|
US Pharm. 2012;37(4):8.
Spider Veins: According to the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, 50% to 55% of women and 40% to 45% of men
have vein problems. Varicose veins affect 50% of people aged 50 years
and older, while 80% develop spider veins. Varicose veins may be
associated with more serious health problems, like skin ulcers,
thrombophlebitis, and deep venous thrombosis.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis, the most common chronic
autoimmune skin disease, affects about 2% of the U.S. population,
according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis occurs in
various forms with distinct characteristics. Of psoriasis sufferers, 80%
and 10% suffer from plaque and guttate psoriasis, respectively, and 30%
have arthritis symptoms.
Acne: Acne occurs in 80% of individuals aged 11
to 30 years and is uncommon in adults in their 40s and 50s. Stress does
not cause acne, but it can worsen existing acne. Chocolate, greasy
foods, and dirty skin do not cause acne. The American Academy of
Dermatology notes that 40% of people who develop acne by their mid-teens
require treatment by a dermatologist.
Skin Cancer: The probability of developing skin
cancer during one’s lifetime is 1 in 5. According to the American Cancer
Society, 123,590 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2011, with
57% being invasive and 43% occurring in men. Seventy percent of
tanning-salon patrons are white females aged 16 to 29 years, and 2.3
million teens annually opt for indoor tanning, which raises the risk of
skin cancer.
Eczema: Eczema occurs in males and females at an
equal rate. It can occur at any age, although it most often begins in
infancy or childhood. Onset after 30 years of age is rare; 65% of
patients develop symptoms in the first year of life, and 85% develop
symptoms before age 5 years. Eczema affects 10% to 20% of the world
population.
Cold Sores: By age 50 years, 80% to 90% of the
population has been exposed to the virus that causes cold sores. Cold
sores caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 usually last for 10 to 14
days, although symptoms may not manifest for up to 20 days after
exposure to the virus. The virus is contagious and is spread via
skin-to-skin contact.
Hair Loss: Alopecia affects 2% of Americans (50
million men and 30 million women) of all ethnic backgrounds. Heredity
plays a role in alopecia. There is no drug that can cure the disorder,
but some medications can stimulate hair growth, at least temporarily.
To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.
|