As the largest organ humans possess, our skin is a vital part of our makeup. While our skin does an amazing job of keeping us safely encased, it’s also exposed to a variety of harmful factors over the course of a lifetime. From excessive UV rays to pollution, skin takes the brunt of many external forces and over time, it’s likely that the effects begin to show. Alternatively, our skin is very much susceptible to changes based on internal factors as well. Genetics can play a pivotal role in the overall tone, appearance, and quality of skin. In the greater field of dermatology, it is estimated that there are a few thousand different types of skin conditions that can affect men and women alike.
These conditions range in severity from mild to severe and may be temporary or permanent. Even if a skin condition develops and seems insignificant, the important role our skin plays makes it imperative that a professional is sought out to follow up on diagnosis and care. Skin conditions of many types tend to quickly escalate if left unattended. Above all, recognizing the signs of certain conditions is key to staying one step ahead of the problem.
Types of Skin Conditions
While it’s easy to assume that the highly visible nature of skin would make changes easy to pick out, certain areas of the body remain hidden or less thought of than others. For this reason, it’s important for patients to perform monthly skin checks in order to mindfully look at the entire body for skin conditions that may otherwise be overlooked. It’s often recommended that patients make a point to see a dermatologist annually for a more thorough examination. Those who are at a higher risk of developing skin conditions such as skin cancer may be advised to perform monthly checks more regularly.
Acne
Perhaps one of the most common skin conditions amongst men and women is acne. A high percentage of patients suffer from this condition which often develops during adolescence and constitutes a situation where individuals experience frequent breakouts that go far beyond the occasional occurrence. While acne can develop anywhere on the body, it’s often most noticeable on the face, particularly when acne is severe and doesn’t diminish over time. While it may not be a life-threatening skin condition, acne comes with a highly emotional component as men and women suffering from severe acne are often embarrassed by breakouts. Common treatment solutions for acne include prescription creams, oral medications, chemical peels or laser therapy depending on the severity of the condition. Acne is the result of severely clogged pores and has been linked to external conditions as well as genetics.
Eczema
Inflammation of the skin is referred to as eczema and can present in different forms. The first form is atopic dermatitis, which commonly present in children and develops as an itchy rash behind the knees and in the elbow creases. Contact dermatitis is the second form of eczema and is generally the result of an allergic reaction to adverse environmental factors. Nummular dermatitis is the third form of eczema and is recognized by patches of dry and itchy skin across the body. A regular application of a topical steroid is frequently the recommended solution by dermatologists for patients suffering from eczema.
Psoriasis
Some skin conditions such as psoriasis are recognized as a chronic disease. This particular skin condition shows up as thick, red and scaly patches of skin cells across the body. Individuals who develop psoriasis often suffer from an underlying immune system disorder. Skin patches associated with psoriasis commonly show up on the legs, face, scalp, and knees and can prove to be painful. A combination of oral medications and creams are generally used to treat the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Rosacea
A common skin condition amongst women as opposed to men, rosacea presents as swelling of the face linked to redness, outbreaks and blood vessels that become highly visible at the surface of the skin. Many dermatologist link rosacea back to underlying issues with the immune system or veins as well as significant environmental factors. This frequently chronic disorder is most often treated with beta-blockers and antibiotics. In severe cases, physicians may recommend laser or surgical treatments to reduce the appearance of rosacea.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Individuals who spent an extended period of time exposed to UV rays or utilize tanning beds are highly susceptible to the development of a skin condition known as basal cell carcinoma. The diagnosis of this type of skin cancer has risen in recent years, but basal cell carcinoma still proves to be very treatable if diagnosed early on. Basal cell carcinoma may present as a skin growth or scaly patch and treatment options often include surgery, radiation or topical medications depending on how invasive the cancer is.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When it comes to skincare, Dr. Wright and his team at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center are here to make sure each and every patient is informed and set on a customized path to treatment options when it’s necessary. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation or learn more about our many services for treating a variety of skin conditions.
