Healthy skin is flexible, moist and free of rashes, and also protects the body from external harmful substances and infections. Skin health depends on many factors. Skin problems are various diseases or conditions that can affect the health and appearance of the skin.

What are the types of skin problems?

Skin problems can be different and vary depending on the individual and their health condition. Some of the common types of skin problems are:

• Acne: a rash that appears on the face, chest, and shoulders, caused by hormonal changes and build-up in the sebaceous glands
• Eczema: a skin rash that is associated with inflammation and itching, usually appearing on the hands, feet, or face
• Psoriasis: a skin rash that appears on the skin, usually red and hairy and causes itching and discomfort
• Atopic dermatitis: a rash that appears on the skin and is associated with itching and discomfort, causing an immune system response
• Vitiligo: depigmentation of the skin, where white spots appear on the skin, which are associated with a disorder of melanin production
• Chronic fatigue syndrome: dry skin, itching, peeling, and rashes that appear on the skin and are associated with fatigue and stress
• Pigmentation problems: changes in skin color, such as black spots on the skin or uneven skin color
• Allergic reactions: skin redness, itching, and rash caused by an allergic reaction to a product or substance
• Skin cancer: any skin cancer appears on the skin and can have serious consequences if not treated in time

What are the symptoms of skin diseases?

Symptoms of skin diseases can vary depending on the specific disease and its severity. However, some of the common symptoms are:

• Rashes: rashes can vary in size and shape and appear on the skin, possibly associated with itching and discomfort
• Fissures or erosions: Skin fissures may occur on the skin and may be associated with dryness and itching
• Itching: itching may appear on the skin and may be associated with rashes, infections, or allergies
• Bleeding: cutaneous bleeding may occur on the skin and may be related to infections or trauma
• Scaling: flaking skin can occur on the skin and may be related to dryness or skin conditions
• Discomfort: skin discomfort may appear on the skin and may be associated with itching, pain, or irritation
• Discoloration: discoloration of the skin may appear on the skin and may be related to pigmentation problems or skin diseases

How are skin problems treated and diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment of skin problems can vary depending on the specific problem and its severity. However, usually the treatment plan includes several steps:

• Medical examination: a doctor may perform a physical examination and look for symptoms to make a diagnosis
• Laboratory tests: the doctor may order blood tests, urine tests and discharge tests to detect infection or inflammation
• Biopsy: your doctor may perform a skin biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out skin cancer
• Physiotherapy: your doctor may prescribe physiotherapy such as UV rays or cryotherapy to treat skin conditions
• Dermatological procedures: your doctor may use skin procedures such as microdermabrasion to prevent skin aging and pigmentation problems
• Lifestyle changes: the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to the patient, such as avoiding skin irritants and using appropriate skin care products

Consultation with other specialists: the doctor may consult with other specialists, such as allergists, endocrinologists or psychiatrists, to understand the specific problem.

For a consultation regarding skin problems, sign up for a remote consultation with one of Medon's family doctors or specialists — dermatologists.