Skin Disorders and Scarring

Facing the day can be hard when a person has a skin disorder. While not life threatening, they can change the way a person looks and can be upsetting. Skin disorders can occur on not just a person's face, they can appear all over the body. Common skin disorders include acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Some skin disorders tend to run in the family. While the reasons for some skin disorders are not clear, stress, pregnancy, and reactions to medications can affect skin health. Scars can form on a person's body from injury, surgery, and burns, and can vary in how noticeable they are.

Physical changes from a skin disorder can affect a woman's body image. Deep marks on the face from teenage acne, redness and bumps from rosacea, thick and scaly patches of skin from psoriasis, and red and swollen skin from eczema can occur. Skin disorders can be uncomfortable with itching, burning, and pain. While there are many treatments for skin disorders, it can be stressful finding the right one. It can take also time to clear up or get a skin disorder under control. Talk to your family and friends for support. It is also important to talk with your health care provider about ways to treat a skin disorder and use makeup to make the skin look better. Be aware that over-the-counter products can make false claims about what they can do. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations to help women learn more about skin disorders and ways to maintain a positive body image.

Publications

Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas?
This FDA Consumer publication describes Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care. It addresses issues such as the FDA's ongoing research, adverse reactions, and product origin. It also gives suggestions on how to protect your skin from the sun while using Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery: A High-Tech Weapon in the Fight Against Aging Skin
This fact sheet contains information on laser cosmetic surgery. It descibes skin resurfacing, what it can do for you, what the risks are, and how to find a surgeon.

Questions and Answers About Acne
This fact sheet contains general information about acne. It describes what acne is and how it develops, the causes of acne, and the treatment options for various forms of acne. Information is also provided on caring for the skin.

Questions and Answers About Rosacea
A question and answer sheet that describes what Rosacea is, what it looks like, how the eye is affected, what causes it, possible cures and gives references to gather more information on Rosacea.

What You Need To Know About™ Skin Cancer
This booklet on skin cancer discusses symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, emotional issues, and questions to ask the doctor. Includes glossary of terms and other resources.

Acne (Copyright © AAD)
This brochure contains information about acne, how it forms, and discusses treatment methods.

American Academy of Dermatology- Pamphlets (Copyright © AAD)
This site from the American Academy of Dermatology contains a list of pamphlets available on various skin diseases and conditions.

EczemaNet (Copyright © AAD)
This site contains information about eczema, the latest research, tips for helping your skin, frequently asked questions, and more.

PsoriasisNet (Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology)
This site contains comprehensive information about psorisis, such as what it is, what causes it, and what can be done to help it.

Treatments for Aging Skin (Copyright © AAD)
This web site discusses various medical proceedures available to help the appearance of aging skin.

What is a Scar (Copyright © AAD)
This brochure discusses what a scar is and different treatments that can be performed by a dermatologist to help minimize the appearance of scars.

Skin Disorders and Scarring

Publications

Organizations