Expert gives advice on how to deal with the most common skin conditions from acne to impetigo and vitiligo

A QUARTER of Brits will see their doctor about a skin problem this year, with eczema, psoriasis and acne the most common.

But the British Skin Foundation has found half of people with a skin condition have been verbally abused.

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In The Sun last week, model Winnie Harlow told how kids called her “a cow” because she has vitiligo, which causes obvious bright white patches on her skin.

Here, skin specialist DR ROSS PERRY gives his advice on dealing with the most common skin problems.

Eczema

Dry, red, itchy patches of skin, typically behind the knees and elbows.

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CAUSE: Starts at any age, can run in families and linked with asthma and hay fever. Triggers include being run-down, stress, and allergens.

SOLUTION: Moisturising and hydrocortisone steroid creams to control it.

Psoriasis

Dry, scaly thick plaques of skin. Not itchy.

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CAUSE: Classically occurs in young adults after a recent sore throat but can run in families. A link with arthritis.

SOLUTION: Moisturisers, steroid and vitamin D creams. If severe, UVB light treatment.

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Vitiligo

Pale skin patches.

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CAUSE: Thought to be autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the pigment-forming cells known as melanocytes.

SOLUTION: Steroid creams and hospital-based light treatments can have a positive effect.

Impetigo

Red, slightly swollen scabby green/yellow area that spreads rapidly.

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CAUSE: Highly contagious bacterial skin infection most commonly found on the face.

SOLUTION: A course of oral antibiotics usually completely clears it in seven to ten days.

Acne

Multiple swollen red spots on the face, neck, back and chest, often with area of pus at the head.

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CAUSE: Linked to bacteria on the skin, runs in families.

SOLUTION: Antibacterial washes or creams, skin peels, antibiotics, laser treatments.

Rosacea

Flushing redness and broken blood vessels mainly on the face.

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CAUSE: Abnormalities in blood vessels. Triggers include alcohol and stress.

SOLUTION: Oral antibiotics. Laser and intense pulse light treatments can help redness.