Everything You Need to Know About Common Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as acne and eczema present with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of severity. These conditions may be temporary or chronic, ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain. Some can even pose life-threatening risks.

The causes of skin disorders differ widely—some stem from environmental factors while others have genetic origins. While many are benign, certain conditions may indicate underlying health concerns.

If you suspect you’re experiencing any common skin issues, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

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List – Permanent disorders – Disorders in children – Symptoms – Causes – Treatment – Prevention – FAQs – Takeaway

List of skin disorders

Acne:

• Commonly appears on face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back
• Symptoms include redness, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and sometimes painful cysts
• May lead to scarring or skin darkening if untreated
• People of Color may develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Cold sore:

• Painful fluid-filled blisters near mouth and lips
• Often preceded by tingling or burning sensation
• May accompany mild flu-like symptoms
• Can cause PIH in darker skin tones

Blister:

• Fluid-filled skin lesions (vesicles or bullae)
• May appear singly or in clusters
• Can occur anywhere on body

Hives:

• Itchy raised welts triggered by allergens
• May feel warm and tender
• Appearance varies by skin tone (red on light skin, may appear differently on dark skin)
• Various shapes possible (round, ring-shaped, irregular)

Actinic keratosis:

• Scaly or crusty skin patches
• Typically smaller than 2 cm
• Develops on sun-exposed areas
• Color varies by skin tone (pink, brown, tan, or gray)

Rosacea:

• Chronic inflammatory skin condition with flare-ups
• Triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, sun, stress
• Four subtypes with varying symptoms
• Common symptoms include facial redness and sensitivity
• May appear as discoloration on darker skin

Carbuncle:

• Painful inflamed skin lump
• May cause fever and fatigue
• Possible crusting or oozing
• May appear violet on dark skin

Latex allergy:

• Medical emergency requiring urgent care
• Rash develops after latex exposure
• May cause respiratory symptoms
• Severe reactions can impair breathing

Eczema:

• Discolored patches that may flake
• Often itchy and greasy
• Appearance varies by skin tone
• May cause hair loss in affected areas

Psoriasis:

• Scaly plaques with defined borders
• Common on scalp, elbows, knees
• May or may not itch

Cellulitis:

• Medical emergency requiring immediate attention
• Caused by bacterial or fungal infection
• Painful swollen skin that spreads quickly
• May cause fever and chills

Measles:

• Begins with fever, cough, red eyes
• Rash spreads from face downward
• May cause mouth sores
• Can lead to PIH in People of Color

Basal cell carcinoma:

• Shiny pearly growth with central depression
• May resemble scar tissue
• Visible blood vessels possible
• May bleed or fail to heal

Squamous cell carcinoma:

• Develops on sun-exposed areas
• Begins as scaly patch, becomes raised bump
• May bleed or recur after healing

Melanoma:

• Most serious skin cancer
• Irregular mole with multiple colors
• Changes in size or color over time

Lupus:

• Butterfly-shaped facial rash
• Various rash types possible
• May cause fatigue and joint pain
• Higher PIH risk in People of Color

Contact dermatitis:

• Allergic reaction with distinct borders
• Itchy, scaly, or raw skin
• Color varies by skin tone
• May form weeping blisters

Vitiligo:

• Loss of skin pigmentation
• May appear in patches or segments
• Can cause premature hair graying
• More noticeable on darker skin

Wart:

• Caused by HPV virus
• May appear singly or in clusters
• Contagious through direct contact

Chickenpox:

• Itchy fluid-filled blisters in various stages
• Accompanied by fever and sore throat
• Contagious until all blisters crust
• Harder to detect on dark skin

Seborrheic eczema:

• Yellow or white flaky patches
• Red, itchy, greasy skin
• May cause hypopigmentation
• Can lead to hair loss

Keratosis pilaris:

• Common on arms and legs
• Often resolves by age 30
• Rough red bumps
• Worsens in dry weather

Ringworm:

• Circular scaly rash with raised border
• Central area often clear
• Typically itchy
• Color varies by skin tone

Melasma:

• Dark facial patches
• Common in pregnancy and dark skin
• May fade or become permanent

Impetigo:

• Common in children
• Irritating rash around mouth
• Honey-colored crusts
• Harder to see on dark skin

Lifelong skin conditions

Chronic skin conditions persist throughout life, requiring ongoing management. While incurable, symptoms can typically be controlled. Examples include:

1. Psoriasis: Autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell buildup. Managed with topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic medications.
2. Eczema: Chronic inflammatory condition treated with moisturizers and avoiding triggers.
3. Vitiligo: Pigment loss managed with topical steroids or phototherapy.
4. Rosacea: Facial redness controlled with lifestyle changes and medications.
5. Ichthyosis: Genetic scaling disorder managed with moisturizers.