Treating skin disorders

Many skin disorders are treatable. Common treatment methods for skin conditions include:

  • antihistamines
  • medicated creams and ointments
  • antibiotics
  • vitamin or steroid injections
  • laser therapy
  • targeted prescription medications

Not all skin disorders respond to treatment. Some conditions go away without treatment. People with permanent skin conditions often go through periods of severe symptoms. Sometimes, people are able to force incurable conditions into remission. However, most skin conditions reappear due to certain triggers, such as stress or illness.

You can often treat skin disorders that are temporary and cosmetic with:

  • medicated makeup
  • over-the-counter skin care products
  • good hygiene practices
  • small lifestyle adjustments, such as making certain dietary changes

Preventing skin disorders

Certain skin disorders aren’t preventable, including genetic conditions and some skin problems due to other illnesses. However, it’s possible to prevent some skin disorders.

Follow these tips to prevent infectious skin disorders:

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses with other people.
  • Avoid direct contact with the skin of other people who have an infection.
  • Clean things in public spaces, such as gym equipment, before using them.
  • Don’t share personal items, such as blankets, hairbrushes, or swimsuits.
  • Sleep for at least seven hours each night.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid excessive physical or emotional stress.
  • Eat a nutritious diet.
  • Get vaccinated for infectious skin conditions, such as chickenpox.

Noninfectious skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis, are sometimes preventable. Prevention techniques vary depending on the condition. Here are some tips for preventing some noninfectious skin disorders:

  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water every day.
  • Use moisturizer.
  • Avoid environmental and dietary allergens.
  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or other irritants.
  • Sleep for at least seven hours each night.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Protect your skin from excessive cold, heat, and wind.

Learning about proper skin care and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require the attention of a doctor, while you can address others safely at home. You should learn about your symptoms or condition and talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment methods.

How is MRSA diagnosed and treated?

Depending on your symptoms, your health care provider may send a nasal swab or skin tissue specimen to a laboratory to identify the infection or confirm that you have MRSA.

Your health care provider may drain the pus from the lesion — do not do this yourself.

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed and take all of the medicine even if the infection improves or goes away before you have finished the entire prescription. If the infection does not begin to improve within a few days, contact your health care provider.