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Common skin conditions in the UK

Updated: 6 days ago


According the the British Skin Foundation, skin conditions affect 60% of people in the UK, with 20% of children suffering with eczema - ouch!

And NHS England (2022) reports that "around half the UK population will experience a skin condition in any 12-month period" with the British Association of Dermatologists reporting skin complaints as one of the most common reasons for a new consultation with GPs - accounting for 24% of the population consulting a GP each year.



But skin conditions like eczema and shingles can be more than just painful and sore physically, they can impact sufferers emotionally and mentally with 70% of those affected saying it impacts on their confidence.


These are quite staggering figures and my desk research indicates that there is a shortage of support for sufferers with the NHS.




1. Eczema

Affecting 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK, Eczema is an inflammatory, dry skin condition.


Red and raw, the skin is itchy and excruciatingly sore when it cracks and bleeds.





 

2. Acne

Around 95% of people in the UK aged between 11 - 30 are affected by acne. However, only about 3% of adults experience acne over the age of 35.


Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels.






 


3. Tinea Fungal Infections



Found all over the body, Tinea infections are known by the area they affect e.g. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm) Tinea Pedis (Athlete's foot), Tinea Capitis (affecting the head) and Tinea Cruris (groin).




 

4. Rosacea



Affecting mainly the face, symptoms can include facial flushing, facial redness, spots, dry eyes and sore eyelids.







 

5. Psorasis


Usually found in people under 35, it causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin that normally appear on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back






 

6. Shingles

Affecting 1 in 100 people over 80, but less than 2 per 1000 in under 50s, shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters, which look like chickenpox.


It usually appears on one side of the body, developing on the area of skin related to the affected nerve.







To find out more about your own body, book a 121 session or kinesiology taster session at Wells or Somerton:







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