Acne

• Acne is a skin disorder that causes blemishes and pimples to appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. Caused when hair follicles plug up with dead skin cells and sebum, an oil that the body produces, acne typically afflicts teenagers, women who are premenstrual or pregnant and people on certain types of medications. Brought on in many cases by hormonal changes within the body, acne can cause emotional distress to those that have it. Acne treatments focus on reducing the amount of sebum produced by the body. Dermatologists may prescribe topical and oral medications to fight this disorder.
  
  

Eczema

• Atopic dermatitis is often called eczema, a skin disorder that makes the skin break out in itchy patches. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but it most often happens on the arms and behind the knees. Infants and young children are the most common sufferers. The cause of this skin disease isn't known but researchers suspect that an immune system disorder combined with dry and irritated areas of skin is behind it. The major symptom of atopic dermatitis is extremely itchy skin that is at its worst during the evening hours, and a rash that can be reddish to brown in color. Scratching makes the rash leak fluid and then crust over. Eczema is usually treated with non-prescription anti-itch creams and in some cases with oral medications to reduce the itching and inflammation.
  
  

Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a common skin disease that speeds up the life cycle of an individual's skin cells. These cells build up beneath the surface of the skin and form thick scales. The scales are silvery and they lead to the formation of more itchy, red, dry patches on the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic condition and is thought to be related to an immune system malfunction that causes new skin cells to be mistakenly produced. Psoriasis can bring about many emotional problems such as low self esteem and depression as well as physical ailments like arthritis and skin infections. The treatment of psoriasis includes topical ointments to relieve symptoms, phototherapy to stop the immune system from causing the disease and oral medications that attempt to decrease skin cell production.
  
  

Hives

• Hives are white or red raised welts that appear by themselves or in large groups. Hives can occur anywhere on the body and they can sting, itch or burn. Hives are the result of an allergic reaction to certain foods, medications or allergens like pet dander. Hives can last for a few hours or as long as weeks, with chronic hives taking years to go away in extreme instances. Hives are treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl and prescription medications like Clarinex, which aim to reduce inflammation and halt the process which causes the disorder.
  
  

Skin Cancer

• Most cases of skin cancer result from too much exposure to sunlight. There are three main types of skin cancer---basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Of the three kinds, melanoma is the most dangerous. Normally skin cancer develops on areas of the body that get the most sunlight but it is not unheard of for it to occur elsewhere, such as the buttocks or genital region. Any race can be affected by skin cancer, which can usually be treated successfully when it is detected in its early stages.