Skin Diseases

Common Skin Diseases

Skin diseases are common among humans, affecting the general population in both mild and severe forms. While most of these conditions have different causes, they share some common attributes including causing itching, skin irritation, dryness, and redness. Here is a list of seven of the most common skin diseases:

  • Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a common skin condition caused by inflammation that leads to skin rashes, redness and itching. It typically appears on areas of the skin such as the knees, wrists, hands, feet, eyelids, and face.
  • Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition, psoriasis involves the skin cells growing and building up on the surface of the skin, leading to red and itchy patches, sores, and scaly patches. It often appears on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back.
  • Rosacea: This skin condition typically appears in adults over the age of 30, and is characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is commonly mistaken for acne, and it is typically accompanied by flushing, redness, small pimples, and the thickening of the skin.
  • Acne: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and appears in most people at some point in their life. Associated with blemishes, pimples, and blackheads, acne usually appears on the face, back, and chest.
  • Hives: Hives are red, itchy bumps that appear on the skin. They can range from raised red marks or large patches of swollen red skin. They usually last for a few hours or a few days, but they may last up to a few weeks.
  • Cold Sores: Also known as fever blisters, cold sores typically appear as blisters on the lips, gums, cheeks, and chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and often last two to three days before scabbing and healing.
  • Shingles: A blistering skin rash, shingles usually appears as a band or a strip of blisters that wrap around one side of the chest, back, or face. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

If you think you may have any of these conditions, it is important to seek the help of a medical professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from these, and other, common skin diseases.