Whether you suffer from dry skin or rashes, acne or melasma, various skin conditions can cause more than just annoyance and frustration. For teens, acne can be devastating, especially when dealing with self-consciousness and self-esteem issues. For older people the appearance of age spots or melasma can have a similar effect. For many, serious skin disorders mean more than mere embarrassment. They can lead to serious illness. Knowing what's minor and what's not can mean the difference between health and sickness, and every person should know the difference.



Millions of people around the world deal with minor skin conditions, such as acne, freckles and moles. For the most part, these are minor in that they will not affect health. However, in regard to moles, one should always watch these for irregular growth or color to ensure that they are caused not by a cancer, but by melanin, a pigment that helps to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun.

Other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox and measles, can be more serious and if left untreated, may lead to medical complications. Skin infections caused by fungal or bacterial infections can be serious. Other skin disorders such as shingles and rashes should also be addressed immediately so that proper treatment may begin.

For the most part, over-the-counter creams and ointments are suitable to provide relief against dry skin and itching caused by poison ivy or oak, as well as some rashes. However, for more serious skin conditions, or severe cases of rashes caused by plant poisons or allergic reactions, such as hives, prescription medications may be necessary.

Spider and insect bites may start off small, and grow quickly into severe skin injuries, especially those caused by the brown recluse spider. Lice, crabs and scabies are extremely contagious, and proper treatments should begin immediately to prevent spreading. Accompanied by intense itching, even topical creams and ointments will not provide relief until the original infestation is dealt with.

Dermatitis and eczema are both terms used to describe conditions that cause inflammation to the skin. There are many different types and symptoms. If you notice anything different with your skin, pay attention and make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to make sure nothing serious is going on.

Your skin is the largest organ in (or on) your body, and it provides protection for all tissues and organs inside. In some cases, a skin infection could affect the entire body's system, so it's wise not to self-diagnose when something goes wrong. No matter how small you feel a skin issue is, remember that melanoma may not be larger than the size of a pencil eraser, but it can cause drastic changes to the human body.

When it comes to skin treatment, whether it's for something like acne, or something more serious like psoriasis, always speak with your doctor and get help in determining the correct course of treatment for your skin issues.