Normal Skin Conditions

During your teenage years, you might have had your fair share of acne. And unfortunately for some people, acne is an issue well into their adult years. But acne is not the only skin condition that some adults struggle with; there are others that can be frustrating and painful. Many people are unaware of how normal some skin conditions are. 

Acne young caucasian woman's side of the face with acne all over it.

Acne: it’s one of those things you either have or you don’t. And unfortunately, you can develop it in your adult years, especially if you’ve had a baby and your body is going through hormonal changes. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting 40-50 million people, with more women than men having it. It is caused by hair follicles and oil glands getting blocked, or by hormonal changes. It includes whiteheads, cysts, blackheads, pimples and nodules, and does not only affect the face, but can also appear on your chest, back, backside, and arms. 

Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide can help, but you might need to seek help from a dermatologist, who can prescribe antibiotics and stronger topical creams.  

Psoriasis

According to current studies, more than 8 million Americans have the psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder that creates abnormalities of the skin, including scaly skin, white flaky skin, dryness, or red and itchy skin. Some people with psoriasis suffer from joint pain and heart disease. People will normally see psoriasis on their knees, elbows, arms, and back. 

person's mole with a magnifying glass over the mole
Skin cancer is more normal than people think, with over 20 million people in the US diagnosed with it.

Unfortunately there are no known causes of psoriasis, but a doctor can help you manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. They might prescribe topical medications such as steroids, antibody injections, or light therapy with UVB light. 

Skin Cancer

Nearly 20 million Americans die from melanoma, a life-threatening type of skin cancer, every day. This is a scary statistic, but it is the reality. Abnormal moles can lead to melanoma. If you have a mole that changes over time, or have cuts, sunburns, or ingrown hairs that take a long time to heal, it is important to get them checked out.  

When you visit a dermatologist, they will take a sample or remove the mole if it is worrisome. If it turns out to be melanoma, you will most likely need to have surgery to remove it before it spreads. The sooner you catch this type of cancer, the less likely it will be to spread to other areas of your body.

Rosacea

If you have redness on your face or chronic swelling of the face, then you might have rosacea. Rosacea is common in women over 30, and is related to problems with the immune system or veins. Depending on the symptoms, a dermatologist might prescribe topical solutions, including antibiotics. 

Eczema

Also known as dermatitis, eczema is commonly found in infants and young children. It can continue into adulthood as well, with symptoms including rashes on the face, scalp, elbows, back of the knees, hands, and feet. It is characterized by dry, very itchy, red skin, and while there is no known cause for eczema, researchers believe it may be due to genetics or an allergic reaction. 

dry skin on the back of a caucasian hand's knuckles

A doctor will prescribe topical steroids to treat flare-ups.

Warts

Warts are raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can appear anywhere on your body, including your genitals. Sometimes they will go away on their own, but if they don’t, a visit to your doctor will be necessary for treatment. Treatments can include freezing, cutting or lasering the warts. 

If the warts are in your genital area, it is very important that you see your doctor. If left untreated, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. 

Shingles

red inflamed bottom of a caucasian foot.
Athlete’s foot is common and can occur in damp, warm conditions.

Many people are unaware that shingles does not only occur in older people. Skin conditions like shingles can develop in anyone who has had chickenpox. This painful condition lies dormant in the nervous system and can appear when your immune system is compromised. It can be treated with antivirals. It is recommended that people aged 50 and over get vaccinated against it. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, damp conditions, gets its name because these conditions are often present in athletes’ shoes. This fungal infection causes itching, redness, and cracked skin. It can take a while to clear up, and a doctor might have to prescribe topical cream. If it is under your nails, a visit to a podiatrist will more than likely be needed to treat it.

Seeing a dermatologist is important for managing and treating some of these skin conditions, which is why having the right insurance plan is important. If you do not have health insurance, it could end up costing you a lot of money to seek treatment, or you could need to treat yourself, which could end up making your condition worse. If you are interested in finding an affordable plan that will cover getting checked and treated for any of these skin conditions, EZ.Insure can help! We will compare all available plans in your area in minutes and guide you towards one that will cover your medical needs and fit in your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

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