral skin diseases. Antibodies to this virus are found in 90% of people. The main symptom of herpes is fluid-filled blisters that appear in the mucous membranes – more often the lips or nose. Lack of treatment can provoke a decrease in immunity and, as a result, an increased risk of acquiring new diseases.

5. Viral warts .
A common viral skin disease caused by the ingestion of human papillomavirus into human skin cells. Often the virus is transmitted by household means (when shaking hands, using carrier items) or sexually. Convex nodules – warts are formed at the site of the introduction of the virus. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that the virus has oncogenic strains that can lead to the development of cancer.

Fortunately, there are few such strains, but it is worth checking to rule out risks. This is especially true for women, because HPV is the first and most important cause of cervical cancer.

How to treat skin diseases

Unfortunately, there is no one universal remedy for the treatment of skin diseases. After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the treatment that is appropriate in your case. It can be:

• Medical ointments and balms (healing, anti-inflammatory, hormonal, antibacterial)
• Oral medicines (antibiotics, hormones, immunomodulators)
• Physiotherapy (laser, magnetotherapy)
• Cosmetic procedures (cleansing, peeling, moisturizing masks)
• Cosmeceuticals (lotions, tonics, creams, masks)

Is it worth prescribing self-treatment? Everyone decides for himself. But we still want to warn you. Of course, if you went a little too far with tanning or you have several inflammations on your face against the background of the approaching critical days, then you can do without a doctor. But when it comes to serious diseases – psoriasis, allergies, dermatitis – self-medication can lead to aggravation of symptoms.

Contact specialists who will help you choose an effective treatment. Dermatologists and dermatovenereologists see doctors in the Healthcare network of clinics. They will conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary tests and help to cope with the disease.

We are waiting for you in any of our branches!

Skin infections – health articles

11/10/2022

Skin infections are divided into bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic. These include diseases such as scabies, warts, herpes, fungal diseases, lichen, etc.

The causative agent alone is not sufficient for the development of the disease. For its vigorous activity and reproduction, certain conditions are necessary, for example, a weakening of the immune system. If a person has strong immunity, the disease may not be.

Causes

Infection is one of the leading causes of skin diseases. The infection multiplies, causing an inflammatory response. In addition, any infection releases toxins into the body, which disrupt the filter organs. Toxins released by infections are primary and aggressive allergens. The presence of infections in the body significantly increases the allergic component. The organs responsible for detoxification (liver, kidneys, lymphatic system) with a huge amount of toxins will no longer cope with their work, fully perform their functions. In fact, skin diseases are a pathological way of percutaneous elimination of toxins from the body.

Types of skin infections and their symptoms

Scabies – a characteristic symptom is itching at night, which prevents sleep and is very annoying. Also, scabies can be recognized by small itchy pimples and a gray line extending from them – this is the course of the tick.

Warts. In fact, they are a benign tumor caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several types of warts: common, genital warts, plantar, flat and senile. This disease is very common. They are skin neoplasms, often small. Although sometimes they can merge and grow to impressive sizes.

Herpes. In this case, we are talking about herpes type 1. There are also other types of herpes viruses, but they no longer belong to skin diseases, but more affect the internal organs.

So, herpes simplex virus type 1 (or herpes simplex virus) is an infection that lives in almost all of us. According to statistics, 9 out of 10 people on earth are infected with herpes. The first symptoms: small sores can be seen on the lips or near the nose. In the first hours, the skin begins to swell and hurt a little, causing discomfort. Symptoms of an exacerbated herpes virus, in addition to skin manifestations, may resemble a common cold – weakness, fever, etc.

Fungal diseases. Fungi, which, getting on the skin, hair and nails of a person, cause their change, a huge amount. You can get a fungal infection, like other skin diseases, by contact with a carrier (including animals), when using common hygiene items, shoes, as well as in baths and pools, that is, where it is warm and damp, especially if there are mechanical damage to the skin.

Symptoms of fungal diseases can be: itching, burning, redness, peeling, weeping, cracks, flaking of scales, the formation of round plaques with a scaly raised rim, a change in the color and texture of the nail, the appearance of clearly defined foci on the hairy surface of the skin in which the hair becomes dull, brittle and eventually fall out, the appearance of black spots, severe seborrhea or dandruff.

Lichen. These are diseases that can also be caused by viral microorganisms and fungi. Infectious varieties include ringworm, pink, multi-colored (or pityriasis). A common symptom of these diseases is a rash in the form of scaly plaques of a changed color and completely different size, causing itching.

Erythema multiforme exudative. Infectious disease with an acute course. The seasonal form develops more often in spring or autumn. It is caused by an infection against the background of cold factors.

The toxic-allergic form occurs due to intoxication of the body with drugs or after vaccination (more often in children).

Both forms are characterized by skin rashes in the form of pinkish spots or slightly raised papules. Bubbles filled with serous and sometimes bloody contents may appear in their middle. The disease is also accompanied by general malaise, fever. Often there is pain in the throat and joints.

Ostiofolliculitis or staphylococcal impetigo. The causative agent is often Staphylococcus aureus. The main cause of the disease is a violation of the rules of hygiene, excessive sweating. It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of small semicircular rashes filled with purulent contents. They are about the size of a pinhead. In the center of the abscess is a hair.

Accompanied by painful sensations in the area of ​​rash dislocation. In the absence of adequate treatment, the infection can spread deep into the epidermis, provoking the development of folliculitis, the appearance of boils.

Pyoderma. A wide group of pustular diseases, the causative agent of which are bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci and pathogenic fungi.
The main symptom is follicles that appear mainly on the skin of the face, back, chest, armpits and scalp. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, there is a high risk of developing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Actinomycosis. Chronic bacterial skin disease.
The main symptom is the appearance under the skin of a dense tuberous neoplasm (infiltrate), which consists of several nodules that have merged together. The skin in this area acquires a bluish-reddish tint. With the development of the disease, the infiltrate breaks through, forming fistulas from which purulent contents are released.

Thrush or yeast stomatitis – often diagnosed in newborns or debilitated children. It is characterized by the appearance of a white film (plaque) on the oral mucosa.

Diagnosis

In the diagnosis of skin diseases, it is especially important to detect hidden infections that deprive the immune system of the ability to function normally. The condition of the internal organs, the disruption of which can cause skin diseases, is also assessed.

Therefore, examination for skin diseases consists of a carefully verified list of tests and examination by doctors of other specializations (for example, a cosmetologist-dermatologist), which are designed not only to detect skin diseases (often this can be done with the naked eye), but to identify the true causes of all existing disorders in the body.