Brushing Up on Common Skin Conditions

When you think of medical conditions, you may often think of viruses and illnesses that affect the immune system in a physical sense. Most people consider skin conditions to be cosmetic issues rather than medical, however this is far from true. The Chicago medical dermatology specialists at NIMA Skin Institute explain a few skin conditions treated at the facility.

Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic medical condition in which certain skin cells grow too quickly. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin to form red, scaly lesions. Psoriasis is not contagious; however it can be genetic. Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease and affects 1-2% of the world’s population.

Rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease often confused with acne and sunburn because it causes facial swelling and redness. The condition is said to affect nearly 14 million adults in the world mainly between the ages of 30 and 50, and is often falsely labeled as “adult acne.” Although women are afflicted with rosacea more than men, men tend to get more severe cases of rosacea.

Melasma. Melasma is a dark pigmentation of the skin found in sun-exposed areas, such as the cheeks, forehead and chin. Melasma is more common with women but also affects men, as well. It’s caused by a hormonal imbalance which makes it common among women who are pregnant, on oral contraceptives, or those who are menopausal. People from various ethnic backgrounds and with different skin types can be affected by melasma.

These conditions may sound unfamiliar, but the description of each may ring a bell. Being that rosacea is mistaken for acne in adults and melasma may be overlooked as a symptom of pregnancy, it makes sense why many some may be unaware of these conditions. It’s important to understand that your clients' skin may have a treatable medical condition.

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