Original Image: OpenStax College via Wikimedia.org; Final Edits: BoredBee

Skin conditions are uncomfortable and unpleasant to the eyes. As what I have written from one of my previous blogs, everyone can suffer from any of these conditions.

Suffering from even just one skin issue can affect your self-esteem and confidence big time. Just remember how you felt during those times when you had a big pimple on the face. You know how it affects you socially and personally.

There is no wonder why we are putting extra effort in removing any issues that we have. Our skin is the largest organ of our body, thus the most recognizable part. Presence of skin conditions like acne, warts, and pigmentations on our skin can make us want to hide from the world.  

In this blog, I am going to list down some of the most common among the thousands of them.

Warning: graphic images ahead.

Razor Bumps (Razor Burn)

Image Credits: Army Medical Department via Wikimedia.org

The common sufferers are men. Women can also suffer from them in the bikini or underarm area.

Shaving causes the hair to grow abnormally leading to skin irritation. For this reason, depending on your situation, it is better to remove hair using depilatory creams laser procedure, or wax.  

Remedies:

• Exfoliate to improve the razor bump’s texture. (It does not completely cure it.)       
• Give your hair follicles a break for a while. Do not shave and let it heal.

 

Psoriasis

Original Image: Hans via Pixabay; Final Edits: BoredBee

You usually find it on the forearms, elbow, and belly button. Your scalp is at risk too. If you have dandruff that does not seem to go off, it is time to consult a dermatologist. You might have this skin problem.

It is one of the skin conditions that are incurable but not contagious. The cause is unknown, but experts say that it is linked to heredity. It is one example of autoimmune disease.

It appears when the skin’s exfoliation cycle is faster than normal, which causes the extra skin cells to form scaly patches. There is no cure for this problem yet, but you can at least slow down the cycle.

Alcohol, medicines, and stress can trigger this skin condition.

Remedies:

• Moisturizer for a mild condition
• Steroid cream for the severe condition. Consult your dermatologist first before using it.
• Do not use hot water on the affected area.
• See your doctor if the condition is already causing you trouble performing your daily activities.

 

Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin)

Original Image: Irja via Wikimedia.org; Final Edits: BoredBee

Keratins or hardened skin proteins build-up blocks the hair follicles causing the chicken skin appearance. Having a dry skin exacerbates this condition. You will find them mostly on the legs, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, and cheeks.

This problem is common in children and in the cold weather.  It usually disappears upon reaching the age of 30.

It is not harmful. Most experts say that this skin condition is a variant of normal skin. However, aside from its ugly appearance, its texture is rough. That is why some people want to get rid of them.

Remedies:

• Retinoid creams
• AHA and BHA  creams

 

Eczema

Image Credits: G. Steph. Rocket via Wikimedia.org

It is commonly the skin’s reaction to other skin conditions like scabies. Kids can suffer from it too, though it is non-contagious.

The skin appears red, bumpy, and scaly. It is also itchy. Dairy products may worsen this condition.

It commonly appears at the joint areas of the body like the knees, ankles, elbows, and fingers. It also appears at the lower legs too.

Remedies:

• Topical creams
• Moisturizer
• No scratching
• Cold water compress

 

Most people find it difficult to distinguish the difference between eczema and psoriasis. Here is the video that will tell you the difference.

Video Credits: FindaTopDoc Media via YouTube

Warts

Original Image: Happyfeet34 via Flickr; Final Edits: BoredBee

Warts are examples of highly contagious skin conditions. It appears in localized growths and characterized by different sizes, shapes, location. It is non-contagious only if it is dormant. Thus it is dangerous to swim in a pool with someone that has this condition.

One common example of warts is verruca.

Remedies:

• Laser surgery
• Topical treatments
• Cryotherapy

 

Skin tags

Image Credits: Jmarchn via Wikipedia.org

It appears as a large piece of skin cells overgrowth attached to the skin by the flesh. It is harmless but distracting. It is common in the skin folds, like the eyelid, groin, neck, and the like. For this reason, obese people are more prone to it because they have more skin folds.

Remedy:

• Exfoliation

 

Stretch marks

Image Credits: Saildancer via Pixabay

It is one of the skin conditions that everyone may have at some point in their life. Stretch marks are a type of skin scar.

It appears because of the extreme pressure caused by excessive stretching that damages the connective tissue of the skin. Pregnancy, growth, obesity, and severe weight loss are the common causes of it. No known preventive cream medications can cure them.

Remedies:

• Laser procedure

 

Cold sores (fever blisters)

Original Image: Ben Tillman via Wikimedia.org; Final Edits: BoredBee

Cold sores are due to the Herpes simplex virus. Once it gets into you, it will live under your spine and stays dormant. Extreme temperatures, low immune system, and bad stress can trigger it, causing painful sores to appear on the lips or nose.

It is highly contagious and dangerous for babies. It is because the Herpes simplex virus may travel to their brain or main organs. If the virus gets into the baby’s major organs, it can cause permanent or fatal damage.

Remedies:

• Zinc oxide creams to kill the virus on the blisters
• Orajel and Anbesol to relieve pain
• Ibuprofen for anti-inflammation
• Aloe vera gel
• Lemon tea compress

 

Cellulite

Lanzi via Wikimedia.org

They appear as dimples in some areas of the skin. It happens when the fatty tissue located at the hypodermis pushes against the connective tissue located at the dermis. This pressure creates the dimpling appearance of the skin.

Anti-cellulite creams on the market are just gimmicks. No creams can cure cellulite because the problem is located at the deepest layer of the skin. Therefore, do not waste your money on creams. Even some experts believe that this is a normal skin condition.

Remedies:

• No known topical remedy. Studies show that caffeine and retinol are effective against cellulite, but you need to take lots of them before it works. Taking a huge amount of caffeine and retinol leads to dehydration and severely dry skin.
• Diet
• Exercise

 

Skin problems are irritating and ugly. Therefore, it is better to prevent them before they appear. Exercising, eating healthy foods, and drinking lots of water can help a lot for preventing or fighting the different kinds of skin conditions.

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