There are more than 3,000 skin diseases known to dermatology, and all of these vary greatly in symptoms and severity. There are different factors in the development of these disorders; some are caused by allergens while others are genetic. To illustrate the diversity of this topic, here are some of the common skin diseases that can affect anyone.
Common Skin Diseases
Acne
Acne is a common skin disease that can affect anyone. This disorder is usually associated with the hormonal fluctuations experienced during puberty. However, acne can also be experienced by adults and even infants. This condition may be attributed to the interplay of factors namely: excess oil production of the skin, bacteria, hormones, and dead skin cells. Acne is usually found in the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a common condition characterized by dry patches and plaques of skin that are often itchy and inflamed. Eczema is more common among people who have asthma, atopy, or allergic rhinitis in their family medical history.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, thus causing a build-up on the surface of the skin. This extra layer of cells form scales or red patches and plaques that can be itchy or painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease. These patches and plaques can come and go over the course of a few days to over a month. There is no known cure for this disorder, however, medication is readily available. The goal of psoriasis treatment is to control and manage lesions and to stop cells from growing quickly to avoid the development of more symptoms.
Rosacea
Often mistaken for acne, rosacea is a chronic disease characterized by redness, prominent blood vessels, and papules on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. These symptoms may flare up for a couple of days or weeks and then go away for a while. Rosacea can affect anyone, but it is most common in light-skinned women over the age of 30.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition that affects the melanocytes in skin cells, compromising the cells’ ability to produce melanin. This causes areas of the skin to have a lighter color or to turn white. Anyone can be affected by this skin disease, but it may be more noticeable in people with a darker complexion. Vitiligo is not life-threatening nor is it contagious,
The best way to know if you have a skin disorder is to consult with a dermatologist.
Treatment for Skin Diseases
There is no single treatment for all skin diseases as each one requires special attention and care. If you suspect to have any of the aforementioned diseases, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. To schedule a consultation, contact us at (02) 8523-8131 loc 2057-58.
