The 6 most common skin conditions (including skin cancer & melanoma)

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your skin or a changing spot, see your GP or a dermatologist.  

1) Acne 

What it is: 
Acne happens when pores (hair follicles) clog with oil (sebum), dead skin cells and become inflamed, producing blackheads/whiteheads, papules/pustules, and sometimes deep nodules/cysts. It’s very common in teens but can persist or begin in adulthood. 

How it’s caused: 
Acne is multifactorial. Androgens and genetics increase sebum and make sticky skin cells that plug pores; within clogged pores, Cutibacterium acnes can amplify inflammation. Modern guidelines emphasise inflammation as a driver at every stage, not just “bacteria.” External contributors (occlusive skincare, friction from helmets/hats, some medications) can worsen it, but “dirty skin” is not the cause. 

Is it contagious? 
No. Acne can’t be “caught” from someone else. 

How to alleviate it: 
Most people improve with a simple regimen using proven actives for 12 weeks before judging results. Current AAD and NICE guidance strongly recommend benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids (e.g., adapalene) as cornerstones. Antibiotics (topical or oral) should not be used alone and should be paired with benzoyl peroxide to curb resistance; keep courses short. For moderate–severe cases, a fixed-dose topical combo plus an oral tetracycline (e.g., doxycycline) is typical; oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for severe, scarring, or refractory acne. In women with hormonally driven breakouts, combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone can help (conditional recommendation). See a clinician for nodulocystic acne, scarring, or significant psychosocial impact. 

References: Acne: AAD Clinical Guideline (2024 update); NICE Guideline NG198; DermNet NZ. 

2) Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) 

What it is: 
A chronic, itchy inflammatory skin disease marked by dry, sensitive skin and recurrent flares; it often starts in childhood but occurs at any age. 

How it’s caused: 
Atopic dermatitis reflects a leaky skin barrier and immune hyper-reactivity, influenced by genetics (e.g., filaggrin mutations), environment, microbes, and scratching. The impaired barrier allows irritants and allergens to penetrate, fueling itch–scratch–inflammation cycles. Many people with AD also have allergic tendencies (asthma, hay fever). 

Is it contagious? 
No. The rash itself doesn’t spread person-to-person (secondary infections, if present, are a separate issue your clinician can treat). 

How to alleviate it (evidence-based): 
Daily emollients are foundational—apply generously and often. During flares, use topical corticosteroids appropriately; calcineurin inhibitors, PDE-4 inhibitors, or newer JAK inhibitors may be considered by your prescriber. For severe flares, wet-wrap therapy over emollients/medicated creams can rapidly calm hot, weeping skin; ask your clinician to demonstrate technique. Identify and manage triggers such as fragrance-heavy products, harsh soaps, overheating/sweat, and rough fabrics (swap these for gentle, breathable UPF 50+ everyday layers). For persistent, widespread, or sleep-disrupting disease, seek medical care—phototherapy or systemic therapies may be appropriate. 

References: Atopic dermatitis: AAD guideline & overview; National Eczema Association wet-wrap guide; AAP clinical report (2025). 

3) Psoriasis 

What it is: 
A chronic immune-mediated disease that speeds up skin-cell turnover, creating well-defined, scaly, inflamed plaques (often on elbows, knees, scalp) and occasionally affecting nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis). 

How it’s caused: 
Psoriasis stems from immune dysregulation in genetically predisposed people. Many report flares after infections (e.g., strep throat), trauma to the skin (Koebner phenomenon), stress, or certain medications. It’s a multi-system condition, with higher rates of cardiometabolic comorbidities—another reason to get a tailored plan with a clinician. 

Is it contagious? 
No—psoriasis isn’t infectious or catchable. 

How to alleviate it (evidence-based): 
Treatment is matched to severity and impact. Topicals (corticosteroids; vitamin D analogues; combinations) help many. Phototherapy (narrow-band UVB; PUVA) is effective for widespread plaques. For moderate–severe disease, systemic agents (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin) or biologics (targeting TNF-α/IL-12/23/17/23 pathways) can achieve clear or almost clear skin; they’re often life-changing when monitored and selected appropriately. Joint AAD–NPF guidelines describe when to escalate, monitor comorbidities, and combine therapies. Work with your clinician to identify triggers and build a safe, sustainable plan. 

References: Psoriasis: AAD–NPF guidelines; NPF treatment guidelines; NICE CG153; AAD phototherapy guidance. 

4) Rosacea  

What it is: 
A chronic facial condition with flushing, persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and/or acne-like bumps; eyes can be involved (ocular rosacea), and some develop thickening of nasal skin (phymatous). 

How it’s caused: 
The exact cause is complex—abnormal vascular reactivity and neuroimmune factors are implicated; Demodex mites may contribute for some. Importantly, rosacea is not contagious. Typical personal triggers include sun exposure, spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, extreme temperatures, and stress—these vary person to person. 

Is it contagious? 
No. 

How to alleviate it (evidence-based): 
Start with gentle skincare and daily sun protection. Identifying and avoiding your own triggers is key (a diary helps). For inflammatory bumps, effective topicals include azelaic acid, metronidazole, and ivermectin; low-dose oral doxycycline may be added. Persistent facial redness can respond to brimonidine/oxymetazoline (topical vasoconstrictors) or laser/light therapies delivered by trained clinicians. Ocular symptoms need eye care input. An AAD-style plan combines skincare, triggers, medication, and (when needed) devices. 

References: Rosacea: AAD overview & treatment; DermNet overview; AAFP 2024 Q&A. 

5) Non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma & Squamous cell carcinoma) 

What they are: 
These are the most common cancers of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tends to grow locally and rarely spreads; cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can occasionally spread, especially on high-risk sites or in immunosuppressed people. Early recognition and treatment are usually curative. 

How they’re caused: 
The main driver is ultraviolet (UV) radiation damaging DNA over time (sun or tanning beds). Risk increases with fair skin, cumulative sun exposure, sunburns, older age, and immunosuppression. Prevention is powerful: cover up with UPF 50+ clothing and use broad-spectrum SPF 50+, seek shade, and wear a hat such as a UPF 50+ sun hat and sunglasses—especially when the UV index is 3 or higher. 

Are they contagious? 
No—cancer isn’t contagious. 

How to alleviate it / what to do: 
If you have a non-healing spot, new growth, scaly patch, or sore that bleeds, see a clinician for assessment/biopsy. Common treatments include surgical excision and, in the right scenarios, Mohs micrographic surgery (precise, tissue-sparing removal with immediate margin control). Some superficial lesions can be treated with cryotherapy, topicals, or photodynamic therapy—the choice depends on cancer type, size, site, and risk. Follow-up skin checks and sun protection reduce future risk. 

References: Non-melanoma skin cancer (BCC/SCC): AAD BCC guideline; DermNet cutaneous SCC; Mayo Clinic BCC treatment; Mohs appropriate-use criteria. 

6) Melanoma 

What it is: 
The most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread beyond the skin. Early melanomas are very treatable; advanced disease may require complex care. 

How it’s caused: 
In Australia, the majority of melanomas are linked to UV exposure. Risk rises with a history of intense sunburns, lots of moles (especially atypical ones), fair skin, and family history. Australia has among the highest melanoma rates in the world, which is why prevention and early detection are national priorities. 

Is it contagious? 
No—melanoma (and cancer in general) isn’t transmissible. 

How to alleviate it / what to do: 
Prevent and detect early. Practise the five SunSmart steps (Slip on protective clothing like UPF 50+ clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brim hat like our wide brim sun hats, Seek shade, Slide on sunglasses), and check your skin regularly. See a professional promptly for any new or changing spot; the ABCDE signs and “ugly duckling” rule can help you notice changes. Treatment typically starts with surgical removal; depending on stage and pathology, additional staging tests, immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be discussed by your specialist team. 

References: Melanoma & prevention: Melanoma Institute Australia facts; Cancer Council SunSmart “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide”; Melanoma Patients Australia early detection. 

When to seek care (and a gentle reminder)
• Any new, changing, or non-healing spot warrants a medical review—especially if it’s different from your other moles.
• Severe acne, rapidly worsening rashes, painful lesions, eye symptoms with rosacea, or any suspected skin cancer should be assessed promptly by your GP or a dermatologist. 

Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and does not replace medical advice. If you have a persistent rash, troublesome acne, or any changing/new spot (especially one that looks different from others), book an appointment with your GP or a board-certified dermatologist. Early assessment makes a real difference.