The Most Common Skin Conditions

Most skin conditions are uncomfortable to have and can be very embarrassing, causing social discrimination as well as lowering the quality of life. Certain skin conditions could also evolve into skin cancers, and this is why doctors at any skin clinic in Melbourne or other areas actively promote skin checks in Melbourne and through clinics around the country.

Here are some of the more common skin conditions:

• Acne – This is a very common skin condition that plagues adolescent children during puberty. Acne may appear in the form of pimples, blackheads, nodules or cysts, and is caused by blocked hair follicles and the oil glands of the skin. Acne is mainly triggered by hormonal changes.
• Eczema – This is a common skin condition that affects children and babies. It appears as dry, scaly, and itchy skin, mainly on the face, hands, feet, and folds of the skin.
• Shingles – Shingles are caused by the same virus as chickenpox, and appear as a red, blistering rash on the body. Some countries have a vaccine for this disease.
• Urticaria – More commonly known as hives, this is caused by insect bites, food, or allergies to medicine, and can appear anywhere on the body as raised, red, itchy welts.
• Sunburn – Extreme exposure to the sun can cause your skin to burn, making it painful to touch and red in colour. The skin could also start peeling after a sunburn. The danger of sunburn is that it could lead to skin cancer later on.
• Diaper Rash – This is a common skin issue affecting babies and small children, caused by a wet or soiled diaper that is left on for too long.
• Rosacea – This is a swelling of the face making it red in colour and may be caused by environmental issues or problems with the immune system.
• Athletes Foot – This is a fungal infection affecting the feet and toes, causing redness, itchiness, and cracked or peeling skin.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma – This is a very common type of skin cancer and is mostly caused by overexposure to the sun.