Understanding Common Skin Conditions in the UK: From Chilblains to Cold Sores

Chilblains:

Chilblains also termed as Pernio, most common disease in UK due to the extreme cold weather. It happens when cold skin slowly become cold.  Chilblains mainly cause by cold weather, poor circulation, humidity, lifestyle and clothing. Chilblains mostly appear as small, itchy or red bump on skin. Some affects areas like fingers, toes, ears and nose also swell. The affected skin maybe painful and discomfort. To avoid direct heat and medication that improve blood circulation within body are advantageous to prevent Chilblains.

 Warts:

Warts is a skin condition common in people of all ages caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It can arrive on any part of body. Warts can be cause by various types of HPV enter through small cuts or burries in the skin. Warts can transfer directly rom skin to skin or by using one another stuff. Warts is of five types; Common Warts, Plantar Warts, Flat Warts, Genital Warts, Filiform Warts. Doctor mostly suggest treatments like Over the Counter Treatments, Cryotherapy, Laser Treatments, Electerosurgery and some prescription medication for warts. Warts can also be prevent by maintaining good hygiene, by avoiding direct contacts (avoid sharing personal items).

Chickenpox:

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus, still infecting many people in U.K. although the occurrence reduce due to vaccination. Chickenpox mostly infect children before the age of 10. U.K introduced the chickenpox vaccination in September 2021. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, rashes, headache or loss of appetite. Symptoms often appear 10-20 days after exposure. Chickenpox can only be treated by antiviral medications such as acyclovir. The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the NHS spreading awareness for managing chickenpox. Individuals having weak immune system, newborn babies or pregnant women face complications in treatments.

Cold sores:

Cold sores also named as fever blisters, most common condition in U.K. it is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), normally type 1. Cold sore spread through direct contact with infected people, mainly transfer with infected person’s saliva, also spread by sharing items like towel, utensils or razors. Cold sores treated by topical treatments or by oral medicines. Some people also use home remedies such as aleo vera gel to treat cold sores. Some public figure like Kate Middleton, Amanda Holden also appear on screen with cold sores.

 Fungal infection:

Fungal infections are the major health concerns in U.K. It mainly affect nails, skin or any part of body. Some common fungal infections are athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, nail fungal infection, yeast infection, dermatophyte infection. Fungal infections are common in U.K.  Although these infections are not serious enough. Fungal infections are prevent by maintain good hygiene, maintaining proper footwear or by keeping skin dry. Diabetic patients should take proper medical advice because of thin skin due diabetes.

Keloids:

Keloids are deep and abnormal scars formed during healing process. This condition cause due to the over production of collagen. Keloids appear as red or dark brown scar cause itching or discomfort. Keloids maybe the result of surgical scars, cuts, burns, deep acne. Sometimes ear or body piercing may form keloids. Keloids are most common in young adults or teenagers. Surgical removal, radiotherapy, topical treatment are used to treat keloids.  Proper care of wound reduce the risk of keloid formation by using silicone gel sheets or pressure dressing on healing wounds.

Lichen planus:

Lichen planus is a chronic seditious skin condition it also affect potentially painful sores, lacy patches, mucous membranes. Lichen planus nearly affect 1-2% of population and mostly common in women as compare to men. Individual having lichen planus have lacy patches in the mouth, faced difficulty in swallowing if the throat is affected. It also involve hair loss, thinning and discoloration and complete nail loss sometimes. Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, retinoids, antiseptics mouth rinses are common treatment of lichen planus.