How to Treat 10 Common Skin Concerns That Need to Be Normalized

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Recently, I was having a conversation with a couple of co-workers via Slack about dandruff and then about the skin-chafing situation currently happening between our thighs and then the random breakouts summer sweat and sand have so kindly sprinkled every which way from boob to bum. And then it hit me. Despite the vast number of products that do indeed exist to help manage, treat, and prevent such common skin conditions like the above, we don't ever really talk about them. I mean, God forbid we actually discuss said dandruff, thigh chafe, and shaving-induced pustules on the internet. The horror, right? Hopefully, you can detect my sarcasm here. 

Sure, it's sexy to discuss the glow-enhancing serums that instantaneously impart epic skin luster or the body oils that drench our limbs with a sun-induced gleam, but common skin conditions like melasma, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis (an inflamed version of dandruff), and heck, even cold sores unfairly retain a hush-hush layer of stigma. So let's address it, shall we? Even though we might not be openly chatting about the skin conditions that make us boil, scale, or pigment, many—let me repeat, many—of us experience them, and it's high time we work harder to talk about and normalize them. 

Since summer is prime time for all things to go especially funky where skin conditions are concerned (whether said conditions develop or worsen), I consulted three top dermatologists to lend their professional intel. Below, we're covering 10 common skin conditions—what they are, how they present, what causes them or makes them worse, and last but not least, how to manage or treat them. Keep scrolling! 

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(Image credit: Stocksy)

Dandruff/Seborrheic Dermatitis

What is it, and what causes it? According to New York–based dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, MD, dandruff is the redness and flaking of the skin which occurs (most often) on the scalp but can also manifest in other areas like the eyebrows, ears, smile lines, and even the chest. It can be itchy and uncomfortable, and it's thought to be caused by high levels of yeast on the skin, which can lead to an uptick in inflammation.

While experts don't exactly know why, some people are genetically more predisposed to react to yeast than others, and dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Michelle Henry, MD, points out that almost half of Americans will suffer from dandruff at some point in their life. "Dandruff is not a disease of poor hygiene," she confirms right off the bat. "People with seborrheic dermatitis—a condition that is more severe than regular dandruff, which is uninflamed—are more likely to have dandruff." 

What makes it worse? "Seborrheic dermatitis tends to get worse in warm, humid months or after exercise when the skin sweats more and oil becomes trapped on the skin," Zeichner explains. "This creates an environment that allows yeast to grow to high levels."

Additionally, Henry says excessive shampooing or, conversely, not shampooing often enough; products that cause irritation; underlying health conditions; diet; and stress may also potentially exacerbate both scalp conditions.

Chafing

What is it, and what causes it? As Zeichner explains, chafing is essentially inflammation of the skin caused by friction. Said friction disrupts the outer skin layer and causes loss of hydration and irritation. The skin becomes red and inflamed, and it's often associated with an uncomfortable burning sensation that can (if severe enough) lead to blisters or raw, open skin. "It's a common skin problem for people of all skin types, shapes, and sizes," confirms Henry.

What makes it worse? Exercise, sweating, heat/humidity, rough fabrics, and constrictive or tight clothing. According to Zeichner, chafing most often occurs wherever skin is rubbing on skin (like between the thighs), and it's especially common after exercise when there might be an increase in friction.

Body Breakouts

What is it, and what causes it? Body breakouts (be it back, chest, bum, boobs, or even the arms) are caused by the same factors that lead to breakouts on the face and, according to Henry, affect up to 50 million Americans yearly. As Zeichner explains, our skin naturally produces oil, and breakouts are triggered when said oil gets trapped by sticky skin cells that block the pores. In turn, levels of acne-causing bacteria begin to surge, which then promotes inflammation. 

"Symptoms of acne include pimples like whiteheads and blackheads, which are the most common," says Henry. "Other types include cysts, which are painful and beneath the surface of your skin, pustules (small red pimples with pus at tips), and papules (red, raised bumps)."

What makes it worse? Stress, diet, hormonal imbalances, and heavy hair or makeup products can trigger breakouts, but according to Zeichner, body acne is especially prevalent during the summer months when we're sweating more and when our sweat is also more likely to mingle with higher ratios of dirt, oil, sand, and constrictive or wet clothing like swimsuits. Oh, and if you're working out and not changing or showering almost immediately afterward, that can also cause issues. 

Maskne

What is it, and what causes it? As Love explains, "maskne" is typical acne that is caused or intensified by wearing a mask. Typically, she says you can expect maskne to present as red, inflammatory papules or whiteheads and clogged pores.

What makes it worse? According to Zeichner, there are two driving forces when it comes to maskne. First, the direct friction of wearing a mask against the skin causes inflammation around the follicles—a well-known phenomenon called acne mechanica that's common among athletes who regularly wear sports gear like helmets. Second, face masks trap sweat, oil, and dirt on the skin, which blocks pores and leads to breakouts. Therefore, it's important to try to keep the skin as clean and as clear as possible both before and after wearing a mask. 

Folliculitis

What is it, and what causes it? "Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles, usually caused by staph bacteria," explains Zeichner. "It usually looks like red bump and pus pimples surrounding hair follicles and often occurs on the neck, chest, back, and buttocks. It usually develops when the skin barrier becomes disrupted, increasing the risk of bacteria infecting the skin, and can also occur where hair has been removed."

What makes it worse? According to Zeichner, waxing or shaving causes microscopic damage to the outer skin layer, which in turn increases the risk of skin infection. However, folliculitis can be tricky to identify and diagnose since it is commonly mistaken for acne.

Melasma

What is it, and what causes it? "Melasma is a skin condition where dark, discolored patches appear on the skin and mainly on the face—especially the bridge of the nose, cheeks, upper lips, forehead, neck, even the arms," Henry shares. "It most commonly affects pregnant women, and it’s much more common in women than it is for men." In addition to pregnancy, Henry says other potential causes or triggers for melasma include hormonal changes or fluctuations stemming from birth control, exposure to the sun, and thyroid disease. 

What makes it worse? Exposure to the sun—make sure to use a good SPF daily! Henry is a fan of Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100, which she says is a great choice for maximum protection.

Keratosis Pilaris

What is it, and what causes it? Zeichner explains keratosis pilaris, commonly known as KP, as the buildup of dead cells within hair follicles. Often located on the outside of the arms or on the thighs and bum, KP looks like red, rough pinpoint bumps. "Roughly 50% to 80% of American adolescents experience KP, and roughly 40% of adults," Henry tells us. "It’s one of the most common skin conditions."

What makes it worse? "KP is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that makes up the tissues of your skin and protects your body from infection," says Henry. "Dry skin and eczema may contribute to this buildup, but researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes it. It also becomes worse in colder weather and if you have dry skin." Like most skin conditions, touching and picking will likely make KP worse, so try to stay as hands-off as possible. 

Cold Sores

What is it, and what causes it? Also known as "the kissing disease," cold sores usually develop around the mouth and are caused by a virus called HSV, which Zeichner says is spread through direct, person-to-person contact. "Patients with cold sores develop painful, grouped blisters on or around the lip area, and once infected, the virus takes up residency within the nerves and will pop up via a visible cold sore outbreak when you are run-down or have a compromised immune system," he says.

What makes it worse? In addition to the aforementioned weakened immune system, sunburns, spicy foods, fever, or trauma to the lips can also trigger a cold sore. 

Psoriasis

What is it, and what causes it? "Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition where the immune system essentially gets angry at the skin, which in turn leads to inflammation," Zeichner tells us. "Patients develop red, scaly plaques that typically develop on the elbows and knees but can occur anywhere on the body." Essentially, Henry explains, the skin builds up and cells multiply up to 10 times faster than they normally would. More than eight million Americans suffer from the condition. "Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and you’ll want to be careful about identifying and avoiding your triggers," she warns.

What makes it worse? Genetics, hormonal changes, lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking, stress, medications, intense sun exposure, and infections can all cause or make psoriasis worse. 

Eczema

What is it, and what causes it? "Eczema is a term for a group of conditions that cause itchy, cracked, inflamed, and rough skin, and it affects 10% to 20% of infants and about 3% of children and adults," Henry tells us.

For the most part, genetic and environmental triggers are to blame, and as far as symptoms, she recommends looking out for dry, sensitive skin that may be itchy, in addition to rough, leathery patches of skin, swelling, and inflamed skin in tones of red, purple, or gray. 

What makes it worse? Everyday allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander can trigger an eczema flare alongside weather since both extreme cold and hot temperatures can aggravate the condition.

Beauty Director

Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content for Who What Wear for over four years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie and Who What Wear family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor. She considers her day-to-day beauty aesthetic very low-maintenance and relies on staples like clear brow serum (from Kimiko!), Lawless's Lip Plumping Mask in Cherry Vanilla, and an eyelash curler. For special occasions or days when she's taking more meetings or has an event, she'll wear anything and everything from Charlotte Tilbury (the foundations are game-changing), some shimmer on her lids (Stila and Róen do it best), and a few coats of the best mascara-type product on earth, Surratt's Noir Lash Tint.