The skin is the single largest organ of the human body, and unlike most other organs, it is constantly exposed to the outside world, from sunlight and water to cutting edges and bacteria, and more. Dermatology is the study and care of the skin, and some health problems may arise either on the skin, or just underneath it, such as varicose veins, and a concerned patient can visit a medical dermatologist to get a diagnosis of their problem and get access to treatments, anything from acne treatment to methods to deal with varicose veins. The skin is an organ that everyone sees every day, and a person will care a great deal about their skin not only for its own health and avoiding painful problems, but also to look one’s best when meeting with others. Healthy skin or bad skin can make a big difference in how a person is perceived, and issues ranging from serious acne to bruises to dryness can impact a person’s appearance in all kinds of ways. What are some common problems of the skin? What can be done about issues such as varicose veins?
Issues of the Skin
The human skin is a dynamic and vital organ, as it acts as a natural suit of armor for the entire body. It renews itself once every 28 days, but a person responsible for their own health will do all they can to prevent problems. Minor problems generally cannot be avoided, and can be taken as they come. Increased acne is a common symptom of adolescence in both boys and girls, and after adolescence, an adult may still get occasional, minor cases of it throughout life. In fact, it is estimated that about 85% of people have had acne of some sort or other sometime in their lives, and some 60 million people in the United States at any time have it. More serious cases may be a sign of an underlying medical issue, and a person may visit their doctor and get referred to a dermatologist about it. This can have a negative mental impact, since many people believe that acne makes them unattractive, and nearly 96% of those with acne reported feeling at least somewhat depressed because of it.
What else might happen? Skin cancer is another issue that some Americans will face, and skin cancer can turn deadly, and melanomas may happen after excessive exposure to strong UV light, whether naturally from the sun or even from man made sources like UV light tanning beds. Many people pursuing tans choose to use tanning salons, and about 70% such patrons are women and girls aged 16-29, although some men opt for this cosmetic treatment as well. Skin cancer is actually fairly common; current estimates hold that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, and many are dealing with it already. Nearly 9,500 people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer or other every day in the United States, and around one million Americans are currently living with a melanoma on their skin. For the year 2018, to put it another way, an estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma would be diagnosed, and skin cancer must be be treated right away once diagnosed. A person can suspect skin cancer when they find discolored patches on their skin with irregular outlines and other symptoms. Skin cancer must not be confused with simple moles or other harmless, ordinary skin features.
Skin care may also involve what is right under the skin, like varicose veins. According to Mayo Clinic, varicose veins are, put simply, enlarged and twisted veins, and they are often found in the legs. They often appear dark blue or purple and are mainly a cosmetic issue, but they may sometimes cause mild discomfort such as mild burning or throbbing. They can be largely prevented with a healthy lifestyle that encourages strong blood flow, such as regular exercise, a good diet low in salt, and getting enough fiber in one’s diet as well as avoiding wearing high heels or hosiery too often. Regular changes to one’s sitting and standing postures can also help these unattractive skin problems from arising.