Skin conditions
Acne, eczema, hives, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, fungal infections
Chronic conditionCommon long-term skin conditions that cause breakouts, rashes, redness, or itching. Hormones, immune activity, and the skin barrier all play a role.
For education only — this guide can't diagnose you. If these signs sound familiar, talk with a healthcare provider. Book a consult
What happens
Acne forms when oil, skin cells, and bacteria clog hair follicles, often driven by androgen hormones. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) involves a weak skin barrier and an overactive immune response, and often comes with allergies and asthma. Rosacea causes facial flushing, redness, and bumps. Perioral dermatitis is a rash around the mouth and nose, often linked to steroid creams. Fungal infections, such as tinea or yeast rashes, thrive in warm, damp skin. Chronic hives are covered on their own page.
Who gets it
Adult acne and rosacea are more common in women, and acne often flares before periods or with PCOS. Eczema is more common with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned women over 30.
Signs worth getting checked
- Pimples, blackheads, or deep, painful bumps along the jaw and chin
- Dry, itchy, or cracked patches, often in elbow and knee creases
- Facial flushing, redness, visible blood vessels, or bumps on the cheeks and nose
- Small red bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Itchy welts that come and go
- Red, scaly rings, or itchy rashes in skin folds
- Flares with stress, heat, alcohol, or your menstrual cycle
Labs to ask about
- A skin exam, ideally by a dermatologist, to confirm the diagnosis
- Testosterone and DHEA-S if acne comes with irregular periods or extra hair growth
- A skin scraping (KOH test) or culture if a fungal infection is suspected
- Patch testing if contact allergy is suspected
- TSH and thyroid antibodies for chronic hives
Treatments your doctor may discuss
- For acne, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and sometimes antibiotics, spironolactone, or birth control pills
- Isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne, with strict pregnancy prevention
- For eczema, daily moisturizers, anti-inflammatory creams, and biologic medicine for severe cases
- For rosacea, prescription creams or gels, oral medicine, and laser for redness
- Antifungal creams or pills for fungal infections
Supportive steps to discuss with your provider
- Use a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Wear sunscreen daily, especially with rosacea.
- Don't put steroid creams on your face unless your provider directs it. They can trigger perioral dermatitis.
- Some studies link high-sugar foods and dairy to acne. Ask whether a diet trial makes sense for you.
- Keep a flare diary to find personal triggers such as heat, alcohol, or spicy food.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, or trouble breathing: call 911
- Painful blisters or punched-out sores on eczema, especially with fever: get same-day care
- Red, hot, painful skin that spreads quickly, or a rash with fever: get same-day care
- Acne that's leaving scars or isn't improving with treatment
- A mole or spot that's new, changing, or bleeding
Related conditions
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.