What are Common Skin Conditions?
Primary care providers diagnose and treat numerous common skin conditions that affect patients of all ages. These include rashes and dermatitis (eczema, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis), acne, skin infections (bacterial infections like impetigo or cellulitis, fungal infections like athlete's foot or ringworm, viral infections like warts or shingles), psoriasis, hives (urticaria), insect bites, and minor wounds or lacerations. While dermatologists specialize in complex skin diseases, your primary care provider can effectively manage most routine skin problems, provide appropriate treatment, and refer to specialists when necessary. Skin issues often cause significant discomfort, self-consciousness, and concern about underlying health problems, making professional evaluation important for proper diagnosis, treatment, and reassurance.
Why is it Important?
Seeking medical care for skin problems is important for several reasons. First, many skin conditions that appear similar require different treatments—using the wrong treatment can worsen the problem or delay healing. What looks like eczema might actually be a fungal infection requiring antifungal medication, or what seems like a simple rash could indicate an allergic reaction, medication side effect, or systemic disease requiring different management. Second, some skin infections spread if untreated—cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can progress to serious bloodstream infection if not treated with appropriate antibiotics. Shingles is most effectively treated if antiviral medications are started within 72 hours of rash appearance. Third, chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne significantly impact quality of life and mental health, particularly when they affect visible areas—effective treatment greatly improves both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing. Fourth, new or changing skin lesions may represent skin cancer, which is highly treatable when caught early. Your provider performs screening examinations and can biopsy suspicious lesions. Finally, skin problems sometimes reflect internal health issues—certain rashes indicate vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, or infections affecting the whole body. Professional evaluation ensures underlying problems aren't missed.
What to Expect
Your visit begins with a description of your skin problem: when it started, where it first appeared, whether it's spreading, associated symptoms (itching, pain, burning), what you've tried to treat it, and whether you've had similar problems previously. Your provider will examine the affected area, assessing the appearance, distribution, and characteristics of the skin changes. For rashes or lesions on covered body areas, you may be asked to undress so your doctor can determine how widespread the problem is. Depending on the presentation, your provider may perform or order diagnostic tests: skin cultures for suspected infections, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation to check for fungal infections, skin scrapings for microscopic examination, or skin biopsies for unclear or concerning lesions. Most common skin conditions can be diagnosed based on appearance and history. Treatment varies by diagnosis and may include topical medications (creams, ointments, or gels applied directly to affected skin), oral medications (antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for certain fungal infections, antihistamines for hives, or systemic medications for severe or widespread conditions), lifestyle and hygiene recommendations, and advice about over-the-counter supportive care. Your provider will explain whether your condition is contagious, how long treatment takes to work, and signs of improvement versus worsening that warrant follow-up. For chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, ongoing management may involve trying different medications to find the most effective option with acceptable side effects.
How to Prepare
If possible, avoid applying makeup, lotions, or creams to the affected area before your appointment so your provider can see the skin in its natural state, though if you have a regular skincare routine, don't make dramatic changes that might alter the appearance. Take photos of your skin condition when symptoms are at their worst if they tend to come and go, as this provides valuable information even if appearance improves by your appointment. Note when the problem started, what you were doing at the time (which might identify triggers like new products, medications, or exposures), and how it has changed over time. Bring any new soaps, lotions, cosmetics, or other products you began using shortly before symptoms started, as ingredients can help identify contact allergies. Make a list of all medications and supplements, as some cause skin reactions. If you've used any treatments including over-the-counter remedies, note what you tried and whether it helped. Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to affected areas. If your skin problem is in a private area, know that healthcare providers are accustomed to examining all body areas professionally and that proper diagnosis requires visualization—don't let embarrassment prevent you from showing the area or reporting the full extent of symptoms. Be prepared to discuss other health conditions and any family history of eczema, psoriasis, or skin cancer.
Have questions about skin conditions? Contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care at (203) 334-2100 to schedule your appointment.
