Skin Problems in Adults – 20 Types Explained with Pictures and Causes

Skin is not only the largest organ in your body, but also the biggest troublemaker. Skin problems are quite common among both adults and children. Your skin may become itchy, scaly, blistering, red or painful because of many different reasons, including infections, allergic reactions and long-term diseases. Today we bring you information about how to correctly identify common skin problems in adults, the culprits behind the diseases, and how to cure them.

1. Acne

Skin problems in adults: Acne vulgaris (Acne Tarda) on the back with inflamed papules, pustules, and comedones

Acne, officially known as acne vulgaris, is a very common inflammatory skin condition affecting nearly 85% of adolescents and young adults.^[1] From blackheads and whiteheads to red, inflamed bumps and deep, painful nodules, acne comes in many forms, often showing up on the face. Even though acne is a simple skin issue, it can cause you significant discomfort and stress. This marks the importance of medical advice and timely treatment. They result from complex interactions between hair follicles and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria. While acne itself is bad enough, its after effects like scarring and pigmentation can cause a whole new level of frustration.

Several factors affect acne breakouts, including certain medications (lithium, steroids, anticonvulsants), hormonal changes (e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy), excessive sun exposure, oil-based cosmetics, facial massages, and repetitive skin scrubbing.^[2] Less known causative factors include high milk intake and high sugar diets. Furthermore, acne severity is dependent on psychological stress and body resistance to the hormone insulin, which usually keeps your blood sugar in check.

While mild acne is treated with topical gels and creams, severe acne with nodules may need oral antibiotic therapy. Topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide are prescribed together to achieve the best outcomes.^[2] However, remember that it takes at least 2-3 months to give results, and you might have to continue it for a long time to keep acne under control. In addition, avoiding picking at and touching the pimples will help reduce complications like scarring.

2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Skin problems in adults: Atopic dermatitis on the hand with itchy, inflamed skin and small fluid-filled blisters

Atopic dermatitis starts with red, swollen, and oozing skin in its acute phase, and progresses to thickened, lichenified skin in its chronic phase. It affects 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults in wealthy countries.^[3] This skin condition is influenced by genetics, including mutations in the filaggrin gene, and environmental factors like climate, diet, and breastfeeding. It occurs due to a weak skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation triggered by allergens and environmental factors.

Management includes 4 major aspects.

1. trigger avoidance
2. daily skin care: lukewarm showers, emollients, topical steroids
3. anti-inflammatory therapy
4. other complementary modalities

Emollients should be applied twice daily on the affected skin, and when the flare ups are bad, use topical steroids to get faster relief. If both need to be applied, make sure you apply the steroid first to have a ‘lock in’ effect. However, keep in mind that long term steroid use has a lot of bad outcomes, and should be used exactly as prescribed. In severe cases, your healthcare provider would prescribe systemic therapy, including phototherapy, medications like cyclosporine, and biologic agents like dupilumab. Complementary therapies include bleach baths, probiotics, and dietary adjustments in case of eczema in pregnancy or during lactation.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis on the leg with characteristic red patch and white scaling, a chronic inflammatory skin condition

Psoriasis is a skin disease that gives rise to well demarcated red patches of skin covered in silvery scales, usually seen on the outside of knees or elbows, on the scalp and on the lower back. These psoriatic patches are often dry, flaky, itchy and can be painful. This typical type of psoriasis is called ‘plaque psoriasis’ which is seen in 85% to 90% of patients with psoriasis.^[4] It is a long-lasting disease, resulting from rapid growth and division of skin cells, that is thought to stem from a problem in the immune system.

Often there is some kind of triggering factor responsible for the appearance of the symptoms. Common triggers include physical injuries (mechanical, chemical or radiation), certain medications (chloroquine, lithium, beta-blockers, steroids, and NSAID), seasonal changes (improves in summer and worsens in winter), and lifestyle habits (alcohol, smoking, obesity, psychological stress).

Even though it is a skin condition, managing psoriasis will need a team of medical professionals in different specialties. Mild to moderate cases can be treated with topical therapy, including coal tar, dithranol, corticosteroids, vitamin D analog, and retinoids.^[5],[6],[7] Emollients and moisturizers help retain hydration and keep the skin healthy. Severe cases may need stronger oral or injected medicine like Cyclosporine, Methotrexate and biologic agents (eg: Infliximab).^[4] Phototherapy, where the affected skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, is another effective way of treatment. Avoid triggers at all costs to prevent flare ups. Also, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight will definitely help you keep the symptoms at bay.

4. Rosacea

Rosacea on the face with visible redness, flushing, and irritation — a chronic inflammatory skin condition without a cure

Rosacea is another long-term skin problem that causes redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, pimples, pustules and thickened skin commonly on the face. You may also feel skin irritation, dryness, and burning sensation of the affected skin. It mostly affects women aged 30 to 50, with a global prevalence of 1% to 22%.^[8] even though the exact cause is unknown, genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation and mites are believed to play a role in disease origin. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, temperature changes, and hot weather.

Rosacea treatment starts with identifying and avoiding triggers like UV light, spicy foods, and alcohol. Gentle skincare, including pH-balanced cleansers, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and moisturizers, helps protect sensitive skin.^[9] Topical treatments like brimonidine, ivermectin, and metronidazole reduce redness and inflammation, while severe cases may require oral medications like doxycycline or isotretinoin. Laser therapy can address persistent redness and blood vessels, while surgery may be needed for thickened skin. In case of eye involvement, artificial tears or prescription eye drops may be required.

5. Hives (Urticaria)

Urticaria (hives) on the leg presenting with red, swollen wheals caused by allergic reaction or irritation

Itchy pink raised skin patches with a pale center, known as ‘wheals’ are the characteristic feature of urticaria. It can appear on any part of your body, mostly in pressure areas like waist, armpits and groin. wheals may merge into larger lesions, and can get damaged if scratched. 40% hives are associated with angioedema; the swelling of lips, periorbital area or genitals.^[10]

Cellular immunity plays the main role in hives, as histamine (an immune mediator substance released by mast cells) and other mediators cause your blood vessels to dilate and give rise to swelling and inflammation. This process can be triggered by some food and drugs.

There are simple measures you can take to control symptoms by avoiding triggers. Antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are the drugs of choice, while stronger prescription medication like omalizumab and ciclosporin are reserved for resistant cases.^[10] Short term steroids also help control the symptoms.

6. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Herpes zoster (shingles) on the trunk with clusters of painful, stinging blisters along a nerve path (dermatome)

Shingles is the reactivation of chicken pox virus, giving you common flu like symptoms first, followed by excruciatingly painful burning sensation and vesicles confined to a certain area of your body.^[11] These lesions are red and bumpy at first, then quickly develop into fluid filled vesicles that later rupture, crust off and dry out. While it is most common on the trunk, this can also appear in the neck, face and lower back. Reason behind shingles is the ability of chicken pox virus to remain hidden inside your nerves for a long time after initial chicken pox disease is cured. For this reason, shingles is more common among adults and elderly people whose immune systems are weak.

This is also highly spreading via exhale breath and direct contact with the blister fluid, so if you have shingles, it is important to isolate till vesicles crust off. Treatment is antiviral therapy (Acyclovir tablets; 800 mg, five times daily for five days) and pain killers like paracetamol or opioids to reduce the pain.^[11] Applying lidocaine gel locally is also commonly practiced. You may need pain killers even after the lesions are gone, because post herpetic neuralgia (the nerve pain caused by shingles) can persist. Singles and chicken pox itself can be prevented by getting vaccinated.

7. Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Skin problems in adults: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection on the leg with grouped blisters and red inflammation, often recurring with triggers like stress or sun

Cold sores are caused by the virus herpes simplex type I (HSV-I). Mainly seen on the face and around the mouth, it can also cause blisters in the genital area. Sometimes, HSV-I does not give rise to any symptoms.^[12] When symptomatic, a prodrome of fever, pain and tingling is followed by appearance of lesions. Typical lesions are groups of vesicles with a scalloped margin on a red base, which may later progress into pus filled blisters and ulcerate. They crust off and heal completely in 2 to 6 weeks.^[12] Thereafter, lesion can recur at any point, but the symptoms are not as bad as in the first time.

Cold sores are treated with the antiviral medication; valacyclovir tablets (2g twice daily for one day).^[12] If symptoms keep appearing frequently, daily therapy may be needed. General preventive measures include maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding shared utensils/ lip products with affected people.

8. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis on the arm caused by irritants or allergens, presenting as red, dry, and itchy skin

While this is quite similar to eczema, contact dermatitis differs by the fact that it is always caused by coming into contact with a triggering irritant substance. Certain chemicals, metal ions, friction, detergents and poison ivy are such common irritants.^[13] Longer or more frequent exposure is more likely to cause more severe disease. There are two main types of contact dermatitis.

1. Irritant contact dermatitis
2. Allergic contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis causes burning, itching, stinging, and pain, while allergic contact dermatitis mainly causes itching. Hands are the most common site in both types. Symptoms progress through three phases: acute (redness, swelling, oozing, vesicles), subacute (crusting, scaling, hyperpigmentation), and chronic (thickened, lichenified skin).^[13]

Main step in treatment is to identify and avoid the substances that cause the reaction. Protective clothing can help avoid direct skin contact with such agents. Applying steroid cream topically can help to manage the symptoms, but the long-term use is not recommended. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine and cetirizine are used to control itching, and emollients to keep the skin hydrated. If you cannot get the symptoms under control with these measures, reach out to your dermatologist for stronger medication such as immunomodulators (eg: Tacrolimus).^[13]

9. Athlete’s Foot (Fungal Infection)

Tinea pedis (moccasin-type) fungal infection with dry scaling on the foot’s sole and sides—common dermatophyte infection

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis is the result of a fungal infection of the foot. The commonest place for the fungus to infect is the moist area between toes, where it will give rise to itchy scaly erosions. The skin of either side of the soles can turn reddish, and thicken up with excessive keratin deposition.^[14] Rarely, athlete’s foot can cause painful blisters as well.

You might get the disease-causing dermatophyte fungal infection when walking barefoot in warm damp areas like common showers, locker rooms and swimming areas that others with the organism are using. Diabetes and wearing fully covered moist-trapping shoes increase the chances of you getting the infection. So, to prevent athlete’s foot, avoid areas where you can acquire the infection; do not walk barefoot in public pools, baths and locker rooms. always wash and dry the feet afterwards, taking special care to dry the skin in between the toes. Wear light breathable shoes, and use antifungal powders to keep the feet nice and dry. Usually, fungal infection of the foot fades away with topical creams/ powders in 4 weeks. In the rare instance when the topical treatment does not resolve your problem, your healthcare provider may prescribe you antifungal pills to take orally.

10. Warts

Verruca vulgaris (common wart) on the hand—a rough, scaly lesion caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), often seen in children and adults

Warts are harmless small bumps on the skin with irregular surface and contour, cased by various subtypes of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They commonly appear on arms and legs, but can show up on the face or neck, affecting your appearance. Rarely, they can be painful as well. It spreads with direct skin contact.

Nearly 2/3 of warts disappear on their own within 2 years.^[15] Many treatment modalities are available to expediate the process, but none of them are very effective. Usually, salicylic acid cream is the first treatment choice, and it cures nearly 70% warts.^[15] If it fails, cryotherapy can be done, where the wart is frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off later on. To prevent spread, avoid direct contact with warts, and aways keep them covered.

11. Skin Tags

Skin tag on the chest—soft, harmless lesion commonly found in skin folds, often seen in adults and associated with friction or weight gain

Skin tags are common harmless skin growths that 50% to 60% of adults experience at some point in their life.^[16] These can be skin colored or darker, commonly seen in the neck, underarms and groin areas. Friction created by skin rubbing together is thought to be the cause for these skin tags.

There is no need to treat unless for cosmetic reasons as these are completely harmless. If the skin tags cause you significant discomfort, your healthcare provider can remove them easily with simple procedures like radio cautery or snip excision.^[16]

12. Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)

Melasma on the face with brown pigmentation, plus acne and seborrheic changes—often triggered by sun or hormonal factors

Brown to dark colored spots on your face, especially on the chin, cheeks, forehead or area above upper lip might be due to melasma. This is a harmless skin condition very common among pregnant women, hence earning its nick name; pregnancy mask. The causes for these spots are, exposure to UV radiation, genetic influence, antiseizure medication, and changes in hormone levels in your body.^[17] The most important factor, however, is the excessive sun light exposure, which carries UV radiation. Subsequently, melanocytes in the sun exposed skin start producing melanin (the pigment that gives the skin color) excessively, resulting in the dark spots.

Avoiding sun exposure, using sun screen, and avoiding hormonal changes that come with oral contraceptive use can help you prevent melasma. there is a variety of prescription creams available for local application, out of which, the triple combination of hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% is believed to be the best option.^[17] if that fails, chemical peels and laser treatments are available. However, these methods are second-line due to risks like pigmentation changes and scarring

13. Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis with a slightly raised, well-defined brown lesion—common benign skin growth in older adults

Seborrheic keratosis is a common harmless skin condition characterized by raised skin growths made up of immature skin cells called keratinocytes, ranging from light-colored patches to darker, scaly bumps with a unique “stuck-on” look. It becomes more prevalent with age, affecting nearly all adults over 60 years old.^[18]

Similar to warts and skin tags, this also does not need any treatment unless it is cosmetically inconvenient for you.

14. Age Spots (‘Liver Spots’)

In contrary to what the name implies, aging has nothing to do with the dark spots that appear in the sun exposed areas of your body, like face, arms and legs. These are believed to be due to the sun exposure itself, and pose no harm to you. Unless there are alarming signs like rapid growth, changing color and shape, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if you notice above alarming signs, consult your dermatologist, to rule out the possibility of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Simple methods you can take to prevent age spots include applying sun screen.

15. Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

Tinea corporis (ringworm) on the back—fungal infection with circular red patches on the trunk and limbs

Ringworms are a type of fungi that can infect a range of body parts. Each has a different name according to the body part involved.

• Tinea pedis – Ringworm infection of the foot
• Tinea cruris – Ringworm infection of the groin
• Tinea corporis – Ringworm infection of the body
• Tinea capitis – Ringworm infection of the scalp

Tinea infection appears as circular, itchy, red rash with a sharply defined margin. The edges are usually raised, scaly and red. The center of the lesion is usually clear and in level with the skin. This gives the appearance of a ring shape to the raised edge, earning the name ‘ring worm’. it is highly contagious and spreads by direct touch.

Dermatophyte infections are treated with topical or oral antifungals which are prescription drugs. Mild cases respond to creams like clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine, applied for 2–3 weeks.^[19] Severe or persistent cases need oral treatment, usually terbinafine or itraconazole for 2–3 weeks.^[19] Fluconazole and griseofulvin are alternatives for prolonged infections.

16. Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea on the arm—characterized by pink, oval-shaped patches, often starting with a single larger herald patch

Easiest way to identify pityriasis rosea is to look for the initial presence of a herald patch: a slightly raised oval shaped scaly patch of skin. In the two weeks that follow, many more similar patches appear in a Christmas tree pattern on the trunks and arms.^[20] Sometimes, these patches can be itchy, and you may feel generalized symptoms like fever, sore throat, joint pain and stomach issues. Although the exact cause for this is unknown, viral, bacterial infections and non-infective causes like autoimmunity are believed to play a role in disease origin.

Pityriasis rosea usually resolves on its own, and does not require any specific treatment. However, you may benefit from general measures like keeping your skin hydrated with a moisturizer and avoiding sun burns.

17. Cellulitis

Cellulitis on the leg—red, swollen, and painful skin caused by bacterial infection, often requiring urgent medical attention

Cellulitis is one of the commonest bacterial skin infections, especially in middle aged and older people.^[21] Even though it can appear in any part of the body, legs are the most commonly involved area. It can appear as a poorly demarcated, red, warm, swollen area of skin that is painful or tender.^[21] You might also get fever, tiredness and generalized body weakness. Cellulitis can spread quickly, and even form abscesses.

Bacterial infections the most likely cause of cellulitis. If you have tiny cuts or wounds in your skin, bacteria that normally dwell on your skin can enter the deeper layers of the skin, and the fat tissue under the skin, giving rise to cellulitis. Treatment is with antibiotics, that has to be selected according to the specific bacteria that is causing your cellulitis. Therefore, if you think you have cellulitis, do not hesitate to meet your health care provider for proper diagnosis and correct treatment.

18. Vitiligo

Vitiligo on the wrist—an autoimmune condition causing loss of pigment with well-defined white patches

Your skin gets its colour from melanin, which is a brown pigment that is produced in the melanocytes in your skin. When these melanocytes are absent in some areas, you get white patches on your body, which is known as vitiligo. These milky white skin patches are well demarcated, and often symmetrically distributed. Common sites to get vitiligo are face (around the mouth and eyes), neck, back of hands, scalp, and trunk.^[22]

The reason for the loss of melanocytes is an immune mediated mechanism, where body’s immune system attacks its own cells (autoimmunity). Many treatment modalities exist for vitiligo, including topical medications (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogs), phototherapy, laser therapy, and surgery.^[22]

19. Skin Cancer (Melanoma, Basal and Squamous Cell)

Suspected superficial basal cell carcinoma on the shoulder—requires dermatologist assessment and possible biopsy

Skin cancer is a major medical concern because of its high prevalence. It includes malignant melanoma and non-melanocytic skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. According to the American cancer society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US.^[23] New skin lesions, which are irregular in shape or colour, lesions that are rapidly changing in size, shape or colour, itching, bleeding and non-healing lesions should raise suspicion of skin cancer. The presence of this type of lesions is called ‘the ugly duckling sign’.

The earlier the skin cancers are identified, the better the outcomes are. Therefore, detailed knowledge on how each type looks like is very important. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) presents as pink, pearly papules with visible tiny blood vessels, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) appears as rough, pink patches or bumps.^[24] Melanomas are asymmetrical, dark brown or black lesions with irregular borders.^[24] If the lesion has varying colour, and the size is bigger than 6mm, it is very likely to be melanoma.^[24] BCC and SCC commonly occur on sun-exposed areas like the nose and ears, while melanoma can appear anywhere, often on men’s backs and women’s legs.

UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. UV exposure damages DNA and weakens the natural immune defense of the body. Lifetime sun exposure increases BCC and SCC risk, while melanoma risk is linked to sunburns in adolescence. Other risk factors include genetics, tanning beds, human papilloma virus infection, and immunosuppression.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. If caught early, these can be surgically removed to cure the cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be required depending on how far the cancer has spread. Unlike most skin conditions, skin cancer is deadly. So, if you see any suspicious moles, consult your dermatologist at once for a proper diagnosis and early treatment for better outcomes.

20. Genital Herpes (HSV-2)

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), with HSV-2 being the commoner cause.

Symptoms include painful, fluid-filled blisters that break open, forming sores or ulcers. These sores are typically inflamed and painful, and during the outbreak, they may ooze clear or yellowish fluid before scabbing over.^[25] Commonest sites for these lesions to appear are genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs. Other symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, pain, and itching in the genital area, painfully enlarged lymph nodes and burning pain when passing urine.^[25]

Currently there is no means to completely cure genital herpes, but the symptoms can be controlled. Viral spread and the symptoms can be reduced by antiviral treatment with acyclovir tablets.^[25] Also, a very important step in preventing the disease spread is to avoid unprotected sexual intercourse during symptomatic periods. Abstinence or using condoms is recommended during such instances.

Conclusion

Your skin plays a major role in your confidence and daily appearance. Understanding common skin conditions is the key to feeling healthy and beautiful. Giving your skin the well-deserved attention can reward you in many ways, and might even be life-saving in cases of skin cancer. So, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes or persistent issues with your skin. Practice proper skin care, sun protection and timely medical advice for a glowing skin and a glowing life.