Do you know the most common skin diseases and conditions that are out there today? What do they look like? What are their symptoms, and most importantly are they curable?

There are plenty of skin diseases that affect people from all walks of life based on different factors such as age, race, gender, genetics, amongst other things.

Some common signs of skin diseases include dry patches on the skin, rashes, bumps/boils on the skin, redness of the skin and so forth.

Some skin diseases can be troublesome and downright nasty, but there is nothing to fear if you are well-informed and prepared.

Knowing the warning signs of some of the more severe skin diseases is important as it can help you diagnose these conditions early. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

It’s a fact that most skin diseases are actually not curable. Many people live with skin conditions all their lives. The key, in such cases, is to learn how to manage these conditions.

That said, although the following list of skin diseases may turn out to be useful, you should not take it as a substitute for doctor’s advice. Always consult a doctor anytime you notice abnormalities or blemishes on your skin.

Only a qualified dermatologist can effectively diagnose your skin condition and offer an appropriate treatment or course of action.

1. Acne

Probably the most common skin condition in the world, acne affects over three-quarters of people in the teenage years. Acne is commonly associated with puberty, but it does not only affect teens and people in their early 20’s.

Many adults suffer from acne and its related symptoms long after passing puberty. For instance, pregnant women experiencing hormonal changes in their bodies often suffer from acne flare-ups.

Adult acne, unlike puberty acne, is not easy to treat. Many people get frustrated when they fail to outgrow this nuisance of puberty, and most go to extreme lengths to get rid of the annoying bumps that appear on their faces.

There are numerous treatment options that a qualified dermatologist can recommend for acne. These options can be customised for your specific case for optimal results.

2. Chickenpox

Some people may assume that the chickenpox virus is long gone, but in actual sense, it’s not. Chickenpox virus or shingles is still out there and many people find themselves suffering from it without knowing.

Children are the most vulnerable people to suffering from chickenpox. Its symptoms include painful rashes that occur in specific parts of the body.

Thankfully, chickenpox is curable using antiviral medications and a visit to your local dermatologist should be sufficient to treat this condition.

3. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is not necessarily a skin disease, but rather a classification of skin condition. Dermatitis is commonly used to refer to the inflammation of the skin. Some common type of dermatitis are:

• Diaper dermatitis: Experienced by infants who have diaper rash.
•  Seborrhoea dermatitis: Characterised by scaly and dry skin in babies.
• Contact dermatitis: Characterised by rashes and redness on the skin due to contact with specific substances such as strong acids and bases.

4. Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial skin infections are very common. They can range from mild conditions to life-threatening illnesses. 1 in 5 people who visit a dermatologist do so because of a bacterial skin infection. Some bacterial skin infection include:

• Erysipelas: A painful skin infection that affects the uppermost layer of the skin.
• Cellulitis: A skin infection that affects the inner layers of the skin. It mostly affects people with poor immune systems.
• Boils (medically; Carbuncles): Occur when a hair follicle is blocked and sebum (pus) collects leading to inflammation. Surgery may be required in severe cases.
• Impetigo: A skin infection that mostly affects children. Has symptoms simply to those of chickenpox.

Conclusion

There are many other types of skin diseases and conditions out there today.

The best way to avoid suffering from these conditions is to maintain a high level of hygiene, eat a healthy and balanced diet and seek early treatment when you notice any warning signs on your skin.

Searching for and finding a trustworthy dermatologist in Melbourne isn’t easy. However, if you need to seek advice from a trusted and experienced dermatologist, look no further than Brighton Dermatology.

We are able to deal with a large range of skin diseases and disorders and help you to restore your health and confidence.

Please call us today for a consultation on (03) 9592 7474 or contact us via our website.