There are numerous skin disorders that affect a person's appearance. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, a person's skin helps protect her from bacteria and viruses that can cause infections, helps her sense and adapt to the outside world and helps her thermoregulate or control her body temperature. The appearance of a person's skin can also provide information about her overall health and well-being.
Acne
Acne is an aesthetic skin disorder. According to the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and about 40 to 50 million Americans have acne to some degree. The AAD notes that although acne can occur at any age, teenagers and young adults are the largest population group that suffers from acne, and 85 percent of American teens will have acne each year. The AAD states that, while the exact cause of acne is unknown, there are four possible factors that could contribute to acne development, including excess oil or sebum, clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation. These factors interact and determine the type and severity of a person's acne. According to the AAD, excessive washing and scrubbing will not prevent or cure acne; in fact, these actions can irritate the skin and make existing acne worse. Avoiding certain foods, especially sugar and refined, processed and polished foods may help prevent and treat acne in some individuals.
Rosacea
Rosacea is an aesthetic skin disorder. The National Rosacea Society or NRS states that rosacea is a common, yet poorly understood disorder of the facial skin that's thought to affect over 16 million Americans. Rosacea is a chronic disorder that's characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, neck, chest, scalp or ears. According to the NRS, rosacea may begin any time after the age of 30, and the disorder involves flare-ups and remissions. People who have had rosacea for a prolonged period may exhibit a ruddier complexion and may have visible blood vessels in the affected areas. Unchecked rosacea may lead to bumps and pimples, and some people may develop a swollen and bumpy nose. Some rosacea patients may also experience eye irritation and eyes that appear watery or bloodshot. The NRS notes that fair-skinned individuals have the highest risk for rosacea, and that women are more often diagnosed with the condition than men.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an aesthetic skin disorder, although it's also an autoimmune disease that's associated with other health problems or complaints. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation or NPF, psoriasis---which causes red, scaly patches to develop on a person's skin---is the most common autoimmune disease among Americans, affecting approximately 7.5 million Americans or 2.2 percent of the American population. The NPF states that, because psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, it's not contagious, and that there are five principal types of psoriasis which are: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Psoriasis can manifest on any body part and is associated with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. According to the NPF, psoriasis occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 15 and 35, although it can occur at any age.
