Skin Conditions Resource Center

Skin conditions cause symptoms that damage, clog up, or irritate the skin, which is the body's largest organ. Common symptoms include inflammation, itchiness, and rashes, but specific skin conditions have their own unique symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. Treatment options range from topical creams and oral medications to light therapy, laser treatments, and surgeries. Maintaining good skin hygiene, avoiding irritants, eating a nutritious diet, using sun protection, and addressing any underlying health issues are crucial for skin health.

Skin Conditions

Skin ConditionsMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD | October 31, 2024

FAQ

What are some common skin conditions?

Common skin conditions include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, alopecia areata, skin cancer, vitiligo, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Some are minor and resolve with minimal treatment, while others can be severe or chronic.

How do I identify my skin type?

Check your skin’s oiliness, dryness, shininess, and sensitivity after washing your face and not applying any products for half an hour. Your skin type can give you an idea of what to include in your skin-care regimen.

Can diet affect skin conditions?

Certain foods interact with some skin conditions. For example, some people may find that specific foods and ingredients — such as dairy, alcohol, refined carbs, saturated and trans fats, and gluten — can trigger or worsen psoriasis flares. Avoiding these may reduce symptoms.

What skin-care ingredients help with eczema?

Moisturizers that contain petroleum can help you avoid irritation and preserve skin moisture, and pramoxine and colloidal oatmeal can relieve itchiness. Sunblocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide a physical barrier against the sun’s rays.

How is psoriasis treated?

Psoriasis treatment varies depending on the severity, type, and location of the psoriasis. However, it may involve creams, ointments, phototherapy, and oral or injected medications. Speak to your dermatologist about the best course of action for your psoriasis symptoms.

Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

Skin Conditions

FAQ

Susan Bard, MD

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Alissa Kuizinas, DPM

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Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

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Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

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Jennifer Robinson, MD

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Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

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Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD

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Mayoni Ranasinghe, MBBS, MPH

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Mohiba Tareen, MD

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Kimberly Shao, MD

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Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

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Jane Yoo, MD, MPP

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Lydia J. Johnson, MD

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Ross Radusky, MD

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Reyna Franco, RDN

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Natalia Johnsen, MD

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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

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Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD

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Ghazala O'Keefe, MD

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Kara Smythe, MD

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Angela D. Harper, MD

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Kayli Anderson, RDN

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