Bono, his Sunglasses and Glaucoma
April 3, 2026
Bono, his sunglasses and glaucoma The U2 lead singer wears dark glasses due to a chronic eye condition that makes his eyes super sensitive to light. Speaking on BBC1’s Graham Norton show, in 201...
A Guide to Identifying Rashes, Infections, and Skin Emergencies
Understanding your skin is the first step toward effective treatment. Below are the 10 most common skin conditions, their symptoms, and the specific “red flags” that tell you it’s time to consult a professional.
Acne is caused by blocked pores involving oil, bacteria, and dead skin.
Symptoms: Blackheads, whiteheads, and painful cysts on the face or body.
When to see a doctor: Consult a GP or dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments fail after 3 months, or if you develop deep, painful cysts that may lead to permanent scarring.
An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles.
Symptoms: Sudden, smooth, circular patches of hair loss.
When to see a doctor: See a doctor as soon as you notice patches of hair loss to rule out underlying conditions like thyroid disease or iron deficiency.
A chronic condition that results in a compromised, dry, and itchy skin barrier.
Symptoms: Red, scaly, and itchy skin, often in the creases of the elbows or knees.
When to see a doctor: Seek advice if the itching prevents you from sleeping, or if the skin starts to “weep” yellow fluid, which is a sign of a secondary bacterial infection.
A deep bacterial infection of the skin that requires urgent intervention.
Symptoms: A red, hot, swollen area of skin that feels painful or tender.
When to see a doctor: Seek emergency care immediately if the redness is spreading rapidly, if you develop a high fever, or if you see red streaks extending from the affected area.
A common fungal infection that thrives in damp, communal environments.
Symptoms: Itching, stinging, and cracked skin between the toes.
When to see a doctor: See a pharmacist first; however, consult a doctor if the infection does not clear with antifungal cream or if you have diabetes, as foot infections carry higher risks.
An autoimmune disease that speeds up skin cell production, creating thick “plaques.” Kim Kardashian has psoriasis.
Symptoms: Thick red patches covered in silvery scales.
When to see a doctor: Consult a physician if your skin patches become painful, or if you develop joint pain and stiffness, which could indicate psoriatic arthritis.
A painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus that travels along a nerve path.
Symptoms: A blistering, burning rash typically appearing on one side of the face or body.
When to see a doctor: See a doctor within 72 hours of the rash appearing; early antiviral treatment significantly reduces the risk of long-term nerve pain.
The abnormal growth of skin cells, usually due to sun damage.
Symptoms: New moles, sores that won’t heal, or changes in existing spots.
When to see a doctor: Book an urgent appointment if a mole follows the ABCDE rules (Asymmetric, irregular Borders, multiple Colours, Diameter >6mm, or Evolving/changing).
Radiation damage to the skin from UV exposure.
Symptoms: Red, hot, and peeling skin.
When to see a doctor: Seek medical help if you develop widespread blistering, a high fever, headache, or confusion (signs of heatstroke or sun poisoning).
Small, benign skin growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Symptoms: Grainy bumps on hands (warts) or hard, flat growths on the soles of feet (verrucas).
When to see a doctor: Consult a professional if the growth is painful, bleeds, changes appearance, or if you are immunocompromised and notice multiple growths.
Urticaria (Hives): See a doctor if welts are accompanied by swelling of the lips or tongue (Anaphylaxis risk).
Rosacea: See a dermatologist if facial redness causes eye irritation or thickening of the skin. Donald Trump has rosacea.
Vitiligo: Consult a GP for a diagnosis and to discuss light therapy or camouflage creams.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: See a doctor if your fingers turn blue/white and become painful or develop sores.
Dactylitis: Seek medical advice if you have “sausage-like” swelling in a finger or toe, as this is a key sign of underlying inflammatory arthritis.
Most skin conditions can be managed effectively if caught early. Always keep a close eye on “spreading” redness, fever, or changing moles.
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