The epidermis is the largest organ in the human body, measuring up to 21 square feet in adults! And it’s not just the size that matters; skin serves various functions, from helping the body maintain homeostasis to facilitating sensation and, of course, keeping us looking our best. Problem skin, therefore, doesn’t only affect your aesthetic appearance—it can also cause considerable physical discomfort. Worst of all, however, are the social and psychological impact of these conditions. Skin diseases are heavily stigmatized, and living with them can be physically and emotionally challenging. Understanding and identifying your condition is the first step to planning a skincare routine that will aid recovery, so let’s take a look at a few of the most common autoimmune skin disorders.
Pemphigus
Like many other autoimmune blistering diseases, pemphigus occurs when the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In the case of Pemphigus, this manifests as painful erosions of the epidermis resulting from ruptured blisters. It often starts in the mouth, and while the blisters are not itchy, they break open easily, leaving unsightly welts. Fortunately, there are many skin care treatments available for this condition. Reaching out to a licensed dermatologist can help rid you of these irritating and unsightly wounds.
Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the condition affects 7.5 million people in the United States and almost 3% of the population worldwide. It’s a prevalent but treatable autoimmune disorder characterized by patches of red, itchy, or scaly skin.
There are five distinct types of psoriasis: plaque, inverse, guttate, erythrodermic, and pustular, and each type presents different symptoms. Plaque, for example, presents as inflamed nodes covered in white, scaly skin. Aside from creating an uneven skin tone that can be difficult to conceal, even with makeup, psoriasis is also itchy and uncomfortable. Our qualified doctors have years of experience treating this condition and can recommend a skin care regimen to reduce breakouts and to soothe symptoms.
Hives
Hives (also known as Urticaria) are very common, characterized by swollen red bumps or wheals on the skin that may itch, burn, or even sting. They occur when the body produces too much histamine, resulting in a leak of plasma into the narrow blood vessels in the skin. Discovering the cause or trigger of your hives is paramount to finding a workable treatment, and a dermatologist can aid in this process. If the outbreaks happen frequently, your skin care professional can help develop an at-home plan (usually a blend of oral medications and creams) to keep the condition under control.
There’s no need to let these common, persistent skin problems cause you any more discomfort. Setting up an appointment to diagnose your issue and create a daily skincare routine—as well as a long-term plan—can really give you, and your epidermis, a new lease on life.
