4 Common Skin Problems and How to Treat Them

Acne and other skin conditions are more common than you think. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, about 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience acne breakouts. The good news is that as these skin conditions are so common, there’s usually a solution available to treat them. Here are four of the most common skin problems and what you can do to find some relief:

1. Acne. Acne is the most common skin condition in the country. While it’s usually considered a teenage skin issue, many adults suffer from acne as well. Acne doesn’t just occur on the face. It can also appear on the upper back, the neck, shoulders, and chest. Acne breakouts typically happen when your pores have become clogged with both oil and dead skin cells, which is usually driven by hormones. You can treat acne using over-the-counter cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. However, if your acne is severe and does not improve using over-the-counter methods, it’s best to reach out to a board-certified dermatologist.
2. Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is most common among children, but it can also present for the first time in adults. Atopic dermatitis is when scaly, dry patches appear on the skin including the hands, cheeks, face, and scalp, and are usually very itchy and sometimes painful. While eczema is a long-term condition, it can be treated and managed with a good bathing and moisturizing regimen, topical prescriptions, and oral medications like antihistamines to decrease itching..
3. Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects 7.4 million Americans and is caused by the body rapidly generating new skin cells with concurrent inflammation in the skin. It is characterized by red scaly patches and plaques of skin that appear on the knees, lower back, elbows, and scalp. Psoriasis differs from eczema in that the condition usually appears as red raised plaques with silvery-white scale, often thicker and more bright red than skin with atopic dermatitis. Both psoriasis and eczema can be painful and itchy.  Numerous treatment options ranging from topical prescription medications to lightbox therapy to oral or injectable medications are available for treatment with your dermatologist.
4. Rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by red patches with visible blood vessels on the face, often involving the nose, cheeks, and chin. In some cases, redness may also be visible on the forehead, back, chest, and ears. Depending on the type of rosacea you have, the condition may also cause red and pus-filled bumps. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition but can be treated with topical medications, oral prescriptions including antibiotics, and even laser for persisting redness. If left untreated, the condition may worsen over time.

If you’re seeking dermatology services in Pinellas or St. Petersburg, FL, Mahoney Dermatology Specialists offers a wide range of skincare services including psoriasis treatment, acne treatment, scar treatment, and more. To learn more about our dermatology services or to schedule an appointment with us, contact Mahoney Dermatology Specialists today!