Dermatology is the study of the human skin, as well as the hair and nails. A dermatologist provides medical care to individuals of all ages who may be experiencing a skin condition or related medical issue. Every year, Americans contend with numerous dermatological conditions, which range from minor inconveniences to potentially life-threatening health emergencies.
Acne is by far the most common skin condition in the United States. Upwards of 50 million Americans are experiencing the symptoms of acne at any given time. Acne is particularly prevalent leading up to, during, and shortly following puberty. Research suggests that roughly 85 percent of Americans between the ages of 12 and 24 have experienced some form of acne. Most individuals do not experience acne after the age of 30, but persistent acne can plague some Americans into their 40s or 50s without medical intervention. Fortunately, acne is also one of the least serious skin conditions a person can develop. Acne occurs when hair follicles beneath the skin become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. As the pores fill up they form into lesions, commonly referred to as pimples. Acne typically occurs on and around the face, but breakouts can occur anywhere on the body, such as the back, shoulders, and chest. There are many different types of lesions, which can vary in terms of size, appearance, and levels of discomfort or pain. Acne is difficult to manage for some people because their body naturally produces more oil, especially during puberty. Others can modify their diets and daily activities to account for excess oil and skin cells clogging the pores. Improved hygiene removes dead skin cells from an impacted region of the body, and also mitigates the chances of bacterial growth, which can aggravate acne. Certain medications may list acne as a side effect. Acne often resolves on its own, especially if individuals eat better and keep the affected area clean. That said, excessive scrubbing or picking at lesions will exacerbate the condition. Individuals dealing with extreme or long-term acne may benefit from antibiotics and other medications. A dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel, which exfoliates the skin while removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. On the opposite end of the spectrum of skin conditions is skin cancer. About 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Collectively, skin cancers are the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with 20 percent of Americans likely to develop the disease at some point in their lives. Nonmelanoma skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma combine for over 3 million diagnoses annually. Recent trends in skin cancer are difficult to track. Melanoma rates increased considerably between 1982 and 2011. However, the last decade-plus has seen rates fall for certain groups, such as adolescents and adults aged 30 or younger, while Americans over the age of 79 are experiencing melanoma at record rates. Fortunately, the most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, respond well to treatment if the disease is detected in its early stages. Individuals who receive treatment before cancer spreads to the lymph nodes have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. Even so, close to 20 Americans die every day from melanoma, making it the nation’s deadliest skin condition.
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AuthorDr. Rajan D. Bhatt - Cardiologist in Scottsdale, Arizona Archives
February 2022
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