Although many of us dream of perfect skin, the truth of the matter is that it’s exceedingly rare. Some may be born with skin that stays clear healthy-looking most of the time, but thousands of other people go through various issues spanning everything from rare conditions to small everyday annoyances. With that said, we present the basics of 4 of the most common skin conditions as well as treatments for each one.
Eczema
Common skin condition eczema causes itchy, scaly, and dry areas of skin to appear on your body. Causes can include environmental factors and allergies, and affect everyone from newborns to senior citizens.
How to Treat Eczema:
The root cause of this skin condition is dry skin, so staying moisturized is essential, besides avoiding allergens. You can be triggered by dry and cold air, different detergents, and specific foods. Consult your doctor to come up with a list of triggers and then ask for a topical cream to treat flare-ups. Drugs.com [1] lists all the drugs that can treat this group of skin conditions.
Acne
Most teenagers know all about acne, the most common skin problems you can face that’s usually tied to hormones in your body. The exact cause of acne breakouts are blockages in oil glands and around hair follicles which cause a variety of skin lesions including cysts, pimples, and blackheads.
How to Treat Acne:
To successfully treat acne, you need to be patient. Furthermore, avoid oily cosmetic products, wash your face regularly, and use solutions that prevent oily build-up by drying out your skin. If your case is severe, always consult a doctor to avoid permanent scarring. According to Drugs.com, [2] you might be prescribed medications such as Adapalene topical cream, Tretinoin, or Sarecycling tablets, but always consider the counter-indications and possible side-effects.
Psoriasis
Unlike eczema or acne, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that starts on the inside and cannot be cured completely. Immune cells attack healthy ones and cause sore, itchy, dry, and red patches in different parts of your body. The most common spots include the knees, feet, elbows, and palms.
How to Treat Psoriasis:
Just like with other similar conditions, psoriasis can be managed by avoiding stress and making some lifestyle changes. According to EveryDayHelath.com, [3] there are also many over-the-counter and prescription topicals and drugs that can help manage this condition. Other options include light or phototherapy which works with ultraviolet light. Noting triggers and fine-tuning treatment is your best option which is why you will need to see a specialist.
Rosacea
Rosacea causes redness and inflammation on your chest and face without prior warning. It can look like your blushing, or as red bumps with puss. In any case, it’s not something you can easily hide. Fortunately, this skin condition isn’t hard to manage.
How to Treat Rosacea:
The best way to treat rosacea is to minimize inflammation effects. Ice packs can alleviate soreness and reduce redness. You can also use apple cider vinegar, green tea, and honey to manage rosacea. However, avoid citrus fruits or foods that have them added because they cause blushing. And, of course, visit your doctor and ask whether there are any topical medications you should try.
[1] https://www.drugs.com/condition/eczema.html
[2] https://www.drugs.com/slideshow/most-common-skin-conditions-1086