Facial Problems
Common Causes of Facial Problems
Facial problems are very often a source of embarrassment and discomfort for the people that have them. While some problems are more serious than others, is it important to know the differences and health effects of the many conditions that can affect the facial area and whether these conditions are simply cosmetic or possibly more dangerous.
There are many conditions that may affect your face that are completely harmless, but may have some cosmetic issues. As time progresses and as your body and face go through life, some changes and alterations to your skin are bound to happen. These natural changes, such as wrinkles and age spots are just a part of the aging process and are nothing to worry about medically. Wrinkles and age spots can be decreased or moderately prevented by limited the amount of UV damage your skin receives over its lifetime or through the many cosmetic products available. Acne is another relatively harmless facial problem that mostly affects younger people. Acne is causes by overactive sebaceous glands producing an excess of oil and resulting in small bumps on the face. While these are generally harmless, they often create confidence or self image problems, and severe cases can lead to scarring. This can also be easily treated with the many anti-acne products available through prescription or over the counter. Sometimes people will develop a condition referred to as large pores, resulting from genetics or excess of facial oils. Again these are harmless and serve to create only cosmetic problems.
Some facial troubles are not connected to any health risks, but may create more aggressive aesthetic problems. An example of this is birthmarks, or pigmented skin resulting from genetic sources. Birthmarks usually do not produce any harmful health effects, but in some cases, especially when located on the face, they cause severe superficial problems. A cosmetic dermatologist can assist you in removing unwanted birthmarks. Moles are raised dark spots on the skin and may contribute to again make the person unhappy with their appearance if they grow on the face. They can be easily removed, and should be closely watched to make sure they remain benign. Report changes to moles anywhere on your body to your doctor if they change shape, color or grow larger.
Other facial conditions are more serious and need more advanced treatments. Chronic, itchy, scaly patches of skin are often caused a condition known as psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the body’s immune system that causes it to attack its own cells, and several treatment options may be recommended by your doctor. Psoriasis does not cause any really serious medical problems. Itchy, swollen and red skin can be a sign of another condition called dermatitis, or if it is atopic dermatitis it is often referred to as eczema. It is another condition that causes the patient annoyance and discomfort, especially if the condition appears on the face. Treatments may include antihistamines and immunosuppressant medications, and lifestyle changes may also be necessary. Rosacea is another skin disorder that affects the face, leading to swelling and redness. It often occurs as a mild flushing that gets worse over time. Treatments for rosacea include oral or topical medications or laser therapy. Warts are caused by a virus infecting the skin and may appear on the face as well. These may be considered unsightly and can also be removed by your doctor.
There are also many different kinds of infection that may cause facial problems. An infection called impetigo enters through cuts on the skin and causes unpleasant blisters to form. Because impetigo is caused by bacteria it may be treated with antibiotics. Another bacterial infection that may affect the face is cellulitis, a condition that causes redness, swelling and warmness to the affected area. It is caused by the bacteria streptococcus and staphylococcus and may also be treated with antibiotics. It should be closely watched by a doctor as cellulitis in children may be a sign of eye or brain infections. A painful rash may be the result of shingles, or a viral reoccurrence of the chicken pox. This can be treated with antivirals.
There are many diseases with either side effects that can bring about facial problems, or which can affect the head region completely. These may have more serious consequences and may need more advanced treatments. Some examples of such diseases are: Lyme disease can cause pain and paralysis of the face if not treated promptly, Trigeminal Neuralgia causes overstimulation of facial nerves resulting in pain, and Bells Palsy can lead to complete paralysis of the facial nerves and muscles. Only a doctor and accurately diagnose and treat these diseases, so always consult a professional.
Consult your dermatologist or doctor about any facial problems you may experience to determine whether they have harmful medical effects, or whether they may be removed or treated to help improve a person’s self image.