Seven Familiar Skin Troubles.Which Ones Do You Want To Overcome?

Acne—A disease that affects the skin's oil glands.

The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make a substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, a pimple grows. Acne is the most common skin disease; an estimated 80 percent of all people have acne at some point. Early treatment is the best way to prevent scars. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs.

Eczema—Also known as atopic dermatitis, this is a long-term skin disease.

The most common symptoms are dry and itchy skin, rashes on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Currently, there is no single test to diagnose eczema, so doctors rely on information about you and your family.

Hives—Red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin.

An allergic reaction to a drug or food usually causes them. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress. Hives are very common. They usually go away on their own, but if you have a serious case, you might need medical help.

Impetigo—A skin infection caused by bacteria.

Usually the cause is staphylococcal (staph), but sometimes streptococcus (strep) can cause it, too. It is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 6. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores usually occur on your face, arms, and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. You can treat impetigo with antibiotics.

Rosacea— Frequent redness (flushing) of the face; small red lines under the skin; inflamed eyes/eyelids, a swollen nose, and thicker skin.

Your physician can usually diagnose rosacea with a thorough medical history and physical exam. There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled.

Skin Cancer—Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common.

Wrinkles—Your skin changes as you age.

You might notice wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. Sunlight is a major cause of skin aging(Skin and Sun-Not a Good Mix).Cigarette smoking also contributes to wrinkles. The wrinkling increases with the number of cigarettes and years a person has smoked. Many products claim to revitalize aging skin or reduce wrinkles, but the Food and Drug Administration has approved only a few for sun-damaged or aging skin. Various treatments soothe dry skin and reduce the appearance of age spots.

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