10 Common Skin Conditions You Might Have in 2025
Updated February 2025
The health of your skin tells two different stories. There's your skin's current state—influenced by daily factors like hormones, environment, and lifestyle choices. One week it might be dehydrated from travel, the next irritated from a new product, or stressed from lack of sleep. These temporary conditions respond well to adjustments in your skincare routine and habits.
Then there are medical skin conditions. These are distinct clinical conditions that go beyond temporary skin states and often require professional medical care. While your skin's current condition might improve with lifestyle changes or better skincare habits, medical skin conditions typically require targeted therapeutic approaches, typically including prescribed medications and long-term management strategies.
Understanding this crucial difference helps you know when to adjust your skincare routine versus when to seek medical help. Licensed estheticians and dermatologists often work as partners in your skin health journey—estheticians help optimize your skin's current state, while dermatologists diagnose and treat medical skin conditions.
In this guide, we'll explore the 10 most common medical skin conditions (excluding acne) that affect Americans, their symptoms, and current treatment approaches.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Understanding the Differences
Commonly referred to as Atopic Dermatitis in the medical field, eczema is a very unique skin condition in that it isn’t just caused by one thing—there are various factors that contribute to having this skin condition. There are actually up to 11 different types of eczema, making "what causes eczema" a frequently asked question. Eczema will cause the skin to itch and be very dry as well. The condition typically appears as scaly, often red patches primarily in body creases (arm folds, knee creases), neck, cheeks, and ankles. While there's no permanent way to "cure eczema," management strategies have evolved.
Psoriasis presents differently, with distinct symptoms that help distinguish it from eczema. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and symptoms typically include thickened, scaly areas and papules, commonly appearing on the scalp (including hairline), chest, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis on face requires particularly careful management. The condition occurs when your immune system accelerates skin cell production, reducing turnover time from the normal 28-45 days to just 3-6 days.
| Condition | Over-the-Counter Treatments | Prescription Treatments | Lifestyle Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eczema |
|
|
|
| Psoriasis |
|
|
|
Rosacea: Beyond the Redness
Rosacea continues to be identified by persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It can look like someone was caught in an embarrassing moment, indefinitely. This condition can affect people of all ages but tends to be more prominent in people over age 30. Though doctors still aren’t quite sure what exactly causes rosacea, they have been able to identify that the development of the condition is entirely hereditary in some cases. Rosacea causes the skin to be extremely sensitive, dry, and can even cause redness in the eyes so naturally those with this condition are always looking for relief. Many may even find themselves wondering how to get rid of rosacea! While there's no cure, there are effective management strategies, particularly for acne rosacea, which combines traditional rosacea symptoms with acne-like breakouts.
When it comes to managing rosacea in 2025, treatment success often lies in a multi-faceted approach. The foundation starts with choosing skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, as harsh ingredients can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms. Equally crucial is religious use of broad-spectrum SPF—think of it as your skin's daily shield against one of rosacea's biggest enemies: sun exposure. Many patients find significant relief through intense pulsed light therapy sessions, a treatment now widely available at aesthetic spas that targets visible blood vessels and reduces persistent redness. Perhaps most importantly, success in managing rosacea involves becoming a detective of your own triggers. Whether it's spicy foods, red wine, stress, or environmental factors like extreme temperatures, identifying and avoiding these personal triggers can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Folliculitis: Bacterial vs. Fungal
Folliculitis can affect anyone, though it's often more visible in men due to barbae folliculitis (razor bumps). While all types of folliculitis involve inflammation of hair follicles, understanding the difference between bacterial and fungal folliculitis is crucial for effective treatment.
Bacterial folliculitis typically presents as red, inflamed bumps centered on hair follicles, often appearing in areas where friction, sweating, or shaving occurs. These bumps are usually tender to the touch and may develop white, pus-filled centers. Common triggers include tight clothing, excess sweat, hot tub use, or compromised skin barriers from shaving. The most frequent culprit is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which naturally lives on our skin but can cause infection when it enters damaged follicles.
Fungal folliculitis, on the other hand, looks deceptively similar but behaves differently. Also known as Malassezia folliculitis or "fungal acne," it appears as uniform, itchy, small bumps that tend to be roughly the same size. Unlike bacterial folliculitis, these bumps typically appear in clusters across the chest, back, and upper arms, areas rich in sebum that feed the yeast responsible for the infection. The intense itching is often worse in hot, humid weather or after sweating—a key distinguishing feature from bacterial folliculitis.
Treatment approaches differ significantly. Bacterial folliculitis responds well to topical or oral antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide, while these treatments won't help fungal folliculitis at all. Instead, fungal folliculitis requires antifungal medications, either topical (like ketoconazole shampoo used as a body wash) or oral in severe cases. This is why proper identification is crucial—using antibiotics for fungal folliculitis can actually make the condition worse by disrupting the skin's natural bacterial balance and allowing the fungus to thrive even more.
Skin Tags, You’re It!
Skin tags (acrochordons) are benign growths that commonly appear as small, flesh-colored flaps of tissue. Sometimes they are referred to as “hanging moles”. The primary areas where skin tags may occur include the neck (especially along neckline creases), underarms, under the breasts, groin folds, and eyelids. In fact, the natural folds of your body—technically called intertriginous areas—are prime real estate for skin tag development. These areas create warm, moist environments where skin frequently experiences friction.
If you're wondering "why am I getting skin tags all of a sudden," several factors might be at play: friction from clothing or jewelry, weight changes, pregnancy hormones, aging, or genetic predisposition. People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome may also be more prone to developing skin tags, making them a potential early warning sign worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
While over-the-counter products marketed for skin tag removal exist—including solutions containing tea tree oil, thuja occidentalis, or salicylic acid—their effectiveness isn't well-documented, and some may cause skin irritation. Despite claims from various natural remedies and OTC treatments, no topical product has been proven to safely remove skin tags. Some products may help dry out very small tags, but results are inconsistent and unreliable.
The safest approach remains professional removal by a licensed healthcare provider, which is required by law in most states. Dermatologists typically remove skin tags through simple procedures like snipping (excision), freezing (cryotherapy), or burning (cauterization)—all of which can be done quickly during an office visit with minimal discomfort and healing time.
Tinea Versicolor vs. Other Conditions
Also known as pityriasis versicolor, tinea versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by the overproduction of a natural yeast that lives on the skin and is not contagious. It is typically found in those who: have oily skin, live in a warmer climate, sweat a lot, or have a weak immune system. Tinea versicolor most commonly affects teens and young adults and appears rash-like in patches or spots. These areas only appear like a rash and typically do not itch.
A common question is "is tinea versicolor contagious?" The answer is no—it's caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast on the skin. When comparing tinea versicolor vs vitiligo, the key difference is that tinea versicolor causes temporary skin color changes, while vitiligo involves permanent loss of pigmentation.
This condition is often treated with topical anti-fungals, many of which can be picked up over the counter such as shampoos with selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) and ointments containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or zinc (commonly found in athlete’s foot creams). These will usually help fight the fungal infection rather quickly but it may be anywhere from a few weeks to three months for discoloration to begin clearing up. In addition to using these topical anti-fungal creams, you’ll want to wear breathable clothing, avoid sun exposure, and avoid oily products.
The Pityriasis Rosea Pit stop
Of all the skin conditions mentioned so far, pityriasis rosea is the only temporary skin condition on the list. This condition is fascinating in that it often begins with a mysterious single patch called the "herald patch"—a round or oval, slightly raised pink spot that typically appears on the trunk of the body. This initial patch, about 2-10 centimeters in size, can be misleading and is often mistaken for ringworm due to its scaly, defined border.
What makes this condition particularly distinctive is what happens next: within 1-2 weeks after the herald patch appears, a secondary rash develops in a pattern that's often described as a "Christmas tree" distribution across the torso. These smaller patches, usually ranging from 0.5-2 centimeters, follow the lines of the ribs in a downward-angling pattern on the back and chest. The rash typically appears salmon-colored on light skin and may be darker or more subtle on deeper skin tones.
For most people, pityriasis rosea is a rash that comes and goes on its own. This rash will typically exist on the skin for no less than 6 weeks but, in extreme cases, can appear on the skin for several months. It is believed to be caused by a virus. If you feel like you may be experiencing this condition, seek a medical provider. The rash typically clears without scarring, though some people may notice temporary dark or light spots that fade over time.
Melasma’s Not So Pregnant Pause?
Melasma is hyperpigmentation of the skin that often occurs during pregnancy (hence the nickname of pregnancy mask) but it can also come about as a result of taking birth control or any medication that might influence a sudden change in your hormone levels.
The condition most frequently appears in women of reproductive age with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI), particularly those of Latin, Asian, and African descent. While less common, men can also develop melasma, accounting for about 10% of cases.
It is most easily identified by dark brown or gray patches that appear as hyperpigmentation. The discoloration typically follows a predictable pattern, appearing in one of three distinct distributions:
Centrofacial pattern (most common): affects the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin
Malar pattern: appears primarily on the cheeks and nose
Mandibular pattern: occurs along the jawline
Understanding melasma's triggers and characteristics is crucial because, unlike some pigmentation issues, it requires a long-term management approach rather than a quick-fix solution. Many people experience cyclical improvements and flares, making consistent prevention strategies as important as active treatment.
Prevention and management strategies have evolved to include:
Rigorous sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ that includes iron oxide for visible light protection
Wearing wide-brimmed hats and seeking shade
Using gentle, non-irritating skincare products
Considering prescription treatments like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or tranexamic acid under medical supervision
Professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy, though these must be approached cautiously as aggressive treatments can worsen the condition
Avoiding heat-generating activities when possible, as thermal energy can trigger melanin production
Understanding Vitiligo
Vitiligo remains a complex condition characterized by loss of skin pigmentation. causes us to lose color anywhere we have pigment and most commonly affects the skin but can also show up in our hair or even our eyes. This occurs when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) die or stop functioning. Scientists have not yet determined what makes this happen and there currently is no permanent treatment for this condition. However, there are a few clinical trials exploring different JAK inhibitors effectiveness on the condition.
Those with vitiligo can undergo an array of cosmetic treatments to help provide the appearance of a more even skin tone. The most popular of these is PUVA light treatment. Other current cosmetic treatments for vitiligo include:
Topical medications
Surgical options in some cases
Cosmetic camouflage techniques
An Esthetician You can Trust
Understanding the difference between a temporary skin concern and a medical skin condition is the first step in your skin health journey. And it is important for your esthetician to help identify when a medical professional is needed. When it comes to your skin health, knowledge is powerful but professional guidance is invaluable. A board-certified dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis, taking into account your specific symptoms, medical history, and skin type. They can differentiate between similar-looking conditions—like distinguishing fungal from bacterial folliculitis, or pityriasis rosea from ringworm—and create a targeted treatment plan that works for you.
