Learn About the Most Common Skin Infections and How to Treat Them

Skin care is a common concern among Americans, as many different conditions can affect our bodies. Finding the best dermatologist to help with any skin related issues is usually the easiest way to seek treatment. Three of the most common skin disorders are acne, skin cancer and psoriasis.

Acne

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States. It is a medical condition that affects 40 million to 50 million people in America. In fact, almost 85% of Americans will suffer from during their lifetime. Most issues result in face, neck or back acne.

While no age group is immune to acne, issues usually occur during puberty. Teens often experience frequent outbreaks of face, body and back acne. In some more severe cases, affecting roughly 40% of teenagers, acne scarring may occur by their mid-teens.

Since face, neck, body and back acne is unsightly many people try to take skin care into their own hands. However, popping, squeezing and picking at the affected areas greatly increases the chance of acne scars. Seeking early treatment at a dermatology center for outbreaks that are not responding to over-the-counter medications.

New face, neck, and back acne treatments or changes to existing treatment options are found all the time through scientific research. Ask a dermatologist to help you find the best acne treatment at your next visit.

Cancer

During their lifetime 1 in 5 Americans will develop a type of skin cancer. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma, which creates uncontrollable growth of pigment-producing cells. While melanoma is serious, it can be treated and cured when detected early. Once the cancer advances, however, it will spread to the lymph nodes, organs and can result in death. People who have atypical moles or a large amount of moles, usually 50 or greater, have an increased chance of developing melanoma. Luckily, there are many skin cancer treatment options available. Don’t wait, if you see something odd, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans with a scaly or sometimes dry, scabby rash. Typically, cases are minimal to moderate and can be treated easily with a variety of topical creams, ointments, shampoos, uv light treatment or pills and injections that affect the immune system. In more severe cases or psoriasis, when it becomes disabling or develops into psoriatic arthritis, biologic medications are used to treat the disease. Sometimes multiple treatments can be done at once to help you curb the outbreaks. Visit a local dermatologist and they can help you find the best treatment for your case.