Common skin conditions and how to spot them
dust mites, smoke or even dandruff,” he explains.
“Extreme hot or cold temperatures, stress and lack of sleep can all contribute too.
“Eczema is usually characterised by having dry skin for a period of time, alongside patches of irritated, itchy and red skin. The skin can sometimes peel back making you vulnerable to infection too,” he adds.
Treatment of eczema varies, and if symptoms are ongoing then it is always best to see a specialist for personalised advice.
Dr Hafiji also recommends applying a suitable emollient (such as Cetraben Cream, from £4.99 for 50ml, Boots) daily, to soothe affected areas and help protect the skin.
“Other techniques for eczema management include keeping a ‘trigger’ diar y to identify allergens, using mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, wearing loose cotton materials and taking steps to avoid scratching the skin – which can make symptoms worsen.”
CONTACT DERMATITIS
“THIS form of eczema tends to be much more transient,” says Dr
Atopic eczema is the most common type, which usually presents in childhood and can become chronic and persist in adult life Hafiji. He explains that it’s caused by an inflammatory reaction to an irritant or allergen, usually occurring in one place, such as from using soaps, laundry products and wearing metal jewellery.
“The symptoms include red, blistered, dry and cracked skin. In some more severe cases, and if not treated, the skin may weep too,” says Dr Hafiji.
“The main difference between eczema and contact dermatitis is that if you avoid the irritant or allergen, your skin barrier function will resume to normal, the irritation will subside and you will not get another flare-up in the same area.”
The most obvious advice is to avoid your triggers. For instance, if you frequently get a reaction on your hands, try changing the soap you use and see if that helps.
PSORIASIS
PS ORIASIS is characterised by raised, dry, red skin lesions or patches, which may be covered in silver y scales. It’s a long-term condition that generally occurs in episodes, alternating between flare-ups and periods where symptoms calm down, and can vary greatly in severity.
“Severe flare-ups can almost look like a large red and crusting scab,” says Dr Hafiji. “Not only can psoriasis affect the skin, it can also commonly occur on scalp, nails and in some cases it can cause psoriatic arthritis.
“It is the thickness of the skin and scaling that will often tell psoriasis and eczema apart.”
There’s no cure for psoriasis, but Dr Hafiji assures that there are management techniques which will help you keep symptoms under control.
“Depending on your symptoms and history of the condition, topical creams can help keep skin hydrated and reduce irritation. There are also a number of injections that can help those with psoriasis, reducing and preventing symptoms.”
Some individuals may be treated using phototherapy – a treatment where a special type of light is shone onto the affected area.
HIVES
HIVES are medically known as urticaria, and affect one in five people at some point in their lives.
“Hives will either appear as a large, red itchy rash or raised red bumps or spots,” says Dr Hafiji. “They may sting and burn – a similar sensation to a nettle sting.”
Hives are generally a sign of an allergic reaction (if they occur suddenly, it’s important to keep an eye out for any indication of a serious reaction occurring, such as swelling of the mouth and airways and any breathing difficulties, as these are a medical emergency).
“Not only could this be a response to an allergen, it could be due to an infection or a reaction to medication,” Dr Hafiji adds.
In most cases, the reaction will calm down or disappear after a few hours or a couple of days. If symptoms don’t subside within 48 hours, however, and/or other symptoms are occurring too, it’s always recommended to seek medical advice.