Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Can Be Mistaken For Psoriasis

Diagnosing Nummular Eczema And Ringworm

Psoriasis Diagnosis

Youll need to see your doctor for a diagnosis of either condition.

Its best to have nummular eczema diagnosed by a dermatologist. A doctor specializing in skin conditions or even your primary care doctor can help determine a treatment plan and rule out other conditions.

Nummular eczema is diagnosed with a physical exam. A doctor can usually make a diagnosis by looking at the skin. Nummular eczema is most prominent in these areas of the body:

  • legs
  • arms
  • torso

If you have open sores within any of the rashes, your doctor may take a sample to see if you have an infection. This is especially important if your symptoms look like ringworm.

A sample can help them determine if you have a staph infection from eczema, or if its a fungal infection related to ringworm.

Red, circular rashes on the skin are a telltale sign of ringworm, but your doctor may also test a sample to confirm. Theyll look for signs of a fungal infection. If the fungal test is negative, then you dont have ringworm.

Once you have an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can explain treatment options.

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What Causes Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis

While no one knows the exact cause of psoriasis or PsA, experts believe that a faulty immune system is partly to blame. Specifically, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells and joints, causing the inflammation, swelling, and pain characteristic of psoriatic disease.

Genetics plays a part, too: Often will have other family members with psoriatic disease, says Dr. Haberman. In fact, roughly 40 percent of people with PsA have at least one close family member with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Research is still ongoing, however, and its not clear whether having a family history of psoriasis alone increases PsA risk.

Obesity is also a common risk factor for people with psoriasis and PsA. According to a 2019 study in the journal Medicine, roughly 40 percent of people with psoriasis are obese. While it is unknown why obesity is so strongly linked to psoriatic diseases, we do know that obesity is associated with the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, says Dr. Haberman. It may be that this underlying inflammatory environment helps predispose the body to the development of psoriasis and PsA, she says.

Other risk factors for psoriasis include:

  • Family history
  • Viral and bacterial infections
  • Stress
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption

Read more here about psoriatic arthritis risk factors.

Diagnosing Psoriasis And Psa

Unfortunately, theres no one simple diagnostic test to check for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. This means your doctor will need to make a clinical diagnosis, which requires taking into account your symptoms, risk factors, as well as the results of bloodwork and X-rays or other imaging scans to assess any joint involvement.

During the physical exam, your doctor might look for signs of psoriasis on the elbows and knees as well as less visible places like the scalp, belly button, intergluteal cleft, palms of hands, and soles of feet. Theyll also check for any fingernail or toenail abnormalities, like pitting or ridging, as well as swollen fingers or toes .

The presence of dactylitis and finger and toenail changes are evidence of psoriasis that can be used to aid in the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis if there is no evidence of skin disease, says Dr. Haberman.

Here are some common steps used to diagnose psoriasis and PsA:

  • A medical exam to discuss family history, risk factors, and symptoms
  • Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and antibodies , which can help rule out other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
  • Imaging tests to detect any joint damage, dislocation of small or large joints, disfiguration , new bone formation, and inflammation in the enthesis
  • Skin biopsy of a skin plaque, if you have previously undiagnosed psoriasis

Read Also: Is Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis Related

Patches Of Skin That Look Pink Or Red And Scaly With A Silver Coloring On Top

They may feel itchy or sore, and it almost looks like the skin has been burned or injured. If you try to uncover one of the plaques, youll get some pinpoint bleeding due to enlarged blood vessels, says Rhonda Q. Klein, MD, MPH, a dermatologist at Connecticut Dermatology Group. And these patches tend to be symmetricalin other words, if they show up on one side of the body, youll often see a mirror image of the patches on the other side of the body.

Is It Psoriasis Or Something Else

What can be mistaken for Psoriasis?  ITCHY

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?

Also Check: What Oil Is Good For Scalp Psoriasis

What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider

If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:

  • How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
  • What medication will work best for me?
  • What else should I do to improve symptoms?
  • What are my options if creams dont work?
  • Will psoriasis ever go away?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.

References

Who Gets Nail Psoriasis

After developing a type of psoriasis on your skin, its common for psoriasis to affect the nails. Nail psoriasis becomes more common with age. Its also more common if youve had psoriasis on your skin for some time or have severe psoriasis.

Signs of nail psoriasis include tiny dents in your nails , discoloration under one or more nails, and a nail lifting away from the nail bed so that its no longer completely attached. Some people have a buildup of skin under one or more of their nails, which can also cause a nail to lift up.

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Treatment For Pityriasis Rosea

It is not possible to make the rash disappear any faster, so treatment aims to manage the symptoms. Options may include:

  • Avoid using soap as this can irritate the rash.
  • Bathe using plain water or some kind of moisturiser, such as bath oil.
  • Steroid creams can be used to help reduce itching.
  • Oral antihistamines may help in cases of severe itching.
  • Mild moisturising creams can be applied generously and often.
  • Some cases may respond to ultraviolet light, so mild sunshine may be beneficial. However, avoid sunburn and dont stay in the sun too long. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times.

Skin Conditions And Infections That Can Be Mistaken For Genital Psoriasis

Scalp Problems: Dandruff or Scalp Psoriasis

Thrush

Thrush is well known to be a condition that causes itchiness in the vaginal area, however this is usually limited to the vagina and labia, where Genital Psoriasis will normally be located on the upper thighs and buttocks. Unlike Genital Psoriasis, Thrush is also often associated with thick, white discharge , and pain when urinating.

Eczema

Eczema is very easy to mistake for Psoriasis, as many of their symptoms overlap. These include dry, sensitive, itchy skin that can appear red, inflamed and scaly at times. The main main difference is that Psoriasis may also be painful, or cause burning and stinging sensations, whereas Eczema will sometimes cause intense itching to the point that you may make yourself bleed from scratching.

Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as Jock Itch in the genital area, is a fungal infection that will usually cause a rash that may appear red, silver, or darker than your natural skin tone, and is scaly, dry, and itchy. Unlike Genital Psoriasis, Ringworm can be transmitted to another person via close contact and infected objects. As symptoms of Ringworm are so similar to those of Genital Psoriasis, it is recommended to consult a GP if you think you may have these symptoms to avoid spreading the infection.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis Scales On Scalp

Some Regular Treatments That Can Lead To Treatment For Psoriasis Are

  • Light therapy
  • Immune therapies
  • Steroid medications or creams

Talking about creams, you can definitely opt for one of the best psoriatic creams in India, Nygelis. It is manufactured by none other than Aldan HealthCare,Top Dermatology Pharmaceutical Companies In India.

Nygelis Gel Cream is designed to help in the treatment of psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.

It can aid in the relief of rashes or red, inflamed skin patches. Also, it has antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation. It can help with itchy, sore skin that cracks or bleeds.

For your preference, the product comes in form of ointment tubes as well as tablets. Do choose it as per your use.

However, if you still have any other query or want to know more about can you have psoriasis without scales, write us in the comment box.

Are Shingles And Eczema Contagious

Shingles is highly contagious to those who are not immune to the virus. Shingles can be transmitted through direct contact with sores, but a person who contracts shingles from an affected person will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

If you have shingles, in order to reduce transmission of shingles to others, ensure your rash is well covered, avoid scratching and touching the rash, wash your hands often, and avoid contact with at-risk people like pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and premature or low-weight babies.

Eczema, on the other hand, is not contagious and cannot be passed on from person to person. It is important to note if the rash becomes infected then the infection is contagious.

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Shampoos And Scalp Medications

For the scalp, products that you apply directly to the scalp are a good starting point. Medicated salicylic acid and coal tar shampoos are over the counter. If those dont work, prescription topicals are available.

Medicines meant for use on the scalp usually come in shampoo, liquid, or foams, for easier application through your hair. Leave-on products work better than shampoos, but they might not be practical for styled hair.

Some common topical prescription medicines for psoriasis are below.

Topical steroids

When you first see a doctor for scalp psoriasis, youll probably get a prescription for a topical steroid. Steroids work quickly to calm inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms. Unfortunately, psoriasis tends to flare when you stop using them, and its not safe to keep using topical steroids continuously. Side effects of topical steroids can include:

  • Thinning of the skin

  • Infections

  • Glaucoma

To avoid this, your doctor might rotate your treatment or have you alternate medications. Topical steroids commonly prescribed for psoriasis include:

There is data that the combination works better than either one alone. But since these products contain betamethasone, there is a risk of steroid side effects if you use them continuously for too long.

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed And Treated

What is Psoriasis? Explained in 2021

Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases , so a dermatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is , or the location . Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs . Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs .

Psoriatic disease may be treated with drugs or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.

Read Also: Can Econazole Nitrate Cream Be Used For Psoriasis

Ringworm: Fungal Infections Of The Skin And Nails

Tinea is a type of fungal infection that resembles some symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause the thick fingernails symptomatic of fungal nail infections, and both can cause red, itchy skin rashes. When tinea grows on your skin, it can cause a scaly, red skin rash that clears in the middle, called ringworm . Fungal infections of the skin and nails can be hard to treat. Antifungal medications work, but you may need to take them for a long time.

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What Can I Eat That Wont Give Me Heartburn While Pregnant

Soups, smoothies, yogurt, milkshakes, protein shakes, and puddings are good choices. Look for liquids that offer plenty of protein, such as milk and drinkable yogurt, and aim to make solids a little less so: chew solid foods slowly and extremely well, until theyre almost liquefied, Brandeis adds.

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What Psoriasis Patients Must Know About Psa

Surprisingly, many people with psoriasis dont even know about PsA and, for about 30 percent of patients, it takes more than five years to get diagnosed. This is partly because PsA can easily be misdiagnosed, especially if the person does not have psoriasis. In this case, it may be missed or mistaken for another type of inflammatory arthritis, says Dr. Haberman. If only one joint is involved, such a toe, it can be mistaken for gout.

A 2018 study conducted by our parent non-profit organization, the Global Healthy Living Foundation, found that 96 percent of people received at least one misdiagnosis prior to being diagnosed with PsA.

If you wait 10 years and just rationalize that maybe you hurt myself, by the time you see a physician and get diagnosed, youve accumulated years of disease and inflammation, and your doctor will need to use stronger drugs with potentially more side effects to get the symptoms under control, says Dr. Husni.

Adds Dr. Haberman: We know that a delay in diagnosis and treatment of as little as six months can lead to worse outcomes over the long term. We have great medications that can help, so see the rheumatologist so we can talk about the best treatment options. The earlier we treat, the better you will be.

Glycerin And Coconut Oil

What’s the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?

Research by the medical college of Georgia has proven that glycerin helps in skin cell maturation. A mixture of glycerin with coconut oil leads to an effective solution for psoriasis.

  • Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and glycerin
  • Mix it well and apply on the affected areas of your penis
  • Leave it on to dry completely
  • Repeat this procedure 2 times every day to clear the symptoms

This is the most common form, accounting for about 80 to 90% of cases.

Its symptoms are dry red skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in silver scales.

They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.

The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

Read Also: What Is The Best Ointment For Psoriasis

Arthritis Related To Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Arthritis can also be a co-occurring disease in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. This kind of arthritis, also a type of spondyloarthritis, is called enteropathic arthritis. The pattern of symptoms can be very similar to that of PsA, including asymmetric joint pain and lower back pain. Psoriasis can also co-occur in people with inflammatory bowel disease, which makes separating PsA from IBD-related arthritis even more confusing.

But usually people with IBD-related arthritis do not have the nail changes characteristic of PsA. The distal joints of the fingers the ones closest to the fingernails also tend to not be affected in IBD-related arthritis.

When To See A Doctor Or Healthcare Professional

Any skin symptoms that feel intense, excessive, or interrupt your sleep, work, or daily life deserve medical attention.

If you or your child has a rash or another skin condition that wont go away or gets worse, even with over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to evaluate it.

If you have an itchy, painful, or tender patch of skin that has red streaks, scabs, or yellow, oozing pus, or you begin to develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately.

These may be signs of an infection that could become life-threatening if left untreated.

If your itchy skin is accompanied by swelling or tingling in your face, tongue, throat, or lips, tightness in your chest, coughing, wheezig, or hoarse voice, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Also Check: What Is The Best Medicine For Psoriasis

Does Pregnancy Psoriasis Go Away

Its likely that any improvement you see in your psoriasis during pregnancy will go away after your baby is born. Usually, around 6-12 weeks after you give birth your psoriasis will go back to how it was before your baby was born. It probably wont get worse than it was before you got pregnant.

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