Not everyone is fortunate enough to have been blessed with beautiful healthy skin. There are many different types of skin conditions and they can be temporary, permanent, or even congenital. Skin conditions can be very painful or itchy and may cause burning sensations on the skin. They can be quite unsightly, causing psychological distress. Several factors such as hormones, genes, diet, skin care, and stress play a role in the onset and severity of skin conditions. This article will highlight five of the most common skin conditions, namely acne, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. Other skin problems such as allergic contact dermatitis, age spots, and sun damage will be discussed as well.
Acne
Acne is a very prevalent skin condition and is characterized by inflammations, often referred to as spots, and blackheads. Many things can cause acne but the most common culprit is a hormone imbalance.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting a large portion of the population. It presents as a pronounced redness on the cheeks and/or nose but can materialize around the eyes and mouth as well.
Eczema
Eczema, or dermatitis, is a general term for skin conditions affecting the upper layers of the skin. There are several forms of dermatitis, namely: atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that appears on the face and scalp. It causes the scalp to develop greasy patches and become red and scaly, often resulting in dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalps of babies as well (cradle cap).
Psoriasis
It is estimated that approximately 300,000 people in the Netherlands suffer from psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, that comes and goes. Most people experience cycles of flare-ups when symptoms are very severe, followed by periods of remission when symptoms are completely absent.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis refers to an allergic response that is caused by contact with certain substances. This type of hypersensitive reaction requires the skin to become sensitized to the substance first, which is why there is no allergic reaction when the allergen is first touched.
Age spots
Most people covet beautiful, even, smooth skin. But in the West even this is not enough as many also want that sun-kissed glow. To this end, people frequently spend their summers baking in the sun or visiting tanning salons. However, excessive tanning can often cause age spots to form, making the skin appear less even and smooth.
Sun damage
Everyone loves sunshine. It is the source of all life: if the sun disappeared, life as we know it would cease to exist. The sun helps our bodies produce essential vitamins such as vitamin A and D, and we all know how much a sunny day can elevate our mood. Nevertheless, too much sun is not good for you and wreaks havoc on your skin.
