Skin Conditions

When you discover a new pimple, you probably aren't thinking about how great your skin is. But zits and all, skin is remarkable stuff. Skin is the body's largest organ. It stops harmful germs from entering and prevents the loss of vital fluids, such as water and blood. Sweat glands help maintain a healthy temperature, and nerves feel heat, cold, pressure, and pain.

But because the skin is on the outside of the body, it takes a lot of abuse. From acne and eczema to more serious conditions, a range of issues affect the skin. What's normal and what isn't? Check out this guide to the skin you're in.

Q: Why do I get acne?

A: Everybody gets it. Common acne (acne vulgaris) forms when pores clog with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria get trapped in the clogged pores, causing swelling and redness--the all-too-common pimple. In adolescence, hormones stimulate the skin's oil glands to pump out extra sebum, or oil. That's why teens suffer more acne than kids and adults. Over-the-counter and prescription products can help zap zits.

Q: How do I treat a burn?

A: All burns hurt, but some are more severe than others. Minor burns (like this one) are called first-degree burns because they affect only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Second-degree burns extend into the dermis, the middle layer, and cause blisters. Third-degree burns, the most severe, extend into the subcutaneous tissue, the deepest layer of skin; they look charred or dry and white. For a first-degree or small (2-3inches in diameter) second-degree burn, cool your skin under cold running water, dry the area, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with gauze. For larger second- and third-degree burns, seek emergency help right away.

Q: Why is my skin red and itchy?

A: Eczema causes a dry, itchy rash that is red and scaly, anywhere on the body. Many people find eczema embarrassing, but it's a common problem and nothing to be ashamed of. There is no cure for eczema, but you can make it less annoying: Use mild soap and lots of lotion, and avoid long, hot showers and baths. Doctors can also prescribe medicine to help control the rash.

Q: What types of germs infect the skin?

A: Bacteria cause such infections as impetigo, which causes crusty sores on the face, and cellulitis, which makes the skin red and tender. Fungi can cause athlete's foot, an itchy infection that usually sprouts between toes, and ringworm, which appears as red, ring-shaped sores, especially on the scalp. Both types of infections can be treated with medications.

A herpes virus is behind the blisters around the mouth known as cold sores (photo, below left). These can be spread, so don't share lip gloss or kisses until sores vanish. Viruses also cause warts--small, hard bumps on the hands and feet that can be treated with over-the-counter products or a doctor's help.

Q: Are the markings on my skin normal?

A: Everybody has unique markings, including birthmarks (right), moles, and freckles. All are perfectly normal. Both freckles and moles are caused by extra melanin, the same pigment that causes suntans. Freckles can appear anywhere, and moles are usually bigger clumps of melanin that extend deeper into the skin. Although moles can sometimes become cancerous, they are usually harmless. If you notice a change in a mole, have it checked out by a doctor.

Many people develop stretch marks during the teen years. These form when a person gains weight or develops quickly, stretching the skin. Stretch marks are normal and very common. They look red at first but fade over time (sometimes they disappear completely).

Q: Is tanning really bad?

A: Suntans actually signify skin damage. When exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, skin cells release melanin to try to prevent damage. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than fair people have.

Even with such protection, tanning can harm skin. "Sunlight causes damage to the layers of the skin and to the pigment-making cells," explains Dr. Courtney Herbert, a Chicago dermatologist and Skin Cancer Foundation spokesperson. Eventually, this can cause wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin, or skin cancer.

To protect yourself, wear sunscreen whenever you're outdoors. "I recommend at least SPF 15 or 30, and the key is to reapply it as much as possible as long as you're out in the sun," Herbert advises. In terms of skin damage, tanning beds "are worse than the sun itself," says Herbert. Instead, try self-tanning lotions or spray-on "airbrush" tans for the look of a tan without the damage.

Q: How can I avoid skin cancer?

A: Three types of skin cancer exist. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of cancer. They typically occur on sun-exposed areas and mostly affect adults. Squamous cell carcinomas (above) also affect sun-exposed skin and usually stay on the surface for a while but can spread to deeper tissues if untreated. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and cases of it are rising faster than those of any other cancer. "Melanoma is increasing in younger and younger patients," notes Herbert. "It can kill young people quickly, and it's so sad because it's very preventable."

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 90 percent of skin cancer cases are caused by sun exposure. Regular sun protection can reduce the risk of skin cancer by 80 percent. So cover up with clothes and reapply sunscreen often whenever you're outside.

Last updated Jan 4/07