Skin Conditions

What are skin conditions?

Skin conditions change how the skin looks, feels or works. They range from short-term rashes to diseases that need ongoing care. Some also affect other parts of the body.

Different problems can look alike. An itchy skin rash could come from an allergy, eczema or a fungal skin infection. Skin disease treatment should be based on the cause rather than appearance alone.

KwickPharmacy helps you explore skin treatment medicines online and check which products require a prescription.

Common types of skin conditions

• Allergic and irritant conditions: Contact dermatitis and hives may develop after exposure to fragrances, detergents, metals or medicines.

• Inflammatory conditions: Eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can cause itching, dryness or scaling. They are not contagious.

• Skin infections: Fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites cause problems such as ringworm, impetigo, herpes and scabies.

• Autoimmune skin diseases: Scleroderma, cutaneous lupus and some forms of vitiligo involve an abnormal immune response.

• Pigment conditions: These change skin colour or the way pigment is produced.

Symptoms to look for

Common symptoms include:

• Itching, burning or tenderness

• Dry, cracked, peeling or scaly skin

• A change in skin colour

• Bumps, blisters, sores or pus-filled spots

• Pain, warmth or swelling

• Crusting, discharge or an unusual smell

• Thick, tight or hardened skin

• A rash that spreads or returns

Symptoms can look different across skin tones.

What causes skin problems?

Triggers include allergens, harsh products, heat, sweat, cold weather and sunlight. Infections, genetics, hormones and immune activity can also be responsible. Diabetes, poor circulation and some medicines may affect the skin too.

A clinician may ask about new products, medicines and exposures. Patch testing, a scraping, swab or biopsy may be needed.

Skin creams and topical medicines

Topical medicines are applied directly to the affected area. Treatment may include:

• Moisturisers and emollients for dryness

• Topical corticosteroids for selected inflammatory conditions

• Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus for some forms of eczema

• Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or terbinafine

• Topical antibiotics for a diagnosed bacterial skin infection

• Antiviral medicines for diagnosed viral conditions

• Salicylic acid or urea for thick, scaly skin

Do not apply a steroid cream to an unexplained rash without advice. Steroids can change the appearance of ringworm and may allow it to spread.

Tablets, injections and other treatments

Some conditions need more than skin creams. Options include oral antihistamines for certain allergies and antimicrobial tablets for confirmed infections. Eczema treatment and psoriasis treatment may involve oral retinoids, immune-modifying medicines, biologic medicines or light therapy.

Some treatments require blood tests and monitoring. The choice depends on the diagnosis and severity.

Understanding scleroderma

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue thickening. Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin. Systemic sclerosis can also affect blood vessels and internal organs.

There is no single cure. Scleroderma treatment aims to ease symptoms, limit complications and slow progression. Care may involve a dermatologist, rheumatologist or other specialist.

Simple ways to protect your skin

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free products if your skin is sensitive

• Moisturise after washing and avoid very hot showers

• Keep areas prone to fungal infection clean and dry

• Do not share towels, razors or clothing during an infection

• Avoid scratching or picking at damaged skin

• Use sun protection and take prescribed medicine as directed

When to seek urgent help

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, widespread blistering, fever with a rash or sores near the eyes, mouth or genitals. A painful rash that spreads quickly also needs prompt assessment. Pus, warmth or red streaks may signal infection.

Find the right skin treatment with KwickPharmacy

KwickPharmacy lets you compare skin allergy treatment, skin infection treatment and medicines for long-term conditions by form, strength and ingredient. Some products need a valid prescription. If you are unsure what is causing the problem, get medical advice before choosing dermatology treatment.