What are the most prevalent skin conditions affecting adults. How can you identify and treat various skin issues like shingles, hives, and psoriasis. What causes eczema and rosacea, and what are the available treatment options.

Shingles: Painful Blisters and Long-lasting Effects

Shingles is a skin condition characterized by a rash of raised dots that develop into painful blisters. This condition causes the skin to burn, itch, tingle, or become highly sensitive. Shingles typically appears on the trunk and buttocks but can manifest anywhere on the body.

How long does a shingles outbreak last. A typical outbreak lasts approximately two weeks. However, the effects of shingles can persist long after the initial outbreak has cleared. Many individuals experience lingering pain, numbness, and itching for months, years, or even indefinitely.

Treatment options for shingles include:

• Topical creams
• Antiviral drugs
• Steroids
• Antidepressants (in some cases)

Early treatment is crucial to prevent potential complications associated with shingles. If you suspect you have shingles, consult a healthcare professional promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hives: Identifying and Managing These Itchy Welts

Hives are characterized by welts on the skin that can itch, sting, or burn. These raised, often red or pink bumps vary in size and may merge to form larger patches. Hives can appear on any part of the body and last anywhere from a few minutes to several days.

What causes hives to develop. Several factors can trigger hives, including:

• Extreme temperatures
• Infections (e.g., strep throat)
• Allergies to medications
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Reactions to food additives

How can hives be treated. Antihistamines are often the first line of defense against hives, helping to reduce itching and inflammation. Topical skin creams may also provide relief. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or recommend additional treatments.

Psoriasis: Understanding the Scaly Skin Condition

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by thick, red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales. These patches, known as plaques, typically appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell growth, resulting in the buildup of cells on the skin’s surface.

Can psoriasis be cured. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. The condition often follows a cyclical pattern, with periods of improvement followed by recurrence throughout a person’s life.

Treatment options for psoriasis include:

• Topical creams and ointments
• Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Oral medications
• Injectable medications
• Intravenous (IV) treatments

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the areas affected, and the individual’s overall health. A dermatologist can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage psoriasis effectively.

Eczema: Decoding the Itchy Skin Mystery

Eczema is an umbrella term for several non-contagious skin conditions that cause inflamed, red, dry, and itchy skin. While the exact cause of eczema remains unknown, various factors can trigger flare-ups.

What triggers eczema flares. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Irritants (e.g., harsh soaps or detergents)
• Allergens
• Climate changes

In adults, eczema often appears on the elbows, hands, and in skin folds. The condition can be challenging to manage, but various treatment options are available to help control symptoms and reduce discomfort.

How is eczema treated. Treatment approaches for eczema may include:

• Topical medications (e.g., corticosteroid creams)
• Oral medications
• Injectable treatments
• Phototherapy
• Lifestyle modifications and skincare routines

Working closely with a dermatologist can help identify triggers and develop an effective management plan for eczema.

Rosacea: More Than Just a Rosy Complexion

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps or pus-filled pimples. The condition typically affects the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead, and can worsen over time if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of rosacea. Common signs include:

• Persistent facial redness
• Easy flushing
• Visible blood vessels
• Thickened skin (in advanced cases)
• Bumps and pimples
• Eye irritation (in some cases)

How can rosacea be managed. Treatment options for rosacea include:

• Oral medications
• Topical treatments
• Laser therapy for visible blood vessels and redness
• Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers

While there is no cure for rosacea, proper treatment and management can help control symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Consulting a dermatologist is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

Cold Sores: Tackling the Herpes Simplex Virus

Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the mouth or nose. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are highly contagious.

How long do cold sores last. Cold sores usually last about 10 days, but they can easily spread from person to person during this time. Various factors can trigger cold sore outbreaks, including:

• Fever
• Excessive sun exposure
• Stress
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycles)

What treatments are available for cold sores. Cold sores can be treated with:

• Antiviral pills
• Antiviral creams
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

It’s important to seek medical attention if cold sores contain pus, the redness spreads, you develop a fever, or your eyes become irritated. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications to manage the outbreak and prevent complications.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Identifying and Treating Contact Dermatitis

Contact with the oily resin found on poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants can cause a distinctive rash in many people. This type of contact dermatitis typically begins with redness and swelling at the site of exposure, followed by intense itching.

How quickly does the rash appear after exposure. Blisters usually develop within 12 to 72 hours after contact with the plant. The rash often appears as a red line, reflecting the path of the plant as it brushed against the skin.

What is the duration of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash. An outbreak typically lasts up to two weeks. Treatment options include:

• Topical medications
• Oral medications (for severe cases)
• Cool compresses
• Oatmeal baths

In cases of severe rash or signs of infection, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or antibiotics. To prevent future outbreaks, it’s crucial to learn how to identify these plants and avoid direct contact. Generally, poison oak is found west of the Rocky Mountains, while poison ivy is more common in eastern regions.

Preventing and Managing Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly known as “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps,” occurs when hair follicles become inflamed due to shaving. This condition most frequently affects the face and neck but can occur anywhere that hair is shaved or plucked.

How can razor bumps be prevented. To minimize the risk of developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, consider the following tips:

• Take a hot shower or apply a hot towel before shaving
• Use shaving cream or foam
• Shave in the direction of hair growth
• Rinse with cold water after shaving
• Apply a moisturizer post-shave

If you’re prone to razor bumps, you may want to consider alternative hair removal methods or allow your facial hair to grow slightly longer to reduce irritation.

Skin Tags: Benign But Bothersome

Skin tags are small, flesh-colored or slightly darker pieces of tissue that hang off the skin by a narrow stalk. They are typically found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags are more common in women and older adults.

Are skin tags dangerous. Skin tags are benign growths and usually don’t cause pain unless they become irritated by clothing or rubbing against nearby skin. While they’re not a health concern, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.

How can skin tags be removed. A doctor can remove skin tags through various methods:

• Cutting them off
• Freezing them (cryotherapy)
• Burning them off (cauterization)

It’s important to have a healthcare professional remove skin tags rather than attempting to do so at home, as improper removal can lead to infection or scarring.

Acne: More Than Just a Teenage Concern

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. While often associated with adolescence, acne can affect adults as well.

What causes acne breakouts. Acne develops when:

• Excess oil production occurs
• Dead skin cells accumulate
• Bacteria build up in the pores
• Inflammation develops around the clogged follicle

How can acne be treated effectively. Treatment options for acne include:

• Over-the-counter topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid)
• Prescription topical medications
• Oral antibiotics
• Hormonal treatments (for some women)
• Isotretinoin (for severe cases)

A consistent skincare routine, along with appropriate treatments recommended by a dermatologist, can help manage acne and prevent scarring.

When to Seek Professional Help for Skin Conditions

While many skin conditions can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home care, some situations warrant professional medical attention. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms
• Skin changes that interfere with daily activities
• Signs of infection (e.g., increased redness, warmth, or pus)
• New or changing moles
• Unexplained rashes or skin changes

Early diagnosis and treatment can often lead to better outcomes and prevent complications associated with various skin conditions.

Maintaining Healthy Skin: Prevention and Care Tips

While some skin conditions are unavoidable due to genetic factors or underlying health issues, there are several steps you can take to promote overall skin health and potentially reduce the risk of developing certain skin problems:

• Practice good hygiene
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
• Protect your skin from sun damage
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Avoid known irritants or allergens
• Get adequate sleep

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help maintain healthy skin and potentially reduce the frequency or severity of certain skin conditions.

The Role of Dermatologists in Skin Health

Dermatologists are medical professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They play a crucial role in managing various skin issues, from common concerns like acne to more complex conditions such as autoimmune skin disorders.

When should you consider seeing a dermatologist. It’s advisable to consult a dermatologist if you:

• Have a persistent skin problem that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Notice any changes in the appearance of moles or skin growths
• Experience recurring skin infections
• Have a family history of skin cancer or other hereditary skin conditions
• Require specialized treatments for chronic skin conditions

How can a dermatologist help. Dermatologists can provide various services, including:

• Accurate diagnosis of skin conditions
• Customized treatment plans
• Prescription medications
• Specialized procedures (e.g., biopsies, laser treatments)
• Skin cancer screenings and treatment
• Cosmetic dermatology services

Regular check-ups with a dermatologist can help maintain optimal skin health and address any concerns before they become more serious issues.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Dermatology

The field of dermatology is constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies emerging to address various skin conditions more effectively. Some of the exciting developments in skin care and treatment include:

• Biologics for severe skin conditions
• Personalized medicine based on genetic profiling
• Advanced laser and light therapies
• Nanotechnology in skincare products
• Stem cell therapies for skin regeneration
• Artificial intelligence in skin cancer detection

As research continues, these innovations may lead to more targeted and effective treatments for a wide range of skin conditions, improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

Understanding common skin conditions and their treatments is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of various skin issues, seeking appropriate medical care when necessary, and adopting healthy skincare habits, individuals can better manage their skin health and address concerns promptly. Remember that while many skin conditions are manageable, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Identify Rashes, Eczema and More

Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on April 26, 2022

Is your skin itchy, broken out, or covered in a rash or strange spots? Skin inflammation, changes in texture or color, and spots may result from infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with an allergen or irritant. If you think you have one of these common adult skin problems, have your doctor check it out. Most are minor, but others can signal something more serious.

A rash of raised dots that turns into painful blisters, shingles causes your skin to burn, itch, tingle, or become very sensitive. Shingles often shows up on your trunk and buttocks, but can appear anywhere. An outbreak lasts about two weeks. You’ll recover, but pain, numbness, and itching might linger for months, years, or even the rest of your life. Treatment includes creams for your skin, antiviral drugs, steroids, and even antidepressants. It’s important to be treated early to help prevent complications.

Hives look like welts and can itch, sting or burn. They vary in size and sometimes join together. They may appear on any part of you and last anywhere from minutes to days. Causes include extreme temperatures, infections like strep throat, and allergies to medications, foods, and food additives. Antihistamines and skin creams can help.

Thick, red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales are signs of psoriasis. Doctors know how psoriasis works — your immune system triggers new skin cells to grow too quickly — but they don’t know what causes it.  The patches typically show up on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. They can heal and come back throughout your life.  Treatments include creams and ointments for your skin, light therapy, and medications taken by mouth, injection, or IV.

Eczema is a blanket term for several non-contagious conditions that cause inflamed, red, dry, and itchy skin. Doctors aren’t sure what makes eczema start in the first place, but they do know that stress, irritants (like soaps), allergens, and climate can trigger flares. In adults, it often appears on the elbows, hands, and in skin folds. Several medications treat eczema. Some are spread over the skin, and others are taken by mouth or as a shot.

A tendency to flush easily, followed by redness on your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead could be rosacea. It can get redder over time with blood vessels you can see. You may have thickened skin, bumps, and pus-filled pimples. It could even affect your eyes. Medications taken by mouth or spread on the skin are available. Doctors can treat broken blood vessels and red or thickened skin with lasers.

The herpes simplex virus causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on your mouth or nose. Cold sores last about 10 days and easily spread from person to person. Triggers include fever, too much sun, stress, and hormonal changes like periods. You can treat cold sores with antiviral pills or creams. Call your doctor if the sores contain pus, the redness spreads, you have a fever, or if your eyes become irritated. These can be treated with prescription pills or creams.

Contact with the oily coating from poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes a rash in many people. It begins with redness and swelling at the site, and then becomes itchy. Blisters usually show up within 12 to 72 hours after you touch the plant. A typical rash looks like a red line, the result of the plant dragging across your skin. An outbreak usually lasts up to 2 weeks. Treatment can include medicine spread on the skin or taken by mouth.

Prescription or over-the-counter medication can help soothe the itch. Try cool compresses and oatmeal baths, too. Your doctor may prescribe medication for a severe rash and antibiotics for an infection. Learn to spot these plants so you can avoid direct contact. In general, poison oak grows west of the Rockies; poison ivy to the east.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae occurs when hair follicles become inflamed because of shaving. It most often occurs on the face and neck but can happen anywhere that you shave or pluck. Also known as “razor bumps” or “shaving bumps,” the irritation can cause pimples, and even scars. You can minimize the problem with by taking a hot shower or applying a hot towel before you shave. Use shaving cream or foam and pull the blade in the direction your hair grows. Rinse with cold water and apply moisturizer.

This small flap of flesh-colored or slightly darker tissue hangs off your skin by a stalk. They’re usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often on women and elderly people. They aren’t dangerous and usually don’t cause pain unless they become irritated when clothing or nearby skin rubs against them. A doctor can cut, freeze, or burn them off.

Acne breaks out when a pore clogged with oil and dead skin cells gets inflamed. Pores that stay open and turn dark are called blackheads; completely blocked pores are known as whiteheads. Bacteria and hormones trigger acne, which most often shows up on your face, chest, and back. You can also get pus-filled pimples and cysts. To help control acne, keep oily areas clean and don’t squeeze (this may cause infection and scars). 

This fungal skin infection causes your feet to peel, turn red, itch, and burn. You may also get blisters and sores. Athlete’s foot is contagious and passed through direct contact. To prevent it, don’t share shoes with an infected person or walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or near pools. Treat it with topical antifungal lotions. A doctor can prescribe medications for more severe cases. During treatment, you’ll need to keep your feet and the insides of your shoes clean and dry.

Moles, which are usually brown or black, can be anywhere on the body. They might show up alone or in groups and generally appear before age 20. Some moles change slowly over the years. They can go from flat to raised, grow hair, or change color. Get your moles checked once a year by a dermatologist. See your doctor right away for any that change, have irregular borders, are an unusual or uneven color, bleed, or itch.  

These pesky brown or gray spots aren’t really caused by aging, though they do become more common as you get older. You get them from exposure to sunlight, which is why they tend to appear on your face, hands, and arms. You can try bleach creams, acid peels, and light-based treatments to fade them. See a dermatologist to rule out serious problems like melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

A harmless rash, pityriasis rosea usually begins as a single scaly, pink patch with a raised border. Days to weeks later, it starts to itch and spread. The rash may be in the shape of a Christmas tree spread across your body. Doctors don’t know for sure what causes it, but they don’t think it’s contagious. It often goes away in 6 to 8 weeks without treatment. Pityriasis rosea most often shows up between the ages of 10 and 35.

Melasma (chloasma) is tan or brown patches on your cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It’s often called the “pregnancy mask” because it happens in half of all pregnant women. Men can get it, too. If it doesn’t go away on its own after the baby comes, you can treat it with prescription creams, over-the-counter products, or with laser treatments. Sunlight makes it worse, so always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

In most cases, common warts appear on the fingers or hands. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus. Warts spread when you touch something used by a person with the virus. To prevent more warts, cover them with bandages, keep them dry, and don’t pick them. They’re usually harmless and painless. You can treat them with topical medications, or a doctor can freeze or burn them off. More advanced removal techniques include surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

Seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous growths that often show up as you age. They can appear on many areas of the skin either alone or in groups. They may be dark or multicolored, and they usually have a grainy surface, though they can be smooth and waxy. You don’t need to treat them unless they get irritated or you don’t like the way they look. They’re easy to mistake for moles or skin cancer, but a dermatologist can tell the difference.

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SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology: “Hives,” “Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema,” “Lip and Mouth Care,” “Poison Ivy: Signs and Symptoms,” “Men’s Skin Care,” “Pityriasis Rosea,” “Melasma,” “Warts. “

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “All About Hives (Urticaria).”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis).”

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: “Psoriasis.”

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: “Shingles Information Page.”

The National Rosacea Society, “All About Rosacea.”

The Cleveland Clinic: “Diseases & Conditions: Moles, Freckles, Skin Tags, Benign Lentigines, and Seborrheic Keratoses.”

National Library of Medicine

JAMA Dermatology

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

DermNet NZ

© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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.

Infectious skin diseases

All skin diseases can be conditionally divided into two large groups – contagious and non-contagious – i.e. not dangerous to others

The first group includes such common parasitic diseases as scabies and mycoses (fungal skin diseases).

Migration of the population, overcrowding, insufficient education of the population about the disease, self-treatment, late seeking medical help, etc. contribute to the spread of diseases.

Scabies

This is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites that “live” in the upper layer of the skin – the epidermis. Infection with scabies occurs in the process of prolonged contact with the sick person, through handshakes, wearing his clothes, especially underwear, using the same bed, and not observing the rules of personal hygiene.

The first symptom of the disease is pruritus, which worsens at night, when the tick is most active. Small paired pink rashes and scratching appear on the patient’s skin, first in places of favorite localization (thighs, abdomen, interdigital folds of the hands). If the patient does not turn to the doctor in a timely manner, the rash spreads to the entire surface of the trunk and extremities. Often associated with pustular infection.

Scabies should not be self-medicated. Even after a course of outpatient treatment, relapses of the disease sometimes occur. Only a doctor can provide qualified assistance.

Microsporia

The next category of contagious skin diseases is associated with a fungal infection. One of the most common diseases is microsporia, or, as it is called in everyday life, “ringworm”. Most often they suffer from children. Sources of infection can be sick kittens, cats, puppies, less often – adult dogs. The peculiarity of the disease is seasonal in nature – more often people get sick with microsporia from August to October.

The clinical picture is characterized by the appearance on the skin of round, red spots, the correct form with superficial peeling. Exfoliated scales are contagious.

Some parents aggravate the situation without knowing it – they bathe a sick child, contributing to the spread of spores of the fungus throughout his body. As a result, dozens of new foci emerge. If treatment is not started immediately, the infection from smooth skin is transferred to the head, affecting the hair, which, losing vitality, breaks, leaving “stumps” 0. 5 to 1 cm long. Hence the name – “ringworm”.

Lice (pediculosis)

This is a contagious parasitic disease caused by lice. There are three types of lice: head, clothes and pubic. Infection most often occurs through close household contact or the use of the patient’s things.

When bitten by lice, severe itching occurs, which in turn leads to the appearance of multiple linear scratches, which can be complicated by secondary infection. With pubic pediculosis, the presence of a rash with a reddish-bluish tint at the bite site is characteristic.

Treatment of pediculosis and scabies in each individual patient should be carried out simultaneously with anti-epidemic measures (disinfestation of hats, clothes, bedding and premises, etc.)

Destruction of insects is carried out with antiparasitic agents.

Trichophytosis

Trichophytosis develops according to the same scenario, the clinic of which is similar to microsporia. Its carriers are cats and dogs, rats and mice. Specific fungi – trichophytons – can also be transmitted from cattle. In addition, infection occurs through close contact with a sick person, using his clothes and bed, but this source of infection accounts for only 5% of the total number of diseases.

Varieties of this type of fungus can affect the skin of the feet. Most often this happens in public showers, where disinfection of rubber mats is missing or irregularly carried out; with those who wash without individual rubberized shoes. Clinical manifestations can be inexpressive: scanty peeling on the soles and in the interdigital folds is almost imperceptible. And only after years, or even decades, when a person is already at an advanced age, the picture changes radically: peeling intensifies, hyperkeratosis appears – thickening of the heels, nails become yellow or dark gray, easily crumble and break.

Various types of fungi are present on the body of a fairly large number of people, but favorable conditions are needed for the development of diseases: for example, increased sweating of the feet, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, vascular disorders, close contact with the patient.

Infectious skin diseases are curable. It is only necessary to consult a dermatovenereologist in a timely manner when the first signs of the disease appear, who will provide qualified assistance and take all necessary measures so that the people around the patient do not become infected.

Prevention

Prevention of contagious skin diseases can be conditionally divided into two groups:

1. Individual prevention – personal hygiene, using only individual clothes and shoes, washing hands, daily shower or bath, use of rubber slippers in the baths swimming pools, changing rooms, etc.,
2. Preventive measures that are carried out during all types of medical examinations, medical examinations of the population, when a doctor can identify a patient based on the results of a medical examination. In addition, when registering microsporia in an organized team in order to prevent the spread of the disease among contact persons, the sanitary legislation provides for medical supervision of all persons in contact with the patient – a three-time examination by a dermatologist is carried out with an interval of 15 days. Identified patients are removed from school visits, kindergarten and sent for treatment to a dermatologist. At school, kindergarten, the final (after isolation of the patient) and current disinfection is carried out.

Skin diseases: description, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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The skin is the largest human organ and its appearance is an indicator of a person’s overall health.

Types of skin diseases

The most common skin diseases are the following:

1. Fungal diseases – these include diseases of the hair and skin, lesions of the mucous membranes, nails and skin of the feet.
2. Pustular diseases – the causative agents of this group are streptococci and staphylococci, constantly present on the skin and mucous membranes of a person.
3. Scalp problems – brittle and dull hair indicates problems or vitamin deficiencies. These include dandruff (or seborrhea), as well as alopecia (premature hair loss)
4. Diseases of the skin of the face – do not always cause pain, but bring aesthetic inconvenience. Among them are: allergic dermatitis, papillomas (protruding growths on the surface of the skin), seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea (spider veins).
5. Viral skin diseases are most common in children, so parents need to remain especially vigilant.

Diagnosis of skin diseases

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to accurately identify the cause of the disease, and this requires systemic diagnostics, which includes:

• general clinical blood test;
• blood test for markers of bacterial or viral infection;
• diagnosis of fungal infections (nails, hair, skin) – scrapings;
• general clinical analysis of urine;
• blood test for markers of parasitic invasions;
• hormonal studies, etc.