4 Common Skin Diseases and Conditions in Adults

1. Adult Acne

Acne is often associated with going through puberty, but even as an adult, you may struggle with acne. It's so common in adults that one study found that 85 percent of women and 15 percent of males have adult acne. Mild forms of adult acne usually present with blackheads, whiteheads, and small pustules. In severe cases, you may experience papules, deep cysts, and major irritation or redness.

There are many causes of adult acne, but some of the most common include hormones (menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding), contact irritation, stress, and clogged pores. Treating adult acne depends on the type and severity, but many people do well with hydroxy, salicylic, and similar acids. Other treatments may include oral birth pills, antibiotics, retinol, sulfur, and blue light therapy.

2. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can be life-threatening if not treated. It can affect any part of your body but is more associated with the lower legs. Symptoms of cellulitis include swelling, redness, warmth, pain, and tenderness. There may also be red spotting, blisters, or skin dimpling. Some people also develop a fever. In severe cases, untreated cellulitis can reach the bloodstream and lymph nodes, causing widespread infection.

Cellulitis is usually caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus, which enter the skin via cuts. Risk factors include weakened immune system, skin conditions that break the skin, chromic swelling, and obesity. Luckily, treatment for cellulitis is usually as simple as a dose of antibiotics.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis can occur if you come in contact with an irritant or an allergen. If the dermatitis is caused by an allergy, it may take a day or two for symptoms to appear. They include redness, itching, and dryness. In extreme cases, or if you come in contact with an irritant, you may also have swelling, burning, and tenderness. If you spot blistering, seek treatment immediately.

Common allergens that cause dermatitis include poison ivy, hair dyes, nickel, leather, latex, and fragrances. Treatment for contact dermatitis depends on the severity. For mild allergic reactions, a dose of antihistamine may help. But in more severe cases, a doctor may be recommended. Plus, even if the condition goes away on its own, a good dermatologist may be able to help prevent or reduce the risk of recurrence.

4. Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is incredibly common, and a fungal infection can cause it. This leads to itching, stinging, and burning. The skin may also start to become scaly and flake off, especially between the toes. Plus, athlete's foot is highly contagious, so you can spread it to someone else or another part of your body, like your hand.

In most cases, athlete's foot will go away with over-the-counter creams, but the condition often returns if you don't fix the underlying issue. If your athlete's foot isn't going away on its own, you should seek medical treatment to determine if the condition has turned into something else. Similarly, if you have diabetes, medical attention is best to prevent additional infections and complications.

Your skin is an important part of your body, and besides looking great, you want it to be healthy. Unfortunately, like any part of your body, the skin can develop infections and disease. If you would like to learn more, contact us at Spartanburg Dermatology & Skin Surgery Clinic, P.C., today.