There’s hardly any of us who doesn’t suffer from skin conditions. While they range from minor to major, skin diseases can affect someone physically, emotionally, and psychologically. An understanding of a few common skin conditions is important for providing effective care and support.

Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can cause severe discomfort through symptoms like itching, redness, inflammation, and lesions. Beyond the physical implications, living with these conditions often leads to reduced self-esteem due to changes in appearance caused by scarring or disfigurement. It can also lead to psychological distress such as anxiety or depression arising from concerns about body image or social interactions. Hence it is important for Dermatologists to keep in mind these psychological aspects along with a comprehensive knowledge of the causes, triggers, and treatments of each condition.

Now, let us delve into a few of the common skin conditions and endeavour to understand them in a better way.

Acne

Acne is the 8^th most prevalent disease worldwide affecting almost 10% of the global population. It is most common among teens and is especially prevalent in boys.

Causes

Medically known as Acne Vulgaris, acne is caused by multiple factors and the interplay between hormonal imbalances, sebum production, bacteria colonisation, and inflammation.

Hormonal changes during puberty stimulate the production of androgen hormones such as testosterone, which leads to increased sebum production from sebaceous glands in the skin. Excessive sebum secretion results in clogged pores due to hyper keratinisation within the hair follicles. These clogged pores create an ideal environment for Propionibacterium acnes bacteria to thrive, promoting inflammation and redness characteristic of acne lesions.

Different types of acne and their symptoms

Acne can be of various types, each characterised by distinct symptoms.

• Comedonal Acne, also known as whiteheads and blackheads, appears as small bumps on the skin’s surface caused by clogged hair follicles.
• Inflammatory Acne is marked by red and swollen lesions called papules or pustules, which may be painful to touch.
• Cystic Acne is a severe form characterised by large, deep, inflamed nodules that often leave scars behind.
• Nodular Acne appears as hard, raised bumps under the skin that can be painful and persist for weeks or months.
• Lastly, Hormonal acne typically occurs in women due to fluctuating hormone levels and presents with deep cysts around the chin and jawline before menstruation begins.

Accurate identification of these various types is crucial for effective treatment as they require different approaches such as topical creams, antibiotics, or isotretinoin depending on their severity.

Effective treatment options for acne

Effective treatments are crucial to alleviate the physical and emotional impact of acne. Over-the-counter options can provide significant relief, particularly in mild to moderate cases.

One such treatment is benzoyl peroxide, which effectively kills bacteria on the skin’s surface and helps unclog pores. Salicylic acid is another popular OTC option that exfoliates the skin and encourages cell turnover, preventing pore blockages.

Additionally, sulphur-based products work by drying out excess oil and reducing inflammation. Absorptive agents such as activated charcoal have gained popularity due to their ability to absorb toxins and impurities from the pores. Effective topical retinoids are also available over the counter, promoting skin cell turnover and unclogging pores at a deeper level.

The role of diet and lifestyle in managing acne

Acne can be influenced by diet and lifestyle choices. Research suggests that a high-glycaemic diet, rich in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, can worsen the symptoms of acne. These foods spike insulin levels which in turn can lead to inflammation and an increase in sebum production, thus clogging pores.

On the other hand, a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage acne. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthier skin by reducing inflammation and supporting cell turnover.

Additionally, exercise plays a crucial role in managing acne as physical activity helps regulate hormones and reduces stress levels. Moreover, proper skin care practices such as gently cleansing the face twice daily, and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubs that damage the skin barrier are essential for individuals looking to effectively manage their acne.

With careful attention to dietary choices and adopting a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and an appropriate skincare routine individuals can significantly improve their acne symptoms over time.

Different types of eczema and their symptoms

Eczema can be categorised into different types based on their presentation and underlying causes.

• Atopic Dermatitis, the most prevalent form of eczema, manifests as itchy and inflamed skin usually in the joint folds and face.
• Contact Dermatitis, on the other hand, occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen, resulting in localised redness, blistering, and itchiness.
• Another variant is Nummular Eczema characterised by round-shaped rashes that may ooze fluid and crust over time.
• Seborrhoeic Dermatitis commonly affects the scalp causing flaky dandruff-like patches or redness around the nose or ears.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema predominantly presents as small, itchy vesicles on palms or feet soles.

Managing eczema flare-ups through proper skincare routines

Managing eczema flare-ups through proper skincare routines is crucial for individuals with this chronic skin condition. To effectively manage flare-ups, a consistent skincare routine tailored to the individual’s needs is essential.

This routine should include gentle cleansers free from fragrances and harsh chemicals, followed by moisturisers containing ceramides to restore and strengthen the skin barrier. It is advisable to avoid trigger factors such as hot water, certain fabrics, or harsh soaps that can exacerbate symptoms.

Additionally, regular moisturisation throughout the day and prompt treatment of any open areas with topical corticosteroids will help alleviate inflammation. In severe cases, consulting a Dermatologist who specialises in eczema management may be beneficial in order to develop a personalised skincare regimen encompassing avoidance strategies and targeted medications. By adhering to a proper skincare routine, individuals with eczema can mitigate flare-ups and improve their quality of life significantly.

Medications and therapies available for treating eczema

Fortunately, there are various medications and therapies available to alleviate the symptoms and manage eczema effectively.

Topical corticosteroids remain the primary intervention for most patients, as they combat inflammation and relieve itching. However, they should be used cautiously in the long-term due to potential side effects.

Another commonly prescribed class of medications is topical calcineurin inhibitors, which inhibit the inflammatory response without causing thinning of the skin. For severe cases or when standard treatments fail to provide relief, oral corticosteroids or systemic immunosuppressants may be considered but require careful monitoring due to their systemic effects.

Additionally, several emerging therapies target specific components of the immune system involved in eczema pathogenesis, such as interleukin inhibitors or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. Phototherapy involving targeted exposure to ultraviolet light can also be effective in managing eczema symptoms.

Treatment selection should be tailored to each patient’s needs and medical history under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional specialising in dermatology.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches on various parts of the body. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and prevalence rates is critical for healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.

Differentiating between various forms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be of several types, each with its unique characteristics and manifestations.

• Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type, where raised inflamed areas are covered in silvery scales. It often occurs on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Guttate Psoriasis appears as small drop-like lesions that develop suddenly after an infection or stressful event.
• Inverse Psoriasis mainly affects skin folds such as under the breasts or in the groin area. It appears as smooth red patches and can be aggravated by friction and moisture.
• Psoriatic Arthritis goes beyond skin symptoms; it causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling alongside typical psoriatic patches.
• Pustular Psoriasis is characterised by pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin and can occur anywhere on the body or localised to palms and soles.

Effective Treatments for Psoriasis

To effectively treat this Psoriasis, a multi-faceted approach is often necessary.

• Topical treatments such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues can help reduce inflammation and slow down excessive skin cell production.
• Light therapy, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, has also shown promising results in clearing psoriasis lesions and relieving associated symptoms.
• For more severe cases, systemic medications like methotrexate or biologic drugs may be prescribed to target the underlying immune response causing psoriasis.

However, healthcare providers must tailor treatment plans according to each patient’s specific needs and medical history. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment regimen.

Tips for maintaining healthy skin and preventing future flare-ups

Maintaining healthy skin and preventing future flare-ups requires a strategic and disciplined approach.

• Firstly, establish a daily skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturising with products suitable for your skin type.
• Use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to remove dirt and impurities without stripping away the natural oils.
• Additionally, incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 into your routine to protect against harmful UV rays. Avoid touching your face excessively as it spreads bacteria and irritates the skin.
• Regular exfoliation with gentle chemical or physical exfoliants can promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
• Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Drink plenty of water and use lightweight, oil-free moisturisers to keep your skin supple and nourished.
• If you experience acne or inflammation, consult a dermatologist who can recommend targeted treatments like retinoids or salicylic acid to combat breakouts effectively.
• Finally, adopting a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while avoiding excessive sugar consumption will contribute significantly to radiant skin from within.

Sources:

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/eczema-and-acne
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/psoriasis
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov