Chronic skin conditions are conditions affecting the skin which cannot be cured, but can be treated. Certain skin disorders are temporary, while others are permanent. Most chronic skin conditions are minor, but some can cause a more serious issue. According to the American Academy of Dermatology over 85 million people in the U.S. suffer from skin disorders. These conditions can affect the quality of life for those who experience inflammation and irritation, so it is very important that you identify and seek treatment for the condition that you are suffering from.
How Many Skin Diseases are There?
There are actually more than 3,000 skin disorders known in the dermatology field. Changes in color or texture of your skin can result from infection, genetics, reaction, or inflammation on the body and will most likely be classified as a skin disorder.
What are the Most Common Skin Diseases?
Below is a list of the five most common chronic skin diseases:
- Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that results in red, dry itchy skin. Also called dermatitis, eczema can result in skin bleeding and crusting over in the folds of the arms, back of the knees, wrists, and hands.
- Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can affect any part of the body but typically appears behind elbows and knees, scalp, back, face, hands, and feet.
- Acne
Acne is a skin condition most commonly found in teenagers and young adults, it occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells. Acne can cause different types of skin problems on your face including blackheads, whiteheads, cystic bumps, and red spots.
- Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and small red bumps on the face. Signs and symptoms can come and go for months at a time. The key symptoms of rosacea are swollen red bumps coupled with visible blood vessels on the face. If not treated it typically worsens over time.
- Skin infections
Skin infections can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. They can infect the superficial layers of the skin or can infect the deep layers of the skin depending on the infection. The most common viral infections include: herpes, shingles, and warts. The most common bacterial infections include: cellulitis and tick borne rashes. Lastly, the most common fungal skin infections include: ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Rare Skin Diseases:
The names of five skin diseases that are extremely rare are:
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Causes lesions (pimples or boils) to form on parts of the body when your skin touches skin. Common areas include underarms and upper thighs.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Causes red lesions (smooth and shiny) where skin touches skin on the body.
- Harlequin Ichthyosis: Genetic disorder where children are born with hard, thick skin in diamond shaped scales across their body.
- Morgellons Disease: Condition where small fibers and particles come out of skin sores, creating the sensation that things are crawling out of your skin.
- Elastoderma: Causes skin to sag and hang down in folds typically on the neck, elbows, and knees.
How Do You Treat Chronic Skin Diseases?
You can treat skin diseases through home remedies or by creating a treatment plan with your dermatologist.
If you want to try to treat your disease with home remedies, here are some of the best ways to do so:
- Tea Tree Oil: Apply after you shower and it will act as an antifungal agent to treat skin infections
- Witch hazel, chamomile tea, and apple cider vinegar: Work as anti-inflammatories to help relieve acne breakouts, fungal infections, and dry skin
- Oatmeal baths and masks: Help to moisturize and act as an anti-inflammatory that is very effective at remedying eczema and psoriasis.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and inflammatory foods: Many chronic skin conditions can be triggered by any one or a combination of these poor lifestyle choices. By making healthier decisions, the severity of your skin condition will likely reduce.
If you are not seeing results from at home treatment plans, reach out to your dermatologist and dermatology pharmacy. This is highly recommended as they can help you ease your conditions with medical treatment and will also work with you to get to the bottom of your skin condition.
Which Treatment is Best for Skin Problems?
Depending on what condition you are suffering and the level of severity of your skin disease, the best treatment plan will differ. It is recommended to reach out to your dermatologist to receive the highest level of care. Typically the most effective treatments are: antibiotics, steroids, and prescription strength topical products.
If you are struggling with a skin condition, you are not alone! Millions of people are suffering from the same or a similar condition and there are ways to treat them. Reach out to your dermatologist to get a personalized treatment plan that will work for you!
Author Bio:
Ronak Desai is the Co-Founder of Apotheco Pharmacy Group, a leading Dermatology Pharmacy. He oversees the development and execution of corporate strategies with a focus on Pharmacy growth and development.
