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.
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.
Common signs
- 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
How it's usually treated
- 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
Chronic spontaneous urticaria
Hives that appear on their own, without a clear trigger, most days for 6 weeks or longer. In many people, autoantibodies drive the reaction.
Learn more →Psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis
An immune-mediated condition in which skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly patches. Up to about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Learn more →Polycystic ovary syndrome
A common hormone condition that often causes irregular periods, higher androgen (male-type hormone) levels, and insulin resistance. Despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has ovarian cysts.
Learn more →Allergies
An immune overreaction to harmless things in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
Learn more →
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.