According to the American Academy of Dermatology in 2010, nearly 50 million Americans suffer from acne. Although this is the most common skin condition, hundreds of chronic and acute skin disorders afflict all ages of people, from young children to the elderly. Many skin disorders, although medically separate and identified mainly by doctor expertise, can have overlap of symptoms, appearance and even treatment.
Acne
As the most common diagnosed skin disorder and has the most varied treatment options. Mild acne that forms simple blackheads often can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Papular and cystic acne are more serious forms of the skin disorder that usually affect deeper skin layers and require long-term prescription treatments. Careful skin care and medication use can improve acne, but its most lasting complication still can be scarring and pitting, especially for cystic acne and acne that is scrubbed or picked off by the afflicted person.
Eczema
Eczema afflicts people of all ages, from newborns with atopic dermatitis---an itchy red rash that covers the skin---to the elderly whose skin has lost moisture retention and cracks easily. Different types of eczema include dyshidrosis--an itchy and blistering rash that cracks the skin, contact dermatitis--a skin rash from contact with an allergenic substance, such as nickel--and even a form of psoriasis. Psoriatic eczema is a combination of the scaly, patchy skin disorder, psoriasis, and the itchy, red, cracked skin familiar to eczema sufferers. Eczema of all types is treated with ointment moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly, often with topical corticosteroids to decrease itch, swelling and redness, and sometimes with more serious treatments, such as ultraviolet light therapy.
Bacterial or Fungal Skin Infection
Skin disorders often begin with or are complicated by skin infections that become a long-term condition in addition to the underlying skin problem. For example, bacterial skin infections can occur from an untreated wound, prolonged acne or acne that becomes irritated by peeling or scarring, and from eczema during an acute flareup. Bacterial skin disorders require topical antibiotics, such as Bactroban ointment, or sometimes antibiotics by mouth to heal the infection--likely from staphylococcus bacteria. At other times, skin disorders may be fungal infections instead, such as a candida infection of the toenail or eczema on skin that is constantly exposed to water, such as during hand washing.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of diagnosed cancer, and its types range from moderate but treatable versions, such as basal cell and squamous carcinomas, to more complicated and often deadly malignant melanoma. The best way to avoid developing skin cancer is to use sunblock protection, avoid excess ultraviolet rays (such as those in tanning salons) and observe your skin for changes in moles, birthmarks or coloration.
