Skin is the largest organ on your body. A lot can happen.
Acne, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, eczema, and shingles. And that’s just for starters.
What is Acne?
Acne (or pimples) occurs when hair follicles get clogged up by oil secreted by the oil glands. As we all know, this is a common condition that can happen to anyone and appear just about anywhere, but typically shows up on the face, forehead, chest, and back.
Acne Risk Factors
The following risk factors may dictate the likelihood and severity of developing acne:
- Age: Teens are most likely to get acne, but it’s not completely age discriminant
- Family History: Those whose parents had acne as teens will likely get acne as well
- Stress :Stress can cause acne breakouts to become more severe
- Oily skin care products : Oil Makeup or skin care products can lead to acne breakouts
What are Minor Burns?
A minor (also called first-degree) burn is characterized by redness, pain and swelling.
Causes of Minor Burns
Minor burns can happen a number of ways, including:
- Heat burn: touching hot liquids (ex: boiling water) and surfaces (ex: metal tables)
- Cold temperature burn: touching extremely cold temperatures (i.e. frostbite)
- Electrical burn: touching an electrical source such as a power outlet
- Chemical burn: touching chemicals in liquid, solid or gas form
- Friction burns: skin rubbing across a rough surface such as a carpet or rope
- Radiation burn: radiation from x-rays or radiation therapy
What are Cuts and Scrapes?
Playground boo-boos notwithstanding, cuts, scratches, scrapes, small punctures, and skinned knees (bloody or not) are susceptible to infection and should be treated.
Cuts and Scrapes Risk Factors
Anyone, anywhere, at any time can get a cut and/or scrape, but some risk factors include:
- Age : Children are more active and less coordinated. These are two things that lend themselves to being accident prone
- Sports : Whether it’s a contact sport or solo event, falling, sliding, tumbling, or tackling can lead to cuts, scrapes, or worse
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition with red, itchy skin caused, in part, by inherited predispositions or environmental factors or both. It is also known as atopic dermatitis and is commonly associated with having allergies or asthma.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema shows up in a variety of ways, some of which include:
- Mild to severe itching
- Red patches
- Raised inflamed bumps that may leak fluid
- Rash on cheeks, arms, and/or legs
What is Shingles?
Shingles (aka. herpes zoster) is a viral skin rash typically occurring on one side of the face and body. Those over 50 and/or with a weakened immune system are most vulnerable.
Symptoms of Shingles
The veracity of the symptom varies from person to person, but people typically experience one or more of the following:
- Pain, burning or tingling sensation on the skin
- Itchy, red rash
- Blisters that break open and scab
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
Sunnyvale Primary Care Can Help
As you can see, we treat a variety of skin conditions. Dr. Kam and Dr. Fontenot along with the rest of the team here at Sunnyvale Primary Care are dedicated to making you feel comfortable as we improve your health and well-being.
