Common Skin Conditions Among Your Patients

Common Skin Conditions Among Your Patients Hives Hives generally appear as raised red itchy bumps. Certain foods can cause a reaction in the form of hives. Peanuts, eggs, and shellfish are often common triggers. Certain medications, often antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfa, can cause hives as well. Insect stings and bites can also cause a reaction of hives, even if you have never been allergic before, one can develop at any time in life. Other common triggers are hives include:  Cold or heat  Exercise  Sun  Latex  Blood transfusion  Bacterial infections  Viral infections  Mononucleosis  Hepatitis  Pet dander  Pollen

Certain types of plants The best form of treatment is to avoid the stimulant, but that is not always possible. The first consideration is to make sure there is no swelling of the throat. Some allergic reactions can have serious effects, and swelling of the throat is one to watch out for. The next concern is, how uncomfortable the hives are. A mild case can disappear without much treatment; however a severe case may require the attention of a dermatologist.

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Eczema Eczema can be embarrassing; it can itch, and cause pain. Nummular eczema is especially embarrassing because it is round in shape, like a coin, and many people mistake it for ringworm. Stress can trigger an outbreak, along with other environmental factors. Eczema comes in other forms as well. Regardless of how it shows on the skin, it can be uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

Psoriasis This is a very common condition, caused by an overactive immune system.

The cells on the skin regenerate too quickly, causing that flaky scale like

appearance. There are now some internal treatments being used for this condition; however they come with some fairly significant side effects.

Topical creams are most often the first choice of treatment, and if that produces no relief oral medications may be prescribed.

Impetigo – also called Infantigo This is a very contagious skin infection, most often affecting children.

Impetigo usually begins with a red patch of skin that begins to itch. Children 2-5 years of age are the most prone to this condition, however anyone is susceptible. Rarely serious, this condition usually goes away on its own without the need for extensive treatment.

Ringworm

Unlike what many people believe, ringworm does not actually involve a worm. The medical term for ringworm is tinea, and it is a fungus, often transferred from animals to humans. Ringworm appears as a red, scaly patch, round in shape, and depending on location, can cause hair loss or scaling on the scalp. Ringworm can most often be treated with an antifungal, medication, and should begin to subside after the first treatment.

Cellulitis A common bacterial skin infection, cellulitis may first appear as a red swollen area that feels hot to the touch, and usually tender. The redness and swelling can spread and is usually painful. Cellulitis can be both on the surface and in the underlying tissues of the skin. It can spread to lymph nodes and bloodstream, so it must be monitored carefully.

Shingles This is an extremely painful skin condition that goes beneath the skin and causes pain in the nerves. There are vaccines available now to prevent shingles, and for anyone over age 60, it is strongly advised.

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Poison Oak and Poison Ivy

This rash develops from contact with the leaves on the plants. Extremely uncomfortable due to itching, the concern is mainly that the affected area will be scratched open and create an infection. It usually goes away in a few days, and treatment is generally cortisone cream and keeping the area clean and dry.

Fifth Disease In this condition, children are most often affected. Cheeks become very red and warm to the touch. It may be accompanied by a sore throat and overall aches similar to flu. It is viral and usually clears on its own within a few days.

When you have a patient with a skin condition, find out any information regarding the condition, if in fact it is contagious, you will need to take precautionary measures. Make the patient feel at ease, regardless of whether the condition is contagious, the patient needs to understand they will receive treatment to eliminate the problem. Many skin breakouts clear up on their own; however, they should always be monitored closely. Much of the time, the problems occur when the rash or, breakout is scratched excessively. It can create an infection, and cause permanent scarring.

For a general rash that is not serious, the main form of treatment is keeping the area clean and dry. Have the patient apply creams such as cortisone; just make sure it has an anti itch ingredient. If needed over the counter Benadryl can help eliminate some of the itching, and if the rash is not subsiding within 3 days, advise the patient to return for additional treatment. Many rashes are nothing more than the body protesting to a change, such as soap or laundry detergent. Many rashes can develop from dry skin, especially during winter months. Using a moisturizing soap, followed by a quality body lotion, may fend off dry skin rashes. For summer rashes, the emphasis should be on clean dry skin. Clothes that wick moisture away work great, and wearing lightweight clothing is a plus during warm summer months. Any rashes that are not dry can be washed and patted with corn starch. Summer months can be especially challenging for areas within skin folds. If a fungal infection occurs within the skin folds, try an antifungal cream with a moisture barrier to keep skin dry and free from moisture.

Skin conditions are a part of life, for some people more than others. It can be a daily challenge to get the rash under control, but in most cases persistent treatments will do the trick.

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