Our skin is the largest organ of the body and plays a vital role in protecting us from the external environment. However, it is susceptible to numerous skin conditions that can range from mildly irritating to potentially life-threatening.

Here, we will discuss ten common skin conditions along with visual examples to help you identify them.

1. Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It usually appears on the face, neck, chest, and back. Acne can take several forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts.

The skin appears inflamed, red, and pimple-like bumps appear over it.

2. Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and red skin. It usually occurs in patches on the face, hands, neck, and legs.

Eczema can be triggered by allergies, stress, and climate changes, and can lead to infected, weeping, and scaly skin.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can occur on any part of the body but is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Psoriasis is associated with an overactive immune system and can lead to joint pain and nail changes.

4. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and bumps on the face. It usually appears on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. Rosacea can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, heat, and stress.

The skin in rosacea appears red or flushed with acne-like bumps.

5. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of skin color in patches. It occurs due to the destruction of melanin-producing cells, leading to white patches on the skin.

Vitiligo can occur on any part of the body and can cause stress and low self-esteem in affected individuals.

6. Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, is a skin reaction to allergens, stress, or medications. Hives appear as red, itchy, and swollen welts on the skin that can vary in size and shape.

Hives can occur on any part of the body and can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing if it occurs in severe cases.

7. Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles occurs due to the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in individuals who have had chickenpox in the past.

Shingles appears as a red, blistering rash that can occur on any part of the body but is most commonly found on the torso.

8. Warts

Warts are small, raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can occur on any part of the body but are most commonly found on the hands and feet.

Warts can be contagious and can spread from one person to another through skin contact.

9. Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common viral infection that cause small, painful blisters on the lips and around the mouth.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be triggered by stress, sun exposure, and a weakened immune system. Cold sores can be contagious and can spread from person to person through close contact.

10. Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the feet. Athlete’s foot can occur due to excess sweating and wearing tight or closed-toe shoes. It appears as cracked, itchy, and burning skin between the toes.

Athlete’s foot can spread from one person to another through skin contact.