Our skin helps keep us healthy. It protects us from germs, regulates our temperature and keeps us hydrated . But many times, our skin needs our help, too. In fact, one in three Americans will experience a skin disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. While a skin issue may feel uncomfortable and even embarrassing, it’s important to get it checked out—and telemedicine is a fast and convenient way to talk with a healthcare professional. Here are some common skin conditions to look out for, and where to turn if you encounter them.
Acne
Many of us have gotten reacquainted with pimples lately, thanks to a phenomena called “maskne,” meaning acne that’s caused by wearing a face mask. Mask-induced or not, acne is, hands down, the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year. Acne occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in a pimple, whitehead or blackhead. While acne is most often associated with the teenage years, it can appear through the 30s and 40s or, really, at any stage in life. A healthcare professional can suggest products, medications and lifestyle changes that could help minimize breakouts; and they can give you the latest insights on preventing maskne.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin in up to 30 percent of the US population. Adults can suffer from AD, but most of the patients are children or adolescents. While there’s no cure for AD, a healthcare provider can share treatments and interventions that can offer relief and even prevent outbreaks. If itchy skin and discomfort are disrupting routines, or skin appears to be infected, reach out to a healthcare provider immediately.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the body makes skin cells quickly and they pile up, appearing as patches of thickened red skin with silvery scales, called “plaques.” The plaques can be anywhere, but occur most frequently on the elbows, scalp, knees and lower back. Psoriasis is usually a life-long condition impacting about 7.5 million people in the US. If you think you might have psoriasis, a healthcare provider can help you understand it and learn how to best manage it.
Skin cancer
After months of summer fun, it might be time for a skin check. Exposure to ultraviolet rays may cause skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the country, with more than 9,500 people being diagnosed daily. If you notice a change on your skin, whether it’s a mole that changed shape or color, a new spot that appears or an area that’s itching or bleeding, you’ll want to get it checked out. Telemedicine offers a quick and easy way to screen patients for skin cancer and to monitor any changes the body. You can simply take a photo of the area of concern and share it with your healthcare provider during a phone call or video visit .
Cuts, bumps, bruises and burns
The kids have been running wild all summer, getting into who-knows-what. If you’re worried about a bump, bruise or cut that’s taking a long time to heal, it might be time to seek medical advice. With a telehealth consultation, a healthcare professional can quickly determine if a wound is infected, or if your child needs treatment beyond what’s in your medicine cabinet. And that can bring peace of mind to the whole family.
Our skin is our largest organ, and it’s vital that we take care of it. If you’re concerned about a change in your skin, talk to a Jetdoc professional today.