Skin Conditions in Young People

Book excerpt: Many young people suffer from skin conditions which affect their physical and mental wellbeing. In the modern 'appearance-focused' world of social media, skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis can be particularly psychologically challenging. Furthermore, with so much (mis)information out there, it can be hard to know where to start when looking for advice. This book provides clear, accurate, and evidence-based information for young people with skin conditions. It outlines what 'normal' skin is, with subsequent chapters covering the most common skin problems, including acne, eczema, alopecia, hidradenitis, psoriasis, sweating, urticaria, vitiligo, and others. Each chapter describes the condition in a clear, easy-to-read format, and offers practical, evidence-based advice for treating and managing symptoms. Additional resources in each chapter provide reliable sources for finding further information. The book also includes a unique section addressing the impact skin can have on your life and ways to address this. The book is written with teenagers and young adults in mind, but the information will be useful for anyone with a skin problem, or those involved with young people including parents, teachers, and health workers.