7 Most Common Skin Diseases in Middle Aged Indians
Skin diseases is the largest organ of your body, measuring approximately 2 mm in thickness. Being the most visible organ, it is also the most vulnerable. There are various types of skin diseases factors that influence the condition of your skin. Some of them include climate, geography, food, nutrition, and poor skin hygiene.
In a developing country like India, skin conditions are widespread. It is especially so among the older population that falls in the middle age group. Lack of basic amenities, like unadulterated, pure water, overcrowding, and lack of proper knowledge about skin care practices, play a huge role in developing various skin diseases.
Almost 60% of the middle-aged Indian population suffers from various types of skin diseases. Most of such skin diseases begin with symptoms like red patches on skin, and skin rashes that itch. Generally, older adults choose to ignore such symptoms until they worsen and become problematic for them.
Why Are Indians More Prone to Developing Skin Diseases?
woman under the sun, Credit: Pixabay
The Indian skin has been rightly called sensitive skin. It is because of the following reasons:
Pollution
Harsh sunlight
Exposure to high temperatures
1. Pollution
India tops among the countries which are most polluted in the world. Pollution is the primary cause of developing allergies and skin conditions like eczema. High levels of pollution erode the protective ozone layer, causing more harsh UV rays to enter the skin. Most of the types of skin diseases skin rashes that itch can be attributed to the problem of rising pollution.
2. Harsh Sunlight
India is an equatorial country and hence is highly susceptible to the damaging effect of sun rays. It leads to conditions like Melasma characterized by pigmented patches on the facial skin. Direct exposure to sunlight also enhances the risk of developing skin cancer in Indians.
3. Exposure to High Temperatures
Rising temperature, heat, and excess sweat can make the skin prone to various diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Heat rash commonly occurs among older Indians because they work during those hours when the temperature is at its peak.
Types of Skin Diseases in Middle-Aged Indians
The seven most common types of skin diseases that middle-aged Indians face are:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Athlete’s foot
Shingles
Melasma
Vitiligo
1. Eczema
Eczema skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
A dry skin condition, eczema, is characterized by red and itchy skin.it is also called dermatitis. Although it is commonly observed in children, many people, especially women, are prone to developing this condition later in life. It’s symptoms include:
Scaly and dry skin
Patches of scaly skin in hands and feet
Repeated scratching can make the skin bleed and prone to infection
The disease is not contagious. It can be managed with medical treatments or with specific home remedies like applying olive oil and aloe vera on the skin and consuming flax seeds and turmeric to reduce inflammation and replenish the skin’s moisture.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
It is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to the occurrence of scaly plaques on the skin. In this condition, there is a growth of skin cells that leads to white, patchy, and flaky areas on the skin that do not shed away.
Psoriasis is also not an infectious disease. It generally affects people in their 40s. Men are more prone to developing this disease than women. You can seek medical treatment to manage the disease.
Apart from that, you can also apply topical solutions like aloe vera, garlic, neem, jasmine flower paste to get relief from it. Consuming a vegan and high protein diet has also been shown to be effective in managing the disease.
3. Rosacea
Rosacea skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
The disease is prevalent in both men and women in the 30s age group. Men are more susceptible to reaching the chronic stage of this skin disease as they avoid seeking medical treatment for it. Its symptoms include:
Red patches on skin, particularly on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.
Pimples and bumps on the face.
Burning sensation.
Swollen and watery eyes.
Raised red patches on the skin
Skin itchiness, especially on the face
It is caused due to severe sunburn, extremely cold weather, exposure to searing temperatures, anxiety, and stress.
Oral and topical medications are prescribed by doctors to treat this condition. Antibiotics and skin creams are also administered to the patient. It is advised to seek medical treatment immediately as you experience its symptoms.
4. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
This skin disorder gets triggered quickly during humid and hot weather. It is a fungal infection that needs the immediate attention of a dermatologist as it is highly contagious. Its symptoms include:
Burning skin.
Inflamed and red skin.
Scaly, itchy, and dry skin.
Cracked and blistered skin.
This condition is known to develop due to excessive moisture and heat in unventilated areas. Apart from seeking a dermatologist’s help, you can also use foot drying powders, antiperspirants, topical and oral antifungal medications to treat it.
5. Shingles
shingles skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
Also known as herpes, this skin disorder is caused mainly due to the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (i.e., varicella-zoster). It’s characterized by a painful rash along with blisters on one side of the face or body. This skin disorder is pervasive among people in their 50s. Its symptoms include:
Fever, fatigue, and headache.
Painful burning sensation in the area affected.
Itchy and painful blisters.
You should seek medical treatment if you find yourself experiencing its symptoms. Apart from that, you can prevent it by keeping in mind to always cover the rash, and washing your hands.
6. Melasma
Melasma skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
It is a chronic skin disorder which is characterized by a pigmented, brown, black skin. It is mainly caused due to sun exposure. Exposure to high temperatures is the leading cause of this disease. It is common in those Indian females aged between 40-65 years who suffer from a thyroid condition. It is commonly observed in people with dark skin. Melasma typically forms on the cheeks, bridge of nose, forearms, and forehead.
Treatment procedures of Melasma include chemical peel, laser surgery, and microdermabrasion.
7. Vitiligo
Vitiligo skin condition, Credit: Pixabay
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white spots or patches on the skin. It greatly affects the social and psychological aspects of an individual’s life. It is considered an autoimmune disease and does not currently have a specific cure. Other possible causes have been linked to gene mutation and sunburn.
Various surgeries, including skin grafting, tattooing, and laser therapies, are currently being developed to manage this disease.
The above-mentioned skin conditions affect the majority of older Indians. It is essential to identify the symptoms at the earliest and seek appropriate medical help. It would stop the disease from progressing further. Maintaining proper skin hygiene is crucial to prevent yourself from various skin diseases.