When it comes to skin, chronic problems are one of the most difficult types of issues to deal with. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are just a few examples of chronic skin conditions that can become a part of a person’s life for years, if not decades.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common types of chronic skin problems and how you can tackle them.
Types of Chronic Skin Problems
Eczema Eczema is a common skin condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the skin. It can affect different areas of the body — including the scalp, knees, elbows and face — but it typically appears as dry, red patches with a crusty texture. It’s not contagious, and it usually affects people who have allergies or asthma. It can be treated with prescription eczema cream or ointments.
Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, flaky patches of skin. It can be itchy and painful. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Acne Acne is a chronic skin problem that affects most people at some point in their lives. The most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris. It usually develops during puberty, but it can affect children as young as 9 years old and adults of any age.
Rosacea Rosacea is a condition that causes redness on the face and sometimes around the nose area as well as blushing easily without any external stimuli. There are several types of rosacea including papulopustular rosacea and ocular rosacea, which affects the eyes instead of just facial areas.”
Vitiligo Vitiligo is a condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment (color), resulting in white spots on the body. It most commonly affects areas with hair follicles such as the face, hands and feet.
3 effective ways to tackle chronic skin problems
Skin problems can be very frustrating and even embarrassing. They can affect your self-esteem and make you feel like you have no control over your own body.
Here are three ways to tackle chronic skin problems:
See a dermatologist
Dermatologists work with patients who have chronic skin conditions on a daily basis and can advise you on the best treatments available. Depending on your symptoms, treatment options may include topical steroids (e.g., cortisone ointments), phototherapy (using ultraviolet light) or immunosuppressants (drugs that reduce immune system activity). Many dermatologists also offer psychological support to help you manage your condition and make lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise that could improve your skin condition.
Avoid long periods in the sun
If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema, it’s important to avoid long periods in the sun as this can make your condition worse. Wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, when outdoors, especially in hot weather or between 11 am and 3 pm when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at its strongest (known as UV index). If possible, stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm on days when UV levels are three or higher (see www.sunsmart.org).
One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy is by keeping it hydrated with moisturizer. If you’re going through a dry phase or suffering from eczema, make sure that you apply moisturizer every day after washing your face or taking a shower to prevent further flaking and redness.
Conclusion
Knowing how to treat chronic skin conditions is vital for all health care professionals to keep in mind. Improper treatment could result in the patient having a chronic condition for many years, which will not only affect the quality of their life but also potentially cost the health care system much more money in the long run.
