Skin Conditions Like Eczema And Psoriasis

Can Marijuana Help Treat Skin Conditions Like Eczema And Psoriasis

If youve visited my medical marijuana blog in the past, youve already seen my articles about using Cannabis to fight obesity, diabetes, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Cannabis has numerous medical applications, but heres one I havent covered until now: the treatment of chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. If youre living with a chronic skin disease and havent been able to find relief through conventional medications, Cannabis may be able to improve your symptoms and reduce your discomfort.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Eczema Seborrheic Dermatitis And Psoriasis

The flaking and itchy skin caused by eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis can be very uncomfortable and often leads to feeling self-conscious or alone during flare-ups. Fortunately, there is much you can do to tame these inflammatory skin conditions. It may take some trial and error, but chances are that you will find a strategy that works for you. This guide will help you understand your options. Youll learn about what causes these skin conditions typical symptoms of each how these conditions are diagnosed and treated and what you can do on your own to manage them.

Guttate Psoriasis: Small Red Spots

Guttate psoriasis the second most common type of psoriasis is characterized by multiple small, round red spots on the skin, usually widespread across the trunk and limbs. Often resulting from a bacterial or viral infection in children, such as strep throat, these spots come on suddenly and sometimes require oral medication or injections. Mild cases, however, may clear up without treatment.

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Treating Eczema And Psoriasis

Dr. Mikell and our team specialize in diagnosing rashes and chronic skin conditions. First, well perform a physical exam to determine the cause of your rashes. Then well recommend a treatment strategy for you. Its possible to have both eczema and psoriasis at the same time.

Neither eczema or psoriasis has a cure, but Dr. Mikell offers several treatment options that can reduce flare-ups and calm your skin. Common treatments for eczema include topical or oral corticosteroids and trigger avoidance. If you have psoriasis, UVB light therapy with XTRAC® may offer relief.

You dont have to live with painful, itchy rashes. Find out whats causing your discomfort and get a treatment plan thats tailored for you. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry today.

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Heat Rash: Sweating That Leads To Bumpy Red Skin

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that forms in the armpits and skin folds under breasts or in groin areas, making the skin red and shiny. Sweating makes this type of psoriasis worse. Heat rash also makes your skin red and forms in skin folds of the groin, breasts, and armpits. Heat rash occurs in hot, humid conditions. Sweating can cause your pores to get blocked and result in a bumpy, red skin rash that stings. Heat rash is more common in newborns, but can also affect older children and adults.

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A Life With Psoriasis

Although psoriasis comes and goes over time, its a lifelong condition. A lack of public understanding about psoriasis causes many people with this condition to feel isolated and ostracized.

But most people with psoriasis lead fulfilling, active lives. Here are some tips you can try to avoid psoriasis triggers.

Eczema Symptoms On The Other Hand Are Similar But Different

Eczema is really the collective name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is why when most people say eczema, they usually mean atopic dermatitis, Todd Minars, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at University of Miami School of Medicine, tells SELF.

The American Academy of Dermatology calls atopic dermatitis the itch that rashes to emphasize how uncomfortable this conditions characteristic dry, red, scaly patches can be.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can include:

• Dry, itchy patches of skin
• Small red-to-brownish-gray raised bumps
• Cracked or scaly skin

Contact dermatitis is another kind of eczema, which can be caused by coming into contact with an allergen or an irritating substance, such as solvents, poison ivy, and detergents, the AAD says. The reaction typically affects the part of the body that touched the irritant, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its symptoms are redness or rash, burning or swelling, and blisters that may weep or crust over.

Dyshidrotic eczema is yet another form of this condition. It appears as small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet, and may be triggered by stress, allergies, or exposure to metals like nickel and cobalt, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include pain, itching, redness, flaking, and scaly, cracked skin.

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Psoriasis On The Hands

Although many people have patches of psoriasis on the backs of their hands and knuckles, others have outbreaks on the palms.

Intense peeling and dry skin on the hands can make even simple actions, such as washing hands or picking up a bag, very painful and uncomfortable.

Psoriasis on the hands may also include nail psoriasis. This condition causes overactive skin cells to produce too many new cells under the nails. This can look like a fungal infection that discolors the nails and even causes them to fall off.

Eczema Dermatitis And Psoriasis Natural Medicine: Research

Brewers Yeast and Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Cannistra C, Finocchi V, Trivisonno A, Tambasco D. New perspectives in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: surgery and brewers yeast-exclusion diet. Surgery. 2013 154:1126-30. Brewers yeast-free diet for 12 months resulted in immediate stabilization of symptoms in all participants Skin lesions regressed over the treatment period all patients demonstrated an immediate recurrence of skin lesions following accidental or voluntary consumption of brewers yeast or wheat Increase in quality of life and activities

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Acne: Blocked Pores That Lead To Pimples

Some forms of psoriasis appear as pus-filled blisters that may be confused with pimples. Pustular psoriasis forms white blisters that are filled with pus and surrounded by red skin. Far more common than psoriasis, acne also causes a pus-filled pimple eruption. However unlike psoriasis acne is caused by excess oil, blocked pores, and bacteria. Acne is common in teens and young adults and occurs on the face, neck, back, or chest. Pustular psoriasis is usually seen in adults and can occur anywhere on the body, but less likely on the face.

When Do Psoriasis And Eczema Usually Appear

Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of 16 and 22, but it can happen at any age.

Eczema usually begins younger, appearing as early as 6 months of age. Although some people grow out of eczema, many people continue to have it throughout their life. Even if you have eczema for a long time, there may be periods when it gets better or worse.

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Treating Lupus Hives Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis With Medical Marijuana

Similar assessments have been made of the relationship between Cannabis and psoriasis, a dry, scaly skin rash that produces symptoms like redness, itching, peeling, and flaking. Some psoriasis patients also experience joint pain and stiffness, which are indicators of a psoriasis-related inflammatory disease called psoriatic arthritis, or PsA.

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that Cannabinoids, having anti-inflammatory properties, work to inhibit the proliferation of skin cells called keratinocytes, which play a role in causing psoriasis. Based on these findings, the study concluded that there is a potential role for Cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis. In fact, our neighbor Connecticut added severe psoriasis and PsA to its list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana earlier this year after both conditions were recommended for inclusion by Connecticuts Medical Marijuana Program Board of Physicians.

When To See A Doctor

If you or a loved one are experiencing itchiness, patches, inflammation, or redness of the skin, its a good idea to get it checked out by doctor. A dermatologist can examine the skin and give you the correct diagnosis as well as the right treatment to help control the condition so you can live with minimal symptoms.

If you are looking for a doctor to treat dermatology conditions for you and your family, call the Childrens Skin Center. Dr. Ana M. Duarte is an expert in pediatric and adult dermatology and treats a variety of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Call 669-6555 to make an appointment today. You can also request an appointment online.

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Can You Treat Eczema And Psoriasis The Same Way

Some of the medications that are used to treat psoriasis may help treat eczema and vice versa. This doesnt necessarily mean that theres a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for both conditions though. A dermatologist can help you find a treatment plan that will work best for you based on your individual symptoms and medical history.

Is It Psoriasis Or Something Else

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S. Yet, many people dont know what it is or even what it looks like, because psoriasis symptoms can resemble more than 50 other diseases, such as eczema, lupus and rosacea. So, how do you know if you have psoriasis or a similar-looking condition?

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Tips For Getting The Right Diagnosis

For the best chance of getting the right diagnosis, a person should make sure they give an accurate history when a doctor or dermatologist asks. The more information a medical professional has to work with, the more likely they are to diagnose a persons illness correctly.

This is especially important with skin conditions such as psoriasis. A medical professional will typically rely on both a history and a visual assessment to work out what a persons skin condition is. A visual assessment alone may not be enough.

If a person is unsure about their diagnosis, they can request further diagnostic tests. This may involve speaking to a dermatologist, who might use dermoscopy or recommend a skin biopsy.

A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of the skin and sending it to a lab for testing.

What Are Some Of The Symptoms

With both diseases, most patients experience severe itching that can be intense and interfere significantly with everyday life. Psoriasis appears in large sections of the skin, sometimes on elbows and knees, and is thick. It can also be accompanied by painful arthritis. Eczema occurs in the areas where the elbows and knees bend, but it can also be on your wrist, face and scalp. It creates dark, scaly, oozing skin that is not as thick as psoriasis.

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More Than A Dry Spell

Read Time: 3 minutes

For some, dry skin can be caused by harsh weather, soaps, or even water. This is nothing a little moisturizer cant fix. But for others, dry skin could be the result of a more severe condition. Eczema and psoriasis are the main culprits. Each condition has specific characteristics and needs special care. So how can one tell the difference?

Conditions That Can Look Like Eczema But Arent

Evan Starkman Brunilda Nazario, MD

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that can make your skin irritated, inflamed, and itchy. Your doctor may call it atopic dermatitis, which is also the most common type of eczema. Youâre more likely to get eczema when youâre a child, but adults can get it, too.

The symptoms you have and where they show up on your body vary from person to person. You might have one or more of these signs:

• Red patches on white skin
• Gray or violet-brown patches on dark skin
• Oozing or crusty skin from scratching
• Swelling

Several health problems can bring on similar symptoms, so itâs important to talk to your doctor, a dermatologist, or an allergist to find out whatâs going on with your skin. They might tell you that you have one of these conditions that looks like eczema but isnât:

Psoriasis. This long-term condition is partly due to your immune system attacking your skin by mistake. Both psoriasis and eczema can bring on symptoms like:

• Red, scaly patches
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itching

Eczema patches tend to be thinner than psoriasis patches. Another difference: Fluid can ooze from your skin with eczema.

Scabies. This contagious condition happens when tiny bugs called mites burrow into the top layer of your skin and lay eggs. You might have symptoms like bad itching and a rash that looks like pimples. Like eczema, you could also get scaly-looking patches.

Acne. This skin condition can take several forms, including:

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Learning The Differences Between Eczema And Psoriasis

• Psoriasis causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches, commonly in areas like the elbows and knees. It is common to see psoriasis on the face, buttocks, and scalp of a child. Youll also commonly see thick patches of skin with overlying redness.

• Eczema tends to appear in the crooks of the knees and the elbows.

• Children who have psoriasis tend to have mild itching. In eczema, the itching can be intense.

• There are many ways for a dermatologist to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis, including what one sees on the skin, the amount of itch, and where the disease appears on the skin.

Bhujangasana Or Cobra Pose:

This pose requires you to stretch your chest area, thereby improving your breathing. When you have good intake of oxygen, you get a better circulation. It eliminates toxins and free radicals as well. This yoga pose is also useful in regulating hormones. This way, this yoga asana is useful in a range of skin problems like premature aging, psoriasis, rosacea and sunburns.

How to Do It

Lie on your stomach. The legs should be stretched out and feet facing down. Place your elbows by your side and lift your chest. The body weight should be on the elbows. Inhale deeply, and exhale strongly.

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Uttanasana Or Padahastasana Hasta Padasana Standing Forward Bend:

This yoga pose improves the blood circulation to the face, head and neck. It relaxes the facial muscles and balance out the hormones. This way, it gives you a healthy skin.

How to Do It:

Stand straight. The hands must be on the hips. Inhale. Bend your hip as you exhale. Place hands on the floor beside the feet. Feet should be parallel to each other. Push the torso forward as you stretch and raise the tailbone. Hold for a few seconds. Back to the starting position.

What Causes Psoriasis Vs Eczema

These two skin problems have different causes and can appear in different stages of your life. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans, according to the AAD. It happens when the skin cells go through their life cycle more quickly than normal. Typically, it takes about a month for skin cells to regenerate, but in people with psoriasis, this process happens every three to four days, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Psoriasis typically strikes when someone is between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, but it can affect anyone at any age. What we do know is that psoriasis is immune-mediated, meaning there is some imbalance in the immune system, which leads to inflamed skin, dermatologist and National Psoriasis Foundation medical board member Jashin Wu, M.D., tells SELF. It tends to run in families, but there may not be straightforward patterns of inheritance. One well-known trigger is strep throat infections, but not all new cases of psoriasis result from strep throat.

Eczema is much more common than psoriasis. According to the most recent estimate available, more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.

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What Does Psoriasis Look Like

Red or silvery scales on the skin are typical features that distinguish psoriasis from atopic dermatitis. The most common type, plaque psoriasis, begins as small red round bumps that grow larger and form a scale. Scratching can pull the scales off the skin and result in bleeding.

Psoriatic rash or patches can erupt anywhere on the skin, sometimes all over the body . However, the common areas are as follows:

What’s The Difference Between Eczema And Psoriasis

• Children get eczema. They can also get psoriasis.

• While more children develop eczema than psoriasis, almost 1% of children have psoriasis.

• Its not always easy to tell whether a child has eczema or psoriasis. A study conducted in Australia found that most children who had psoriasis were initially diagnosed by their primary care doctor as having another disease, often eczema.

• To a dermatologists trained eye, psoriasis and eczema tend to look quite different.

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Skin Problems: Acne Eczema Dermatitis Psoriasis And Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Skin problems like acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa are all inflammatory skin conditions that are often related to:

Steroid creams that suppress the immune system often offer temporary relief, but we prefer to address the reason why the immune system is creating this excessive inflammation in your skin.

One of our naturopathic doctors can help you determine the root cause of your skin problems. She will then put together an individualized treatment plan to help you remove food sensitivities, cleanse your gut and restore healthy gut ecology, reduce skin inflammation, restore nutrients, and advise you on the correct diet for you.

By Dr. Pamela Frank, Naturopathic Doctor, updated Jan. 6, 2020