Are you bothered by skin irritation? You are not alone in this. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, millions of Canadians are suffering from a form of skin problem. In fact, according to statistics, 20% of people in Canada have acne, 1 million are affected by psoriasis, and 2 million are suffering from rosacea.
If you are currently struggling with a skin problem – fret not. It is not something to be afraid of or be ashamed of. These skin irritations are frequently treatable, and looking for medical professionals as soon as possible will help prevent these diseases from getting worse.
The first step to a cure is knowing what illness you have. If you are still unsure of the type of skin irritation that you have, here are the top five most common skin problems affecting Canadians.
Acne
According to the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance, acne can happen of your dead skin cells block the openings of your pores or hair follicles. Once the openings are blocked, it will trap sebum or the oil that your skin naturally produces. The blockage will cause bacteria to grow fast in the area. It can also cause whiteheads and blackheads. Continued irritation can form pimples and cysts on different parts of your body.
Acne is a prevalent skin problem in Canada. It usually is not a life-threatening condition, but acne proliferation can sometimes affect your self-esteem and way of life. Acne can be caused by increased testosterone levels, overactive oil glands, and reactions to products used on the skin. This skin condition can be classified as mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe, depending on the number and size of inflammation of the papules and pustules.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that can usually be found on the face, nose, and eyes. Around 2 million Canadians suffer this skin disease, but no one can determine precisely why you can contract rosacea. Experts know that it can be hereditary or the result of having too much cathelicidin in the skin caused by an immune system dysfunction. Like acne, it is not a life-threatening disease, but having extreme reactions to environmental triggers can cause personal image insecurity. People with rosacea usually have numerous bumps or small pus-filled pimples and enlarged blood vessels. This disease has no known cure yet, but you can still consult a physician regarding its management through the treatment of symptoms and applying lifestyle changes.
Hyperhidrosis
Simply put, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. Affected areas may include palms, underarms, and soles of the feet. The problem usually starts by late adolescence and will continue persisting throughout your life.
In Canada, around 950,000 people have this skin disorder. As with other skin conditions, it is not dangerous, but it can affect your way of life, productivity, comfort, and the way you dress. Studies show that only 38% of affected people visit licensed health professionals for treatment. That is because a significant number of the population are not aware that it is treatable and manageable.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: focal hyperhidrosis and generalized hyperhidrosis. The first one has no known cause, but experts observe excessive stimulation of local sweat glands caused by the central nervous system over-activity. The latter condition is the type that is brought about by another underlying condition, like menopause, obesity, or endocrine problems. If you are suffering from both, you can always consult a health professional to help you address these problems.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes the skin to rapidly build-up. The result is whitish silver scaling patches with thick red patches. Normal human skin shedding happens in about a month, but the skin of people with psoriasis takes only a few days before it replenishes and rises to the surface. The skin does not have time to shed properly, so it only builds up on the surface.
The lesions may appear anywhere in the body, but they are commonly spotted in the elbows, head, chest area, knees, and lower back. It usually happens to adults, but there are some cases of psoriasis in children.
Living with psoriasis is challenging because the patches can be itchy, painful, and prone to bleeding. In Canada, there are support groups for people living with psoriasis to give hope and share treatment processes for the management of the disease. Many doctors can help you with this skin condition.
Eczema
Eczema is also one of the most common skin problems in Canada. Certain foods and environmental conditions trigger this problem. If you have this, the affected skin area can be itchy, swollen, and reddish. Sometimes, fluid-filled pustules are also present.
One thing that you have to remember is eczema is not contagious. It also occurs commonly among children. There is still no cure for this disease, but there are health treatments and self-care methods available if you ask your family doctor or any physician specializing in skin diseases. If you are affected by this, seek medical treatment immediately before it becomes chronic.These are just five of the most common skin diseases affecting Canadians. If you happen to suffer any skin problem, do not hesitate to look for quality health care that can improve your condition. If you are hesitant to visit the hospital because of the Covid-19 situation, you can always approach a walk in clinic Hamilton as your health-care provider.