Eczema Vs Psoriasis Elbow
Fungal Skin Infection Causes. An overgrowth of the fungus Candida is the cause of yeast infections. Candidal infections commonly occur in warm, moist body areas, such as the underarms or where skin folds over itself like breast/chest skin. Usually, the skin effectively blocks yeast, but any skin breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate and infect.
What Are The Treatment Options For Plaque Psoriasis
Learning about these different options can help you partner with your doctor to find the right treatment for you. Common treatments for plaque psoriasis include:
- Topicalscreams, ointments, foams, or gels that are applied directly to plaques
- a form of light therapy in which UV rays shine directly onto your plaques
- Systemic medicationstaken orally or by injection to work from inside the body, not just on the skin
- Biologic medicationsgenerally taken by injection, they target certain parts of the immune system
A Flaking Scalp And Skin Are Some Of The Most Frustrating Symptoms Of Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis Heres How To Stop Shedding
It can be enough of a challenge to deal with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis flare-ups the physical appearance and itchy discomfort of psoriasis plaques is upsetting and frustrating for patients. But when psoriasis plaques begin to build up and flake off the skin, leaving behind dandruff-like evidence of the condition on your clothes and surroundings, it can make things even worse. Many patients feel like flaking adds to the stigma they already experience, in part because it calls more attention to the disease from others.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cell buildup that appears as red, scaly, itchy patches on your skin and scalp that can burn and sting. These plaques can also become so thick and dry that they start to flake off the skin in large, silver-toned scales. When it happens on your scalp, it can look like severe dandruff. Research shows that about half of psoriasis patients experience scalp psoriasis, though some estimates say that 90 percent of patients will deal with scalp psoriasis at some point. Sometimes psoriasis plaques on your body shed their scales, too. In one study, doctors rated flaking, along with itch, as one of the most physically bothersome symptoms in their psoriasis patients.
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Does Psoriasis Worsen With Age
While psoriasis may get better or worse depending on different environmental factors, it doesnt get worse with age. Obesity and stress are two possible components that lead to psoriasis flares. However, the severity of your psoriasis is ultimately determined by your genetics.
Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.
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Common Types Of Psoriasis
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.
Can I Prevent Flare
According to Dr. Wofford, Prevention is an essential part of your scalp psoriasis treatment plan. Each patient will have different triggers that may lead to flare-ups, so the first step toward preventing scalp psoriasis is learning these triggers. I encourage my patients to take a few minutes to note their skin condition as well as any external factors that may have triggered a flare-up. So, patients should make a note of the day, when/how they noticed the symptoms, severity of the flare-up, weather, activities, and other factors that may impact skin health. By tracking these details during flare-ups, patients can begin to recognize contributing factors and avoid potential triggers.
If you notice scalp psoriasis symptoms, you can also take some steps to reduce the severity of your flare-up. First and foremost, avoid scratching or peeling your flaking skin. This can cause irritation, inflammation, wounds that may lead to infection, and hair loss. Instead, massage the scalp while washing your hair. Then, gently comb or brush the clean hair to remove flakes. Using a leave-in conditioner, shea butter, aloe vera, or other moisturizer applied directly to the scalp after cleaning can also help to alleviate symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Colloidal oatmeal baths, frequently recommended to address psoriasis itch on the body, can also help to relieve itching of the scalp.
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Guttate Psoriasis And Similar Conditions
Guttate psoriasis is easy to mistake for other common conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea, is a type of skin condition involving the oil-producing glands found in the face, scalp, chest, groin, and upper back. Seborrheic dermatitis often results in rashes and lesions in these areas. Lesions tend to be undefined in shape and pink with yellow-brown scales.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is another skin condition noted by a rash and patches of dry skin. However, eczema tends to be limited to the back of the knees or the insides of the elbows.
Dandruff is easy to mistake for psoriasis on the scalp. Dandruff is a form of seborrhea relegated to the scalp. It produces fine, greasy scales all over the head. Guttate psoriasis rarely affects only the scalp.
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How Do You Treat Psoriasis On The Hands
Treatments are aimed at relief of symptoms of psoriasis on the hands, though there is no cure.
Treatments for other types of psoriasis such as TNF-alpha inhibitors including infliximab and adalimumab may trigger palmoplantar pustulosis and are generally not prescribed.
Topical treatments mild psoriasis on the hands may include:
- Emollients
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What Are Psoriasis Flare
One feature of psoriasis is that its recurring, often seasonally. Other times, the appearance or reappearance of your psoriasis symptoms can be unpredictable, with patterns or triggers changing over time. When your symptoms suddenly reappear or worsen, these are called flare-ups.
You may not have to suffer every time one occurs. Working with your doctor can help you make lifestyle choices to better manage flare-ups.
Ready to talk to your dermatologist? Learn about your options: Psoriasis Treatments
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.
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What Do Psoriasis And Eczema Look Like
Signs and symptoms of psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis appears as thick, raised, red patches on the skin that are covered with white scales made of old, dead skin cells. These plaques can be itchy and painful. They can also crack and bleed.
Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin, but it usually shows up on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. Other forms of psoriasis can occur on the genitals or in your skin folds, like in your armpits . Psoriasis can also just involve the hands and feet .
Up to 35% of people with psoriasis also have nail changes related to psoriasis. This includes:
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Small pits or holes in the nail
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Yellow or brown nail color
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Thickening of the nail
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Changes to the nail shape
There are several other serious health problems that can be more likely if you have psoriasis. Some of the more common issues include:
Signs and symptoms of eczema
Eczema appears as red, dry patches of skin that are very itchy. Some people with eczema scratch these areas a lot, which can lead to bleeding and thick or leathery skin. Unlike psoriasis, eczema can become infected with bacteria or viruses.
Although eczema can affect any part of the skin, some areas are more common. In infants, eczema usually happens on the cheeks, elbows, and knees. In older children and adults, eczema usually affects the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and the hands and wrists.
Home Treatment For Psoriasis
There are some home remedies that may help minimize outbreaks or reduce symptoms of psoriasis:
- Exposure to sunlight.
- Apply moisturizers after bathing to keep skin soft.
- Avoid irritating cosmetics or soaps.
- Do not scratch to the point you cause bleeding or excessive irritation.
- Over-the-counter cortisone creams can reduce itching of mild psoriasis.
A dermatologist may prescribe an ultraviolet B unit and instruct the patient on home use.
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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.
Consider A Medication Change
If youre struggling with an overload of flakes, you may need to evaluate and possibly switch medication. That can be frustrating, but there are many choices of targeted treatments on the market. It can be trial and error, but everyone can be treated, says Dr. Wechsler.
Psoriasis can be mild, moderate, or very severe, and these symptoms can change over time, so treatment that worked for you in the past may not be right for you now. If youre currently being treated for mild psoriasis but are starting to have more severe disease, talk to your doctor about if its time to change your therapy. Heres a brief overview of different types of treatment for psoriasis.
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Who Is Susceptible To Get Psoriasis
There is no uniform criterion when it comes to having psoriasis. I have had it for years now. In fact, Psoriasis is quite common in the US and it affects about 125 million people around the globe, thats 2-3 percent of total world population. It can occur at any age. Want to know more about what does Psoriasis look like? Keep reading.
What Does Plaque Psoriasis Look Like
About 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. This makes it the most common type of psoriasis.
A plaque psoriasis rash looks like raised patches of thick, inflamed skin. On light skin, it looks red and scaly, often with a layer of silver on top. On skin with more pigment, the plaques look purple, gray, or darker brown and tend to be thicker.
Plaques can develop anywhere but are most likely to appear on your:
- scalp
- knees
- lower back
Plaques also tend to be symmetrical. For example, youre more likely to have plaques on both knees or elbows than on just one side. Other symptoms include:
- itching
2009 study of 1,593 people with psoriasis found that guttate psoriasis affects about 8 percent of people with psoriasis.
You can spot this type of psoriasis rash by small, raised round spots called papules. They sometimes have a scaly appearance. The spots might look red on light skin and purple or brown on skin with more pigment.
Guttate psoriasis can start at any age. For most people, though, it starts in childhood or adolescence. It can develop after an infection, such as strep throat or tonsillitis.
Its most likely to develop on the limbs and torso, though some people get it on the scalp, face, or ears.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. It can develop in just one area, or it can show up in several. For example, theres:
Plaque, inverse, and guttate are the most common types. Others include:
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Treatment For Psoriasis On The Feet
If you think that you might have psoriasis on your feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist or a dermatologist. These experts can help determine whether psoriasis or another condition may be causing your dry, flaky, itchy feet. Clinical examination of your skin and possibly a skin biopsy will help confirm the diagnosis.
If psoriasis is determined to be the cause of your symptoms, there are several ways you and your doctor can help alleviate your discomfort. Keep in mind that it may take a while to find the right treatment.
Medical Treatment Topical Agents
The first line of treatment for psoriasis includes topical medications applied to your skin. The main topical treatments are corticosteroids , vitamin D-3 derivatives, coal tar, anthralin, and retinoids. These drugs may lose potency over time, so often they are rotated or combined. Ask your doctor before combining medications, as some drugs should not be combined.
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The Mental Burden Of Skin Flakes In Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
You dont need a medical study to tell you that scaling and flaking is bothersome, but the evidence exists nonetheless: 65 percent of patients rank flaking, peeling, and shedding on their body as one of the top three most distressing symptoms they experience, per research published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
The problem with any skin disease is that its on the outside. You have to deal with how the world is interacting with you and your skin disease. It can cause a lot of pain and suffering, says Amy Wechsler, MD, who is board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry and author of the book The Mind-Beauty Connection. For instance, if psoriasis flakes are on your hands, you may be worried about shaking hands in work or social settings to say hello.
The challenge then becomes controlling and responding to flares, cleaning up flakes, and explaining them to friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Generally, the more widespread the disease, or the more difficult it is to cover up, the greater the effect it has on quality of life, says Dr. Bressack.
What Causes Psoriasis And Eczema
Causes of psoriasis
We dont know the exact cause of psoriasis, but we do know that its a type of autoimmune disease, meaning that an overactive immune system is involved. The main symptom of psoriasis is thick skin plaques, caused by skin growing too quickly.
Your genes and family history can play a role in whether or not you develop psoriasis. About 40% of people with psoriasis have a family member with psoriasis. And if one parent has psoriasis, a child has about a 30% chance of having it.
Then, there are triggers that can worsen psoriasis symptoms. While each person is different, common triggers for psoriasis include stress and certain infections, like strep throat. Some medications can also act like triggers. Examples include lithium, propranolol , and hydroxychloroquine .
Causes of eczema
The word eczema actually refers to a group of skin conditions that can cause your skin to become red and itchy. Common types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
Often, when people talk about eczema, theyre referring to atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. In fact, over 18 million Americans have atopic dermatitis, 13% of which are children. For this article, well stick to talking about atopic dermatitis.
Like psoriasis, eczema can worsen with triggers. These can include dry skin, stress, and different irritants, like wool and perfumes. Everyday allergens like pollen and dust mites can also be triggers.
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Stress Lack Of Sleep And Other Lifestyle Factors
Some patients will report that certain dietary habits or stress make skin flaking worse, while others say that those factors have no impact. For example, in one study published in 2015 in the journal BMC Dermatology about half of patients surveyed said that stress caused psoriasis to get worse and could pinpoint a stressful period of their life that was linked to the onset of their disease.
The thing about psoriasis is that it has a mind of its own, says Dr. Wechsler. Psychological stress and lack of sleep certainly can make a flaking flare worse. Theres a vicious cycle where the symptoms of the disease make you stressed, anxious, and down, and you dont sleep as well. That, in turn, compromises skin healing, and the cycle repeats, she says.
What If Those Psoriasis Treatments Dont Work
If psoriasis doesnt improve, your healthcare provider may recommend these treatments:
- Light therapy: UV light at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow skin cell production.
- PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of UV light.
- Methotrexate: Providers sometimes recommend this medication for severe cases. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor you with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can cause side effects, including birth defects.
- Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis. But it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
- Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications work by blocking the bodys immune system so it cant jumpstart an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis.
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