The skin is one of the most delicate parts of our entire body. It’s crucial that we do everything in our power to take care of our skin daily as it can deteriorate or develop conditions as we age. If you’ve been dealing with some skin troubles lately, you may be feeling frustrated or confused, wondering what exactly the issue could truly be with your skin. Below are some of the most common dermatological conditions that patients suffer from. Continue reading to determine if any of these conditions sound similar to what you’re experiencing. If anything does sound familiar, you may need to contact a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist today.
1. Rosacea
The first on our list, rosacea, is one of the most common skin conditions that patients visiting their dermatologist suffer from. This condition causes your face to look blushed or red, as blood vessels become visible through the thin and delicate layer of skin. Folks may not constantly experience rosacea; rather, they may instead experience frequent flare-ups that can last for weeks. Although this condition is most common in middle-aged white women, all people are at risk for rosacea.
There’s currently no cure for this condition, but thankfully, it can be managed with proper treatment. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the biggest warning signs that you may be developing rosacea are facial flushing, visible veins, swollen bumps, a burning sensation, eye problems, or an enlarged nose. If you notice any of these symptoms develop, it may be time to contact a dermatologist. Our dermatologists at Arsenault Dermatology will be able to assist you by offering advice, information, and possible treatment remedies.
2. Skin Cancer
Perhaps the most fear-inducing yet common dermatological condition is skin cancer. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, by the age of 70, one in five Americans will have developed skin cancer. This cancer is most often developed due to overexposure to UV rays from the sun. According to Mayo Clinic, the three types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Although all three types have different symptoms, if you notice any change at all in your skin, such as a new growth or a sore that won’t heal, a skin cancer specialist is going to be a necessary resource for you.
One of the best, easiest, and most cost-effective preventative measures you can take is wearing sunscreen every day. Even on days when it doesn’t seem particularly sunny, the UV rays penetrate and permeate your skin. Without sunscreen, you have no protection against the sun and are taking a big gamble on yourself and your life. Applying sunscreen to your face and neck daily is a crucial step to implement in your skincare routine. Even in the winter months, you need to be sure that you’re giving your skin the proper care and attention it deserves. This means always staying on top of your routine, wearing hats that shade your face, using umbrellas to block the sun, and paying attention to your body to spot any signs of illness or discoloration, especially on your face.
If you’re someone who often tans, either by laying out in the sun or visiting a tanning salon, you’re at a higher risk for skin cancer and should consider consulting a skin cancer specialist. This form of cancer can be an overwhelming thing to have to deal with. Whether you simply want to reassure yourself that nothing’s wrong or you’re experiencing signs of cancer, a skin cancer specialist is going to be an important part of your care team. Fortunately, a licensed skin cancer specialist at Arsenault Dermatology is here to guide you through the process and ease your mind. The sooner you visit us, the better, as cancer can develop and spread quickly. There are treatment options available for skin cancer, differing between the stages. Some of these options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemical peels, photodynamic therapy, or chemotherapy.
3. Cystic Acne
Everyone gets a pimple here and there, but if you notice extreme flare-ups that result in large patches of acne, you may have cystic acne. Cystic acne is often deep under the skin. This condition is painful and extremely difficult to eliminate. Cystic acne differs from typical, everyday acne. While everyday acne is caused by the pores being clogged with dirt and oil, cystic acne results when bacteria make their way into your pores as well. When bacteria get trapped in your skin alongside the dirt and oil, this combination results in heavily embedded, painful lumps or bumps that may ooze pus.
This condition is most commonly seen in teenagers and is often due to a family history of this issue. This form of acne looks almost like a boil, which can greatly harm a teen’s confidence and self-esteem. Cystic acne is very difficult to treat, but there are options. If you’re unsure whether the acne you’re experiencing is cystic or not, our acne specialists can help determine the severity of the issue. Because cystic acne can cause a large amount of facial scarring if not treated properly, it’s best to let a professional skin specialist assess the situation and make recommendations for treatment. One of the most intense treatments for cystic acne comes in the form of Accutane, a drug most often used when other attempts at treatment fail. Working through the laundry list of remedies for cystic acne may be discouraging, but keeping in touch with your dermatologist can make the process a bit smoother for you.
4. Psoriasis
This chronic skin condition can not only affect your face but the rest of your body as well. Psoriasis reveals itself in the form of thick, red, dry patches. This skin condition is caused by a reaction in the immune system, creating more inflammation and increased skin cell count. If psoriasis is occurring on your face, chances are high that it’ll happen on your scalp as well. This skin condition is incredibly itchy and uncomfortable, leading to a constant feeling of discomfort.
Psoriasis, like rosacea, doesn’t have a specific cure. Instead, doctors advise and recommend various products and methods to help control the pain that these patches may cause. Your doctor may suggest that you purchase a corticosteroid cream to reduce some of the inflammation and relieve your itching. According to DermNet, other forms of treatment include phototherapy, systemic treatment, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. With psoriasis being able to take over your whole body, it’s incredibly important to address this condition if you suspect that you may have it. If you notice any uncomfortable or unsightly dry red patches on your body, it’s time to call our dermatology clinic.
If you or a loved one are currently suffering from an uncomfortable, unsightly, or worrisome skin condition, please contact us at Arsenault Dermatology today. Our team of licensed professionals is here to help you feel better, increase your confidence, and give you a lifetime of healthy skin. If you suspect that you may have skin cancer, one of our skin cancer specialists will be more than happy to work alongside you as we navigate this journey together. Don’t hesitate to reach out; our team is ready to help you.
