Common Skin Diseases

Keloids are raised, thick scars that develop when the skin heals after an injury. They grow beyond the original wound boundaries and can be pink, red, or darker than surrounding skin. Keloids are particularly common in people with darker skin tones and can occur after piercings, cuts, burns, or acne.

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It manifests as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or deeper cysts and nodules. Acne most commonly affects teenagers but can persist into adulthood, particularly in women.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell buildup, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches are often red with silvery scales and can be itchy or painful. Psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition where patches of skin become darker than surrounding areas. This occurs when excess melanin forms deposits in the skin. It's particularly noticeable in people with darker skin tones and can be caused by sun exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that makes skin red, inflamed, and itchy. It often appears in childhood but can occur at any age. The condition tends to flare periodically and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes), resulting in white patches on various parts of the body. It can affect people of all skin types but is more noticeable in those with darker skin. The condition is not contagious or life-threatening but can affect self-esteem.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. It typically affects fair-skinned individuals but can occur in all skin types. The condition often begins after age 30 and may worsen without treatment.

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the face. It's often called the 'mask of pregnancy' because it frequently occurs during pregnancy, but it can affect anyone. The condition is more common in women and people with darker skin tones.

Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The rash isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Common causes include soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, and plants like poison ivy.