The skin, the largest organ of our body, often gets afflicted with a myriad of maladies. Most of us have experienced one or more skin conditions at some point in our life. Skin conditions also affect a lot of children. The branch of medical science that deals with the treatment of our skin and hair is called Dermatology and the doctors specializing in this area are called Dermatologists.
Usually, factors like climate, fungal or bacterial infection, and allergic reactions lead to skin ailments. In many cases, we tend to ignore our skin health and are reluctant to seek medical help for our skin or hair-related problems. In this blog, we will discuss the common skin problems in India and their causes.
5 common skin conditions in India are –
1. Acne
Acne is a common condition that mostly affects the teenage years. Although it is not a serious skin condition, it is always better to consult a Dermatologist at an early stage to avoid cysts or permanent scars in the later years. Also, at times acne might turn severe. Experienced dermatologists are equipped with the most advanced and modern treatments that will ensure an early cure for your acne. Dermatologists also treat adult acne which affects post-teenage years and often turns out to be a very obstinate problem. The condition becomes particularly annoying when it is accompanied by cysts and nodules. If you are afflicted with adult acne, consider seeing a dermatologist at the earliest. The doctor will access your skin and diet patterns and provide the necessary treatment course, including topical and internal care. At DocGenie, we provide the best online dermatologist consultation for cost-effective treatment.
2. Eczema
When affected with Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis, you will get dry thick patches or oozing wet patches on your skin. Causes of eczema could be irritation or contact with eczema-inducing elements like dyes, household detergents, or soaps. Though it is most common among children, adults too can get affected by the condition. Eczema is a long-lasting or chronic skin condition and tends to aggravate periodically. At times asthma or hay fever may also occur along with eczema.
There is no cure for eczema, however, certain measures can alleviate itching and stop outbreaks. Self-care measures like avoiding strong soaps, moisturizing the skin regularly, and applying medicated creams or ointments, may help.
3. Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are allergic reactions of the skin to a safe material. The condition occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to the trigger and fights to remove the trigger from your body. As a result of this, you get an allergic skin rash, which turns your skin red and itchy. Skin allergies can also occur in the form of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, wheels, or hives. Environmental pollution, sun exposure, and lack of a good diet can also trigger skin allergies.
Causes of skin allergies could be-
- Latex
- Cold or hot temperatures
- Detergent
- Soap
- Certain metals or chemicals
- Insects and pollen
- Sunlight
- Water
- Food and drugs
Symptoms of skin allergies are-
- Rash
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Raised bumps
- Scaling or flaking of skin
- Cracked skin
While treating skin allergies, dermatologists often advise avoiding the triggers if and when possible and recommend preventive medicines like antihistamines.
Also read: Here Are Some Treatment Tips for Skin Allergies
4. Sunburn
You can get a sunburn when you are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun for a long period. When affected by this condition, your skin will turn red, painful, and hot to the touch. At times the skin may also peel away.
The exact time that is safe in the sun, even with sunscreen, is not known. According to skin specialists, frequent sunburns can increase the risk for skin cancer. Doctors often recommend applying sunscreen every two hours. However, it is always better not to be in the sun for too long.
The first step in treating Sunburn is to cool the skin down. You can take a bath in cold water with a very mild soap, drink plenty of water and other fluids and moisturize the wet skin with a light moisturizer.
If the sunburn is more than mild, you should consult a dermatologist. Signs of a severe sunburn may include fever, chills, or blisters. Be careful not to scratch or pop the blisters, as this might cause infection. You can book an online consultation with a skin specialist on DocGenie to ensure your skin gets adequate production from the sun.
5. Diaper Rash
All parents know about diaper rash for babies, but what many people may not know is that this can happen with the elderly who need to wear diapers for incontinence. In most cases, wet or soiled diapers are left on a too-long lead to red rashes in the buttocks, genitals, and skin folds of the child. The rash occurs because the urine and/or stool break down vulnerable skin. Moreover, the chemicals present in the diaper irritate the skin.
The rash can get worse if yeast or bacteria attack the inflamed and broken skin. To prevent diaper rash, you can change diapers at a regular interval or whenever it is soiled. It is also important to keep the area dry and expose it to fresh air periodically.
Ointments like zinc oxide (topical) are good for protecting diaper-covered skin. However, in case the rash does not go in 2 to 3 days, book an online doctor consultation with your Pediatrician/General physician or a dermatologist.
Bottom line
It is time we understand the importance of skin health and seek timely medical care. In case you are noticing any anomaly regarding your skin including signs like rashes or moles, consult a Dermatologist at the earliest. With telemedicine and online healthcare services, it is now easy to seek medical advice from Dermatologists from the comfort of your home.
At DocGenie, we prioritize the best quality medical care at a reasonable price. Our Dermatologists are trained at the best medical colleges in the country and have on average over 25 years of experience. Dermatologiimpaneledlled with us can offer the best skin and hair care treatment for your conditions, even a trusted second opinion if you are in another city.
Also read: When You Should Seek Skin Care Help From A Dermatologist
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.