There are many different types of skin conditions. Some may be temporary, while others may be chronic. Suffering from a rash caused by unknown circumstances or dealing with chronic eczema can be scary and frustrating. Fortunately, Lucent Dermatology provides board-certified dermatology care to patients in Beachwood, Oh and the surrounding suburbs. If you’re concerned about a common skin conditions, consider contacting Lucent Dermatology. Here are a few common skin conditions:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that may burn, sting, swell, and/or blister. Contact dermatitis is triggered by exposure to something that irritates the skin such as poison ivy, nickel, latex, some soap and detergents, some fragrances, medications, hair dyes. Contact dermatitis can also be triggered by an allergic reaction that causes a rash. More than 3,000 substances are known to cause contact dermatitis. Treatment depends on the cause.

Eczema

Eczema in an umbrella term for dry, itchy rashes. Eczema usually begins in infancy and persists into adulthood. 90% of those affected developed eczema before their fifth birthday. Eczema is associated with dry, sensitive skin that is easily irritated. It can resolve with age, but flare if triggered. It is caused by genetics and a trigger that causes the skin to overreact to a stimulus, causing the common symptoms of inflammation, itchy and painful flareups. People with eczema often have asthma or hay fever or family with these conditions.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting about 2% of Americans. It causes the body to produce new skin cells within days rather than weeks. The rash is thick, scaly, itchy patches or plaques that appear on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. The patches may also sting, burn, feel tight and painful.

It is not contagious, but we don’t know the cause. Psoriasis is a permanent immune system disorder where the T cells that fight infections attack the skin cells.

Psoriasis runs in families and can develop with exposure to a trigger. Common triggers are stress, an infection, some medications, cold and dry weather, alcohol and tobacco.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. A complication of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis that affects the joints.

While common, psoriasis increases the risk of developing other medical problems such as eye problems, mood changes, swollen and bleeding gums, abdominal pain, fever, Crohn’s disease, weight gain, fatigue, stiff joint and fluid retention.

Other types include:

• Tiny red bumps that appear after an infection.
• Smooth, red patches that are sore and painful in skin that touches skin, such as in the armpits, genitals, and buttocks.
• Pustular psoriasis is pus-filled bumps usually on the hands and feet that is sore and painful and can be life-threatening.
• Nail psoriasis changes the fingernails and toenails causing dents in the nails, discoloration, and lift the nail because of the buildup of skin cells below the nail.

Rashes

A rash is a scaly, bumpy, itchy or irritated and inflamed patch of skin. Some rashes can lead to blisters. A rash is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A rash can be caused by an infection, allergy, heat, medications, genetics and skin disorders.

When you suffer with dry scaly patches of skin, it is important to receive the correct diagnosis. Contact Lucent Dermatology in Beachwood, Oh and make certain to tell your dermatologist about your symptoms, family history and any other information you think is triggering the problem.