Health Info > Skin Conditions Published on : January 2, 2025

6 Common skin conditions in Australia with prevention tips

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Written by editorial staff writer at Hola.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mark Mellor, FRACGP DCH MBChB BSc

With its bright, sun-soaked landscapes and unique weather, Australians are prone to numerous skin disorders that environmental factors can exacerbate. The year-round sunshine in Australia increases the risk of certain skin conditions. The risk of developing these can be reduced with appropriate care. Research shows that four in ten (38.1%) people aged 15 years and over used SPF30 or higher sunscreen on most days in late spring and summer of 2023-24. Let’s explore some of the most common skin conditions in Australia and discuss practical prevention tips to help keep your skin healthy and happy all year round.

1. Acne:

While acne is commonly linked to adolescence, it is also prevalent in adults, especially young adults. Some people find their acne flares during the summer whilst others may see improvements.

Causes: Acne is caused by blocked pores from excessive oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Hormonal changes (during pregnancy, menstruation, or puberty) and stress can also lead to acne breakouts.
Symptoms: Acne commonly appears as blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples on the face, chest, or back. In severe cases, nodules and cysts can occur, which can be painful and disfiguring.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid washing your face too often and using soaps
- Avoid picking and squeezing spots
- Manage stress and focus on mental wellbeing
- Eat healthily and keep active

Also read: Red spots on skin: causes & when to worry?

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2. Skin cancer:

Skin cancer is common in Australia around 2 out of 3 Australians developing it at some point during their lifetime. The risk of skin cancer is associated with exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Causes: Skin cancer can be caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight or tanning devices. UV rays harm the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that may develop into skin cancer over time.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of skin cancer include new or changing moles, growths, or lesions on the skin. They may be irregular in shape, be discoloured, or have uneven edges. Pain, itching, or bleeding may also be present in some cases.
Prevention tips:
- Wear sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants when outside.
- Use a sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) when the UV index is above 3. Apply it 20 minutes before exposure and re-apply it every two hours, particularly after swimming or exercising.
- Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation starts to peak.
- Regularly check your skin and seek medical advice if you observe any changes in your skin.

3. Sunburn:

Sunburn is a concern in Australia, especially in the summer. It happens when the skin is overly exposed to UV radiation, leading to inflammation which causes pain, redness, and sometimes blisters. Frequent sunburns may cause lasting damage to the skin, elevating the risk of skin cancer.

Causes: Sunburn occurs when the skin absorbs too much UV radiation from the sun, leading to inflammation and injury to the skin’s outer layer.
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, and occasional blisters are common symptoms. The skin may feel hot, and peeling may happen as it recovers.
Prevention tips:
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above generously to exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside and reapply frequently.
- Protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves may also be needed.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m when the UV index is at its highest.

Common skin conditions in Australia

4. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects a significant portion of the Australian population.

Causes: Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition often triggered by environmental factors such as allergens (like pollen or pet dander) or irritants (such as certain soaps or fabrics). Other triggers include stress, hot weather and sun exposure.
Symptoms: pink, itchy and scaly patches on the skin which may crack or bleed when scratched. Eczema can occur anywhere, and the skin may feel dry and sandpapery, particularly around the backs of knees and inside of elbows.
Prevention tips:
- Avoid exposure to soaps, detergents, or fabrics known to trigger eczema.
- Wear soft, breathable clothes that allow the skin to breathe rather than tight-fitting synthetic garments.
- Stress management may be an important factor for eczema prevention and management.

Also read: Understanding eczema – types, causes, symptoms, And treatment

5. Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes rapid skin cell production. Psoriasis is common with around one 2.3 to 6.6% of Australians having the condition.

Causes: Psoriasis is an immune system disorder where immune system cells trigger the rapid maturation of new skin cells. This results in salmon pink, scaly patches across the body. Psoriasis is sometimes triggered by stress, infections, skin injuries, and some medications.
Symptoms: Symptoms include dense, rough, pink/red patches on the skin. Areas commonly affected include the scalp and fronts of the knees or back of the elbows.

6. Melasma:

Melasma is a skin condition characterised by dark pigmented patches on the skin, typically on the face. It is more common in women and during pregnancy, when using contraceptive pills, and with sun exposure.

Causes: Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin, linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy or the use of contraceptive medications. Sunlight exposure will enhance the appearance of melasma, particularly in individuals with darker skin.
Symptoms: Melasma appears as brown or greyish patches, commonly on the face affecting cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip.
Prevention tips:
- Minimise sun exposure - sunscreen with a high SPF and protective clothing will help.
- Options for treatment are varied. Simple skin-lightening products to mask dark patches may help.

When to consult a doctor?

Some common skin conditions found in Australia are eczema, acne, psoriasis and sun-related damage such as skin burns or skin cancer. Less severe and milder cases like mild acne or dryness can usually be self-managed with over-the-counter products and good skin care. Seek a medical opinion with your doctor if you experience any of the following red flag symptoms:

Any rash that persists and won’t go away, causes pain or starts to bleed or cause skin swelling.
Any mole (pigmented skin lesion) that you are not sure about, undergoes change or starts to bleed or cause pain.
Acne that causes distress or scarring.

Given Australia’s high UV exposure, regular skin checks are crucial for early detection of skin cancer, especially if you notice unusual skin changes.

How can telehealth with an online doctor help?

Telehealth doctor provides easy and quick access to healthcare, especially for non-emergent problems. For skin conditions, you can talk to a doctor from home, cutting travelling and wait time. Online doctors can look at visible symptoms through video calls or pictures, providing treatment plans and prescriptions if needed.

Telehealth consultations: Speak with a qualified online doctor from the comfort of your home through secure telehealth appointments
Online prescriptions: Receive instant scripts for your medication, without needing to visit a clinic. Also have your medicines delivered through online pharmacy delivery at your convenient time.
Medical certificates: Obtain a valid medical certificate online for work or school without stepping out of your home, whether it is for same day or multiple days doctors certificate.
Doctor referrals: Access online referrals to specialists and diagnostic services, saving time and effort.

In conclusion

Telehealth is, therefore, ideal for managing light conditions like acne, eczema, or rashes and of course, discussing ongoing problems such as chronic skin conditions. It will also help with check-ups and medication reviews. For urgent needs such as suspicious moles and infections, an online doctor can take immediate steps to address the concern while ensuring a timely referral to a specialist if needed.

Proper skin care is essential in Australia. You can prevent many common skin concerns by shielding yourself from the sun, using suitable skincare, and watching over your skin's health. Stay safe, stay wise, and keep your skin glowing!

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Reference

Australian Bureau of Statistics - reference link
Cancer Council NSW - reference link
Eczema - reference link
Wiley Online Library - reference link

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