Skin disorders a common and overlooked affliction

Nikki Waldmann
Mesa Legend

Nikki WaldmannWith forty-four common skin disorders, how can one keep up with all of these different skin conditions? Many people live their day-to-day lives without even realizing they may have one of these common conditions.  Colette Wiles, a Medical assistant who works at Omin dermatology describes how acne is one of the biggest skin problems she sees at Omin dermatology.  “Acne is one of the biggest common problems we get into our office. Another common thing would be when clients come in needing us to look at a lesion.”

When asked how often one should come into the office to get their skin checked, Wiles replied, “Since Arizona is one of the top places in the world to develop skin cancer, it’s good to come in for a yearly checkup. While yearly dermatologist check ups are good for every individual, some skin disorders may require more attention. “As for someone with a mild form of skin cancer, we would have them come in every four months; and for someone with melanoma to come in every three months.”

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Lupus 

*What is it? Lupus is a round shaped rash that does not itch or hurt. It can appear as scaly red patches, or as a sunburn like rash.

*How does one get it? Most cases of lupus is hereditary, but in some cases it can be caused by stress, sunlight, and some medicines.

*Is it contagious? No, Lupus is not contagious.

*Is there a cure? There is no cure for Lupus, but there are ways of managing it. No need to worry since Lupus is not deadly.

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Psoriasis

*What is it? Psoriasis can appear differently on different people. For some it can be thick red patches, shiny and scaly, or even sometimes resemble burns.

*How does one get it? Genetics and the immune system play a huge part in how one can get Psoriasis. It is also hereditary.

*Is it contagious? No, Psoriasis is not contagious.

*Is there a cure? Currently there is no cure for Psoriasis, but there are medications one can get from their doctor to help ease the symptoms.

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 Rosacea

*What is it? Rosacea can appear red, with broken blood vessels.

*How does one get it? Rosacea is common with someone between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, often with people who have a very fair complexion. Rosacea is also hereditary.

*Is it contagious? No, Rosacea is not contagious, but can be embarrassing for most.

*Is there a cure? There is no cure, but it can be managed with the help of a dermatologist.

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Vitiligo

*What is it? Vitiligo is when the loss of pigment happens to the skin. It can appear as a pattern of lighter and darker skin on any part of the body.

*How does one get it? The cause is not yet know, but some may believe it is an autoimmune disease.

*Is it contagious? No, Vitiligo is not contagious.

*Is there a cure? It cannot be cured but can be treated with different types of steroids and strong topical creams.

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Cystic acne

*What is it? Large to small inflamed, red and tender bumps. Most common in teenagers and young adults.

*How does one get it? Hormones play a huge part in cystic acne, but there are many other factors such as diet, and self-care.

*Is it contagious? No, Cystic acne is not contagious.

*Is there a cure? There are over the counter creams and cleansers that help ease the acne, but for the worst case’s one should seek the help of a dermatologist.

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Keloid

*What is it? Over grown scar tissue, that appears as a thick scar.

*How does one get it? Accurse after an injury has healed. It happens when excess protein develops, known as (collagen) in the skin.

*Is it contagious? No, this is not contagious.

*Is there a cure? There is no need to seek out treatment since Keloids are not harmful. But one can see a doctor to find a way to minimize the scar.

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Acne Scars

*What is it? Pitted looking scars that can appear either red or a normal skin tone.

*How does one get it? Acne scars happen when an inflamed lesion has become come filled with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria which causes the follicle wall to break down.

*Is it contagious? No, Acne scars are not contagious.

*Is there a cure? One can seek out treatments from either a dermatologist or an esthetician such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and in some instances fillers.

 

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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