The first step in any successful treatment is diagnosis. With over 2,000 different skin diseases, it takes the specialized training of a dermatologist to accurately diagnose, and then effectively treat, the condition.

If you suffer with an as-yet-undiagnosed skin condition, our comprehensive Self-Assess Your Skin Tool can help you narrow down the field and glean some insight into possible conditions prior to a dermatology appointment.

Here are some common conditions to watch for:

Acne: It is one of the most common of all skin problems. Caused by an increase in the production of hormones, acne affects most teenagers and even many adults.

Rosacea: Characterized by constant facial flushing, or redness, rosacea is often mistaken for adult acne or sunburn. It is much more common in people with fair complexions.

Melasma: It manifests itself as darker patches on cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. Usually caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, melasma is more common in people with light brown skin, especially Hispanics and Asians.

Dermatitis: An umbrella term for certain itch, red, inflamed skin conditions. There are many types of dermatitis, the most common being eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis

Psoriasis: A disorder in which skin grows and replaces itself too rapidly, causing a buildup of red, thickened areas with silvery scales that flake off easily. Psoriasis usually develops on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back — and often appears in the same place on both sides of the body.