psoriasis

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What are the most common skin problems?

Below is a list of the most common skin disorders. Before you start questioning whether you are suffering from any of the conditions below, please be advised that a full consultation with a specialist, such a dermatologist, is needed in order to properly diagnose your problem.

In any case, we thought this list could be helpful to our readers so here we go.

ACNE –acne is a skin condition that affects many teenagers and 5% of women and 1% of men over 25. Many already know what it looks like: red facial pimples that are located in the face, and whiteheads and blackheads. Acne is usually caused by too much sebum that blocks the skin pores and allows bacteria to infect the area. It is known that hormone levels can affect the appearance or disappearance of acne.

ECZEMA –dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin due to a contact with a specific substance. Eczema is the name for this specific type of dermatitis that manifests itself after a contact with a certain substance. It can develop after having touched an irritant or a substance you might be particularly allergic to. The skin might be red, inflamed or dry due to the condition and, in worst cases, blisters might appear.

WART –a wart looks like a solid blister. They are caused by an infection of viral nature. One of the most common viruses that cause this condition is a certain type of human papillomavirus (HPV). There exists different types of warts. Warts are contagious through skin-to-skin contact. Specific type of warts that develop on pressure points of the feet are called verrucas.

COLD SORE –cold sores are red blisters that might appear around the mouth or in other areas of the face. The main cause of cold sore is the virus herpes simplex type 1. Antiviral medication might help with an outbreak, but unfortunately there is no cure for cold sores at the moment.

PSORIASIS –psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. It looks like white chipped skin on top of a red area. It is a genetic condition whereby the process of formation of new skin is speeded up. However, once the tissue on top dies, the skin on the bottom is not completely ready yet and this causes inflammation. Most people that suffer from this skin condition also notice that certain elements prompt psoriasis to occur. Triggers can be skin accidents, smoking or stress.

For more information on these skin conditions, or to find out more, visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/skin/Pages/Commonconditions.aspx