Skin Conditions

5 Skin Conditions to Watch Out For

Is that rash just sunburn or something you need to get treated?

Of everything that can go wrong with our bodies, skin conditions are one of the most frustrating because they can be pretty hard to hide. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help treat or even prevent some of the worst skin conditions out there, as long as you know how to identify them.

Do you have a rash you’re worried about but aren’t sure what you can do about it? We’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about five of the most common skin conditions out there.

1. Shingles

Of all of the skin conditions on this list, shingles are probably the most uncomfortable. Shingles are pretty easy to recognize on-site it shows up as a dark rash made up of several small bumps. However, those who contract shingles often feel it before they see it. Like chickenpox, shingles are incredibly itchy, but on top of that, they can also be highly painful and even feature a burning sensation.

Shingles are generally more common in adults over the age of 50. That said, younger adults, particularly those who work high-stress jobs or are stuck in a long-term, high-stress situation, can also develop shingles. It’s important to note that while shingles look scary, they are not contagious.

If you contract shingles, you must seek professional treatment as soon as possible or risk having to live with an itchy and painful reminder of your run ion with shingles for the rest of your life.

2. Cold Sores

As far as skin conditions go, cold sores seem pretty mild. But, if left unchecked, a minor cold sore outbreak can transform into a painful and unsightly rash that you’ll have to keep dealing with for the rest of your life.

Cold sores come from a particular strain of herpes. And while you can pick up this strain from acts like kissing or sharing a drink, it can also come from your genetics.

Cold sore outbreaks generally stem from fevers, too much stress, or even hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, cold sores are pretty easy to take care of and usually clear up in about a week.

3. Hives

While hives alone aren’t a problem, they could be a sign of a severe allergy.

Hives generally show up as itchy red patches and can fade in a matter of days. That said, while they can come from exposure to extreme temperatures or another illness, they can also stem from food allergies or even an allergic reaction to certain medicines.

If your hives don’t clear up on their own in a few days or return consistently, you should consider consulting a medical professional to figure out what is causing them.

4. Warts

The biggest issue with warts is that you can spread them to yourself!

Warts come from the human papillomavirus, and contrary to popular belief, don’t come from handling toads. The only way to get a wart is to touch someone with a wart or something they came into contact with recently.

While warts aren’t particularly dangerous, most people aren’t fond of the way they look. Fortunately, thanks to medical advancements, you can get rid of most warts in the comfort of your home.

5. Eczema

Although it is considered one of the most common skin conditions out there, eczema is a blanket term that covers most rashes that medical experts can’t identify.

Eczema can affect people of all ages — baby eczema is a surprisingly common concern for new parents. While eczema can come from anything to added fragrance in lotion to stress, it’s generally pretty easy to handle with the help of medication.

The Most Common Skin Conditions

Now that you know a bit more about the most common skin conditions out there and how to treat them, it’s time to start checking your skincare routine to see what you can change to protect yourself.

Are you looking for more advice on how to care for your skin? We’ve got you covered! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles and tips today!

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