Two Common Skin Conditions

A physician based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Rajan Bhatt is the CEO and founder of the medical practices Spectrum Dermatology, Spectrum Plastic Surgery, and Valley Surgery Center. Via measures like full-body skin exams, Dr. Rajan Bhatt’s team diagnoses and treats a variety of skin conditions.

Acne occurs when oil and bacteria clog hair follicles. To moisten the skin, glands release an oil called sebum onto its surface, and when the cells comprising skin die, they fall off. If the dead skin and sebum become stuck inside hair follicles, they will cause symptoms like swelling and pain, and bumps of varying size and color will form. Though most common in teenagers, especially men, acne can affect individuals into their 30s.

Though it may display similar symptoms to acne, eczema presents greater health challenges for patients. Defined by itching at any point on the body, eczema may appear as small, raised bumps for patients with darker skin, and dry, cracked patches otherwise. Symptoms associated with the itching eczema causes also greatly worsen patients’ quality of life, for itchy regions may become infected. The condition most commonly affects children and adults under 20 years old, and even more so in those 10 years old or less.