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Skin

If you'd like to discuss any worries or symptoms related to your skin, a Livi GP can help.

What is a skin condition?

Skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s made up of 3 layers and around 300 million skin cells. It acts as a protective shield against heat, light, injury and infection. The skin also regulates our body temperature and enables us to touch and feel.

A skin condition is an issue that affects the health or appearance of your skin, from small red bumps to a large painful rash. Acne and eczema are common skin conditions that affect lots of people of all ages.

Search a symptom or condition

Enter a condition or symptom to filter the conditions below.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes spots and blemishes. Although it’s often associated with teenagers, acne can affect adults of all ages.

Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses, or solar keratoses, are caused by sun damage. Discover the symptoms, potential risks and treatment.

Alopecia

Alopecia is the loss of hair from the head, beard or anywhere else of your body. Learn the causes and how to manage the condition.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a common skin infection that affects the feet. Despite its name, it doesn't just affect athletes, and anyone can get it.

Chilblains

Chilblains are small, red or purple patches that develop on your skin in reaction to being cold. Find out more about the symptoms, and how to treat and prevent them.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when your skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. Learn more about the symptoms of contact dermatitis and how to treat it.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that mainly affects babies. It usually causes yellow, scaly skin on their head, scalp and face. Find out how to recognise and treat cradle cap.

Dry skin

Dry skin occurs when your skin does not get enough moisture, leaving flaky or cracked skin which can be itchy and sore.

Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition that causes skin to get dry, itchy and cracked. It is often referred to as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis and affects 1 in 5 babies and children.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is when hair follicles become inflamed. It’s commonly caused by an infection after removing hair although it can also be caused by irritation or a blockage of the hair follicle. Read about what causes folliculitis and how to treat it.

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the skin that happens in response to exposure to cold temperatures. It usually affects the hands and feet. If it's caught early, it can be reversible.

Head lice and nits

Head lice and nits are very common and can affect anyone, particularly school children and families. Head lice have nothing to do with dirty hair or poor hygiene. They can affect short or long hair and are picked up by prolonged head-to-head contact.

Heat rash

Heat rash or prickly heat is a skin condition caused by excessive sweating and can be very uncomfortable. Learn what to look out for and how to manage your symptoms.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

This inflammatory skin condition causes painful lumps or abscesses to form in the skin – usually near hair follicles where there are sweat glands. Read on to find out about key symptoms, causes and treatment.

Hives

Hives are raised, itchy skin rashes that come on suddenly as a reaction to something. Learn about what causes hives and what helps treat them.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly-infectious skin condition that's very common in children. Discover the symptoms and what you can do to treat it.

Ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are common and happen when your nail grows into your toe. It can be painful and can cause an infection, but there are things you can do to ease the pain and to prevent them from happening.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a common skin rash caused by friction of skin on skin, which brings on inflammation and can become infected.

Keratitis

This eye condition – also known as corneal ulcers – is inflammation of the cornea. Read on to find out how to recognise keratitis and what to do if you have it.

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris causes small red bumps on the skin that look like goosebumps or small spots. It can occur on your arms, thighs or face. The bumps are harmless and common in adults and children.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a common rash found in adults around different parts of the body. Read about the symptoms and treatments.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus causes patches of skin in the genital area to thin out and turn porcelain-white. There’s no cure, but treatment is available to help relieve symptoms

Lipoma

Lipomas are harmless lumps under the skin that can be mistaken for cancer. Here's what you need to know.

Moles

Most people have moles and they are usually harmless, but it’s important to keep an eye on any changes in their size, shape and colour.

Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of a finger or toe near the nail, which can be painful, red and swollen. Read on to find out more about the symptoms and treatments.

Petechiae

Petechiae are small red, purple or brown spots that appear on your skin. They usually appear as clusters or might look like a rash. These little spots are caused by a tiny amount of bleeding. Find out the key causes, treatments and how to prevent them from happening.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a harmless skin condition that usually starts with a small circular red patch on the skin. It’s then followed by a widespread rash across the body, which can be itchy. Read more to find out the symptoms and what you can do about it.

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

Pityriasis versicolor, also called tinea versicolor, is a fungal infection of the skin. It causes discoloured, scaly patches and can be itchy. Pityriasis versicolor is harmless, treatable and isn’t contagious. It doesn’t usually go away without treatment.