With the birth of Dr. Pimple Popper, our skin and all the conditions that plague our outer surface have taken on renewed societal interest. But why shouldn’t it? The skin is the human body’s largest organ and our primary protection from the surrounding environment. (1) Dermatologic conditions are also pervasive in the U.S. with acne being the most common and impacting up to 50 million Americans annually. (2, 3)

Understanding the wide variation of conditions and diseases that can harm our skin, I want to walk you through fourteen dermatologic ailments that I commonly see as a registered nurse. Though this article does not serve as a substitute for a doctor’s visit, being aware of how different dermatologic conditions appear and impact your skin will better allow you to direct your healthcare. Additionally, these conditions are common, but lesser known and can be hard to differentiate. Please know if your impacted by one of the following conditions that you are not alone and can seek medical assistance without embarrassment or fear.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox may be declining in incidence thanks to the varicella vaccine, but remains highly contagious. Suspect chicken pox if itchy fluid-filled blisters appear on the face, chest, and back. Other malaise symptoms are typical. (4)

Shingles

The tell-tale sign of shingles is a burning, tingling, and painful rash or cluster of blisters on one side of the body. Some people also experience a fever, headache, and other flu-like symptoms with shingles (5)

Herpes Simplex Viruses

Cold sores or fever blisters are the most visible form of herpes simplex virus, type 1. Genital and oral herpes are signs of the type 2 herpes simplex virus. (6)

Tinea Corporis

Tinea corporis is a fungal infection, commonly termed ‘ringworm’ of the body. The classic sign of tinea corporis is an annular, scaly, and circular rash one to five centimetres in size with a well-defined border. Tinea corporis may be easily mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. If the rash worsens while using a topical steroid, raise your suspicions of tinea corporis  (7)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Small, firm bumps are the calling card of this virus-induced condition. Usually the bumps remain waxy or pearly with thick, cheesy discharge, but can become red. Molluscum contagiosum bumps often appear on the face, neck, armpits, arms, and hands, but can spread through contact. (8)

Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease

As the name indicates, hand-foot-and-mouth is the localized appearance of blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth among children five years or younger. Hand-foot-and-mouth is highly contagious through touch, and reaches an all-time peak of transmission in the fall, summer, and spring. (9)

Erythema Infectiosum

Erythema infectiosum, or fifths disease, is another common illness of childhood. Children with fifths disease appear with symptoms of a mild fever, slapped-cheek red rash on the face, and a raised, lacy rash on the arms, legs, and trunk. (10)

Pityriasis Rosea

Appearing as red or pink patches, pityriasis rosea can be itchy and show up on central parts of the body. (11)

Folliculitis

Mild folliculitis can be known as a hot tub rash, razor bumps and barber’s itch. Skin around hair follicles may become red or appear like white-headed pimples. More severe or reoccurring cases of folliculitis can develop pustules with foul-smelling discharge (12)

Intertrigo

Intertrigo develops in warm and moist folds of skin, such as the groin, abdomen, and underneath breasts. The cause of intertrigo, friction or bacterial/fungal, can impact the severity and length of symptoms. If left untreated, the affected skin can crack and develop sores. (13)

Cellulitis

Potentially life threatening, cellulitis is identifiable by the rapid onset of red, swollen, and warm skin. Cellulitis can occur anywhere in the body and is typically painful. Don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of cellulitis. (14)

Lymphangitis

Caused when inflammation of the lymph channels radiates into the skin, this condition can spread rapidly and create a red streak rash across the body. Lymphangitis can accompany cellulitis, so  be cautious if symptoms of both illnesses appear (15)

Impetigo

Impetigo can appear as either fluid-filled or broken blisters. Broken blisters may release yellow-filled fluid and form a honey-colour crust. Sores of impetigo can be itchy and raw. (16)

Scabies

Appearing as small red dots, the scabies mite creates a rash when feeding from humans. The rash may appear as bites, pimples or hives, but usually present in a line. A burning, itchy rash at night time is most likely to coincide with the appearance of the rash. (17)

Even to a trained eye, identifying rashes, skin disorders, and dermatologic diseases can be challenging.  However, being aware of your skin and paying attention to irregularities in appearance and sensation can assist in the timely diagnosis and treatment of skin-related illnesses. If battling a chronic skin condition, communicate regularly with your primary physician, and consider seeing a dermatologist for more specialized care.