Four Common Skin Conditions
Skin conditions can often get mistaken for skin types, but the five skin types can be described as something you were born with and will always have, even if you cycle through the five types within your lifetime. A skin condition can be something your skin deals with temporarily once the cause is understood and corrected. Skin conditions are a direct result of hormones, weather, illness, lifestyle, etc. unlike skin types that are just affected by these irritants. Although there are numerous skin conditions, let’s cover the four most common skin conditions:
Acne
Since almost everyone has suffered from acne at some point or another, it is no surprise to find acne at the top of this list. Acne is characterized by pores becoming blocked by dirt, excess sebum, and dead skin cells, resulting in pimples, black heads, white heads, nodules, and cysts. Acne is often seen in teenagers due to the hormonal changes they are going through. With that being said, adults can suffer from acne as well, as a consequence of hormones, poor lifestyle habits, and weather.
Rosacea
Rosacea is caused by an increase in blood flow to the skin's surface, which can cause blood vessels to widen. It causes the cheeks, nose, and chin to turn bright red, similar to a sunburn or flushing. Depending on weather changes, rosacea can increase in intensity. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition. It can be worsened by high blood pressure and an increase in temperature either through outside stimulants or internal stimulants like food or drink.
Eczema
Eczema is another common skin condition that is characterized by dry, red, thickened, cracked, scaly skin that is itchy. It will present as red brownish patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, eyelids, bend of knees and elbows, etc. It is often seen in babies and kids, but eczema can also develop in the later years for adults. Eczema is often linked to allergies.
Psoriasis
It can be difficult to differentiate psoriasis from eczema, but they are two different skin conditions. Psoriasis can be characterized by red skin that has a silvery and scaly look that is thick. It also may feel like the affected area is burning. Although it is often found in bending areas, it can almost be found anywhere on the body, such as the neck, chest, head, nails, etc. Babies, kids, and adults can all develop psoriasis. It is often described as an immune disorder.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-or-eczema
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html