Skin conditions by the numbers

December 03, 2020

By: Lorien Strydom

Skin diseases are ranked as the fourth most common cause of human illness, but many affected people do not consult a physician. There are hundreds of skin conditions that affect humans. The most common skin conditions can have some symptoms that are similar, so it is important to understand the differences between them.

People should work closely with a dermatologist to diagnose and treat any skin condition to ensure that their lifestyle is not affected. Let’s look at the most common skin diseases by type.

Acne

• Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually.
• Acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults.
• Approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne.
• Acne can occur at any stage of life and may continue into one’s 30s and 40s.
• Acne occurring in adults is increasing, affecting up to 15% of women.
• In 2013, the costs associated with the treatment and lost productivity among those who sought medical care for acne exceeded $1.2 billion.
• More than 5.1 million people sought medical treatment for acne in 2013, primarily children and young adults.
• The lost productivity among patients and caregivers due to acne was nearly $400 million.

Atopic Dermatitis

• One in 10 people will develop atopic dermatitis during their lifetime.
• It affects up to 25% of children and 2 to 3% of adults.
• An estimated 60% of people with this condition develop it in their first year of life, and 90% develop it before age 5. However, atopic dermatitis can begin during puberty or later.
• In 2013, the costs associated with the treatment and lost productivity among those who sought medical care for atopic dermatitis were $442 million.
• The total medical cost of treating atopic dermatitis was $314 million, for an average of $101.42 per treated patient.
• The lost productivity among patients and caregivers due to atopic dermatitis was $128 million.

Hair Loss

• The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary thinning or baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
• This condition affects an estimated 80 million Americans — 50 million men and 30 million women.

Other potential causes of hair loss, some of which are temporary, include:

• Excessive or improper use of styling products such as perms, dyes, gels, relaxers, or sprays, which can cause weathering or hair breakage.
• Hairstyles that pull on the hair, like ponytails and braids.
• Shampooing, combing, or brushing hair too much or too hard
• Hair pulling, which may be a sign of a disorder called trichotillomania.
• A variety of diseases, including thyroid disease and lupus.
• Childbirth, major surgery, high fever or severe infection, stress, or even the flu.
• Inadequate protein or iron in the diet, or eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
• Certain prescription drugs, including blood thinners, high-dose vitamin A, and medicines for arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
• Use of birth control pills (usually in women with an inherited tendency for hair thinning).
• Hormonal imbalances, especially in women.
• Ringworm of the scalp, a contagious fungal infection most common in children.
• Some cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss that can affect all ages and causes hair to fall out in round patches.

Psoriasis 

• Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis.
• Psoriasis occurs in all age groups but is primarily seen in adults, with the highest proportion between the ages of 45 and 64.
• Approximately 25-30% of people with psoriasis experience joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.
• Approximately 80% of those affected with psoriasis have mild to moderate disease, while 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis affecting more than 5% of the body surface area.
• The most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80 to 90% of psoriasis patients, is plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scale.
• In 2013, the total direct cost of treatment associated with psoriasis was estimated to be between $51.7 billion and $63.2 billion.

Rosacea

• Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects 16 million Americans.
• While people of all ages and races can develop rosacea, it is most common in the following groups:
• People between ages 30 and 60.
• Individuals with fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes.
• Women, especially during menopause.
• Those with a family history of rosacea.
• In 2013, the costs associated with the treatment and lost productivity among those who sought medical care for rosacea was $243 million.
• More than 1.6 million people sought treatment for rosacea in 2013.
• The total medical cost of treating rosacea was $165 million, for an average of $102.26 per treated patient.
• The lost productivity among patients and caregivers due to rosacea was $78 million.

Natural Skin Treatment

When it comes to treating skin conditions naturally, there are many options to consider. Honeyderm has a range of products that are specifically formulated to naturally support healthy skin - with the miraculous restorative power of honeybees. 

Dermatonic™ A is a natural acne treatment that provides your skin with essential supplements, immune stimulants, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities. Dermatonic™ A supports a balanced epidermal activity to avoid the development of predisposing conditions for acne such as the excessive production of sebum and the excessive keratinization of follicular walls.

You can combine this with the Honeyderm™ Honey & Turmeric soap is a balanced soap formula that provides deep skin cleansing while promoting skin healing through its 100% natural additives of honey, black seed oil, olive oil, emu oil, and green tea. These healing ingredients place Honeyderm™ Honey & Turmeric soap ahead of any other soap or skin cleanser. 

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