Skin Problem: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Achuta Uppu, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Skin Problem?

A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, is the specialist most people see for a skin problem. Skin problems include acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What are skin problems?

Skin problems are conditions that affect your skin. They are also called cutaneous or dermatologic disorders. Your skin is your body's largest organ and covers the entire outside of your body. It protects you in many ways. It holds body fluids in, keeps out harmful germs, and helps you feel heat, cold, and pain. It also helps control your body temperature.

Many different problems can affect your skin. Some cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, burning, redness, and rashes. They might also change how your skin looks.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the skin problem. Some common ones are:

  • Acne, which causes pimples when hair follicles under your skin get clogged up.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin. It causes a lot of itchiness.
  • Hives, which are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin.
  • Psoriasis, which causes itchy, scaly red patches.
  • Dandruff, which is flaking of the skin on your scalp.
  • Vitiligo, which causes patches of skin to become white.

Other common skin problems include burns, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, skin infections, and skin cancer.

Causes and who gets it

Allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, certain diseases, and immune system problems can cause skin conditions. The immune system is the body's defense system.

Acne happens when blocked skin follicles clump together with oil from glands, bacteria, and dead cells. Vitiligo happens when the cells that make color in your skin are destroyed.

How doctors diagnose it

One test doctors use is a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy removes a small sample of skin so it can be looked at under a microscope. It can help diagnose skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, and bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. It can also show whether a mole or growth is cancer.

There are three main types of skin biopsy: punch, shave, and excisional. Most skin biopsies can be done in a health care provider's office.

You do not need any special preparation for a skin biopsy. You may have a little bruising, bleeding, or soreness at the site. If that lasts longer than a few days or gets worse, talk to your provider.

Treatment

If a biopsy finds basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, the whole cancerous spot may be removed at the time of the biopsy or soon after. Often, no other treatment is needed. If you are diagnosed with melanoma, you will need more tests to see if the cancer has spread. Then you and your provider can make a treatment plan.

You can also help keep your skin healthy. MedlinePlus suggests these steps:

  • If you get a cut or scrape, clean it right away with soap and warm water. Put on a bandage to protect it while it heals.
  • Prevent sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen when you are outdoors.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, to prevent dry skin.

When to see a doctor

You may need a skin biopsy if you have a persistent rash, scaly or rough skin, open sores that will not heal, or blistering skin. Make an appointment with a doctor if you have any of these.

See a doctor about any mole or new growth that has the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma:

  • Asymmetrical: the shape is not regular.
  • Border: the edge is jagged.
  • Color: the color is uneven.
  • Diameter: the size is larger than a pea.
  • Evolving: the mole or growth has changed in the past few weeks or months.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have breathing problems, swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, or fainting or loss of consciousness.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine your skin, review your health history, and coordinate care with a skin specialist when needed.

Common questions

What are the most common skin problems?

Common skin problems include acne, burns, cuts and scrapes, dandruff, eczema, hives, insect bites, psoriasis, skin cancer, and skin infections.

What causes skin problems?

Allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, certain diseases, and immune system problems can cause skin conditions. For example, acne happens when blocked skin follicles clump together with oil, bacteria, and dead cells.

Does a skin problem need a biopsy?

It depends on your symptoms. You may need a skin biopsy if you have a persistent rash, scaly or rough skin, open sores that will not heal, blistering skin, or a mole with the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

How can I keep my skin healthy?

Use sunscreen, wash your hands often, and use moisturizers to prevent dry skin.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Skin Conditions
  2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Skin Diseases, Conditions, & Disorders
  3. MedlinePlus - Skin Biopsy

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.