Common Skin Problems and How to Prevent Them

1. Acne and Pimples

Acne is a common skin condition that causes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and sometimes deep, painful lumps. It often affects the face, chest, shoulders and back.

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked by oil and dead skin cells. Hormonal changes can contribute, which is why acne commonly begins during adolescence. Adults can also develop acne.

Common signs include:

• Blackheads and whiteheads.
• Red or inflamed pimples.
• Pus-filled spots.
• Deep, tender lumps in more severe cases.
• Dark marks or scars after some breakouts.

How to reduce acne flare-ups:

• Wash your face gently, usually twice daily and after heavy sweating.
• Choose products labelled non-comedogenic when possible.
• Avoid scrubbing your face or squeezing pimples.
• Remove makeup before sleeping.
• Use acne treatments appropriate for your skin and follow their instructions.

Acne is not a sign of poor hygiene. Washing too often and using harsh products can irritate the skin. Consult a dermatologist if acne is painful, severe, causing scars or not improving with appropriate treatment.

2. Eczema

Eczema is a group of conditions that cause inflamed, itchy and irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis is a common type. It can affect children and adults and often follows a pattern of flare-ups and improvement.

The skin may become dry, rough, cracked or sore. Depending on your skin tone, inflammation may appear red, purple, brown, grey or darker than the surrounding skin.

Common signs include:

• Persistent itching.
• Dry or sensitive skin.
• Inflamed patches or scaling.
• Cracked skin during severe flare-ups.
• Thickened skin after repeated scratching.

How to reduce flare-ups:

• Use a fragrance-free moisturiser regularly.
• Take short baths or showers with lukewarm water.
• Choose gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps.
• Avoid personal care products that trigger irritation.
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not irritate your skin.

Eczema is not contagious. Although good skin care can help manage symptoms, it cannot guarantee that flare-ups will be prevented. A clinician may recommend prescription treatment depending on the type and severity.

3. Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infections can affect the feet, groin, body folds, scalp and other areas. Ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch are examples. Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm.

These infections often thrive in warm, moist areas. Some spread through direct skin contact, shared personal items or contaminated surfaces.

Possible symptoms include:

• Itchy or scaly patches.
• Ring-shaped rashes with a more noticeable outer edge.
• Cracked or peeling skin between the toes.
• Redness or irritation in skin folds.
• Changes to the scalp or hair in some infections.

How to reduce the risk:

• Dry your skin carefully after bathing, especially between the toes and in skin folds.
• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly.
• Wear clean socks and breathable footwear.
• Avoid sharing towels, clothing, footwear or grooming tools.
• Wear suitable footwear in communal showers and changing areas.

Fungal infections usually need an appropriate antifungal treatment. Do not assume every itchy rash is fungal, and avoid using steroid-containing combination creams without medical advice. Steroids can mask or worsen some fungal infections.

Seek medical advice if the rash spreads, affects the scalp or nails, keeps returning or does not improve with appropriate treatment.

4. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to something it touches. It may be caused by an irritant, such as a harsh cleaning product, or an allergen, such as a particular fragrance, metal or cosmetic ingredient.

Common signs include:

• Itching or burning.
• Dry, cracked or inflamed skin.
• A rash in the area that touched the trigger.
• Swelling or blisters in some cases.

How to prevent contact dermatitis:

• Identify and avoid the product or substance causing the reaction.
• Use suitable protective gloves when handling irritants.
• Choose fragrance-free products if fragrances trigger symptoms.
• Wash exposed skin gently after contact with an irritant.
• Use a suitable moisturiser to support the skin barrier.

If the rash continues despite avoiding the suspected trigger, a dermatologist can help identify the cause. Allergy patch testing may be useful in selected cases.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory condition involving the immune system. It can cause raised, thick or scaly patches of skin. The patches may be itchy, sore or cracked. Common areas include the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.

Psoriasis is not contagious. It can run in families, and flare-ups may be associated with factors such as infections, stress, skin injury or certain medicines.

How to manage psoriasis:

• Use moisturisers to help reduce dryness.
• Avoid scratching or injuring affected areas.
• Learn which factors appear to trigger your flare-ups.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist.
• Seek advice if you develop joint pain, swelling or stiffness.

Psoriasis cannot currently be prevented completely, but treatment can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Do not stop prescribed treatment or change medicines without discussing it with your clinician.

6. Dry Skin

Dry skin can feel tight, rough, flaky or itchy. It may develop in cold or dry weather, after frequent hot showers, or because of ageing, skin conditions or certain medicines.

Ways to prevent and manage dry skin:

• Apply a suitable moisturiser regularly, especially after bathing.
• Use lukewarm rather than very hot water.
• Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing and long, hot showers.
• Protect your hands from harsh cleaning products.

Thick creams or ointments may work better than light lotions for very dry skin. If dryness becomes painful, cracks, bleeds or persists despite regular care, seek medical advice.

7. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives are raised, itchy welts that may appear suddenly and change shape or location. They can occur as part of an allergic reaction or in response to infections, medicines, heat, pressure or other triggers. Sometimes no clear cause is found.

How to manage hives:

• Notice whether particular foods, medicines or exposures trigger symptoms.
• Avoid known triggers when it is safe to do so.
• Use a cool compress to help relieve itching.
• Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an antihistamine is appropriate.
• Seek medical advice if hives recur or persist.

8. Sunburn and Sun Damage

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can cause sunburn and contribute to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Sunburn may cause warmth, tenderness, swelling and peeling. Skin of all tones can be damaged by UV radiation.

How to protect your skin:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply enough sunscreen to exposed skin and reapply as directed, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek shade when UV exposure is high.
• Avoid tanning beds and deliberate tanning.

Check your skin for new or changing spots, moles or growths. Arrange a medical assessment if a spot changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds, or does not heal.