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.
Your Nails Look Infected Or Damaged
Psoriasis doesnt just affect the skin. It can affect your fingernails and toenails, too. You might notice changes to your nails, such as:
- Little holes, dents, or pits
- Nails are crumbly and rough
- Nail detaches from nail bed
- One or more nail looks yellow, white, or brown
Usually about half of people with psoriasis develop nail psoriasis, too.
Psoriasis And The Stages Of Healing
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease, whereby inflammation causes the skin to reproduce every 3 to 5 days, rather than the typical 28 days of healthy skin. This results in a raised rash covered with a profusion of silvery-white scales that can shed very easily. Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn and hard to treat issues affecting the skin and, as such, much of the western drug therapies rely on immune suppressing methods, many of which are still quite experimental, with the possible side effects still unknown.
Chinese medicine physicians have been using herbal medicines to safely treat psoriasis for many hundreds of years and, while the treatments are not always successful, most people do find benefit. Research has confirmed that skin, which has been treated successfully with herbal medicines, may remain clear for a long time afterwards . It is believed the herbal medicines are able to better balance the overactive immune system, rather than just merely suppress it, which thus allows the skin to remain stable after treatment is done.
Dr. Erikson uses Chinese herbal medicines to treat a variety of skin conditions. He can be reached by phone at 778.886.1180 or through his website at www.drerikson.com.
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Why Are There Fewer Options To Treat My Late
At present, there is limited data about the safety of biologic and systemic treatments for seniors. Conditions common among older adults kidney, heart and liver diseases, dementia, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risks of potential side effects and drug interactions. And because biologic treatments target the immune system, they may also be less safe for people with weakened immune systems.
If You Have Psoriasis There Is Hope
I know this is not a lot of fun to talk about, but bear with me here. My hope is that the information here can help you to reduce or eliminate your chronic psoriasis symptoms!
Now, just to let you know the whole storyâ¦
In some rare cases psoriasis can be a life threatening condition. There are two forms of psoriasis that affect the whole body and require immediate medical attention.
Generalized pustular psoriasis includes not only a severe, bright red psoriasis rash but fever, chills, exhaustion, rapid pulse and other symptoms.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis causes a severe, painful, itchy red rash and shedding of the skin. This causes the skin to lose its natural protective effects and so other symptoms develop such as a fluctuating body temperature.
Donât worry the more severe cases of psoriasis are very rare, and CAN be treated medically.
What does psoriasis look like? Psoriasis affects people of all ages worldwide though it is more common among lighter skinned people. It is a chronic skin condition which sometimes worsens in colder weather.
In some cases psoriasis can affect the joints of the body. This is called psoriatic arthritis and generally will appear in patients who are 30 to 40 years old.
Psoriasis can also appear on the nails as pits or yellow colored separations of the nail.
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What Does Psoriasis On The Elbows And Knees Look Like
Psoriasis plaques on the knees and elbows can take different forms in different people and can change for the same person over time. There might be a couple of small patches, or the entire knee or elbow might be covered.
Because of their position on joints of the body that are constantly moving during normal activities, psoriasis plaques on the knees and elbows can often tend to have small cracks form in the dry, thickened skin2.
These cracks are called fissures. Fissures can cause some bleeding at times, and they can be painful.
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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Early Stages Of Psoriasis Pictures
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Eczema: Red Itchy Irritated Skin
Like psoriasis, eczema is a chronic skin condition that often causes intense itching. Scratching causes redness and inflammation of the skin, leading to a worsening of the eczema. Scratching can also cause a secondary bacterial infection. The most common type of eczema is caused by a reaction to irritants like detergents, soaps, or household cleansers. So if you have eczema, you should be careful to use mild soap and regularly moisturize your sensitive skin. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream or other medications if eczema is severe.
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How To Check For Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis can attack your confidence, your self-esteem and your peace of mind. This is especially true if you have scalp psoriasis, which affects one of the most prominent and public areas of your body. Here are some tips to help you check for scalp psoriasis so that you can seek proper treatment to regain a happy and healthy scalp.
Racial Disparity In Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect persons of any race however, epidemiologic studies have shown a higher prevalence in western European and Scandinavian populations. In these groups, 1.5-3% of the population is affected by the disease.
The highest documented disease prevalence is in Arctic Kasachye, with 12% of the population affected, followed by Norway, where 4.8% of the population has psoriasis. Lower prevalence rates for psoriasis have been reported among Japanese and Inuit populations.
Psoriasis is thought to be rare in West Africans and African Americans and is nearly absent in North American Indians. Psoriasis was undetected in the Samoan population and in a study that examined 26,000 South American Indians.
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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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Why Does It Form Patches
Plaques are caused by dysfunction of the immune system that triggers an inflammatory process, by stimulating the proliferation of skin cells in this way the natural replacement of skin is intensified and accelerated: keratinocytes are unable to mature properly and reach the surface of the epidermis in just 7 days versus the normal 24-27.This pathological mechanism makes a lasting self maintenance.Psoriasis progress is characterised by periods, also long ones free from cutaneous manifestations alternated to of the disease with reappearance of the typical lesions.
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What Can I Do To Help Treat My Psoriasis
There may not be a cure yet but there is much you can do to help maintain and control your psoriasis. Psoriasis, regardless of location or type, is often irritated by contact, particularly tight clothing such as elasticated waistbands, socks, tights, and underwear. It may be useful to wear looser clothing where psoriasis is likely to be irritated either when flaring or during periods of treatment. Identifying factors that may cause your psoriasis to flare, using a diary, can be helpful.
Psoriasis Beyond The Basics
There are many different types of psoriasis, including chronic plaque psoriasis, types of pustular psoriasis , guttate psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, napkin psoriasis, nail psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis .
For those that have psoriasis around 1 in 4 may develop an associated psoriatic arthritis , which is about 325,000 people, or around 0.5% of the UK population. PsA causes pain and swelling in the joints and tendons, accompanied by stiffness particularly in the mornings. The most commonly affected sites are the hands, feet, lower back, neck and knees, with movement in these areas becoming severely limited.
Not all people will be affected in the same way and doctors will class the condition as mild, moderate or severe.
Remember, although psoriasis is a chronic condition, it can be controlled and go into remission .
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
Psoriasis is not a medical emergency. However, you should see your healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving as expected with treatment.
Plaque Psoriasis Healthcare Provider Discussion Guid
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Psoriasis is not an infection. It is not contagious, and you cannot spread it to others.
People with psoriasis may be more likely to get skin infections like cellulitis, especially if their skin is actively irritated. People taking certain types of psoriasis medications are also more likely to get some kinds of infections. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of an infection, like skin warmth, swelling, or a fever.
Some people with plaque psoriasis may have a higher risk of skin cancer, particularly after extensive exposure to PUVA light therapy treatments. See your healthcare provider promptly if you notice any skin changes unlike your normal pattern of psoriasis.
How Is Psoriasis Treated
Psoriasis is usually treated by a dermatologist . A rheumatologist may also help with treatment. Treatments can include:
- ultraviolet light from the sun or from home or office treatments. But in some children, sunlight can make psoriasis worse.
- creams, lotions, ointments, and shampoos such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
- medicines taken by mouth or injected medicines
A doctor might try one therapy and then switch to another, or recommend combining treatments. It’s not always easy to find a therapy that works, and sometimes what works for a time stops helping after a while.
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Pervasive Plaque Psoriasis Covering The Body
In some cases, plaque psoriasis can be very severe. It may cover the majority of the body. Plaque psoriasis of this severity can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous, if it becomes infected or progresses to other forms of psoriasis.
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be treated effectively with different types of therapy, including biologics. Severe cases will often require a specialized treatment plan developed with a dermatologist. Prescription systemic medications may also be necessary.
Psoriatic Arthritis: What Is The Connection
Psoriatic arthritis : 1 in 4 of people with psoriasis may develop an associated arthritis called psoriatic arthropathy, which causes pain and swelling in the joints and connective tissue, accompanied by stiffness particularly in the mornings and when rising from a seat. Most commonly affected sites are the hands, feet, lower back, neck and knees, with movement in these areas becoming severely limited. Chronic fatigue is a common complaint linked with this condition. If you are experiencing mild aches and pains and have psoriasis, even very mildly, consult your dermatologist for further advice and if necessary a referral to a rheumatologist for further assessments. For more detailed information on psoriatic arthritis see What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
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Dry Cracked Skin: Irritation That Can Lead To Infection
Dry, cracked skin is a psoriasis symptom. However, dry air can also cause your skin to become dry and itchy. When the skin is dry and irritated , it’s more likely to get infected. Infection may cause your skin to become red and swollen. If you have any skin rashes that keep coming back or won’t go away, see your doctor. Most cases of psoriasis can be diagnosed with a physical examination but because psoriasis can look like many other skin conditions, a skin biopsy may have to be done to definitively diagnose it.
Generalised Pustular Psoriasis Or Von Zumbusch Psoriasis
This causes pustules that develop very quickly on a wide area of skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not a sign of infection.
The pustules may reappear every few days or weeks in cycles. During the start of these cycles, von Zumbusch psoriasis can cause fever, chills, weight loss and fatigue.
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What Is Psoriasis Everything You Need To Know
What is psoriasis? might seem like a pretty straightforward questionits a skin condition that causes raised bumpy patches, right? Not quite, actually. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes issues with the skin. And its so much more than the physical symptoms you probably associate with it. For one, there are several different types of psoriasis and each persons experience with the condition is unique. Moreover, psoriasiss impact is more than skin-deep, with the potential to cause everything from painful psoriatic arthritis to serious self-image issues.
Before we dive in, lets cover the basics: Psoriasis causes the skin to regenerate more quickly than normal. Typically, your skin cells go through a cycle known as cell turnover, starting deep in your skin and slowly rising to the surface. Usually, this takes about a month, but according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it can take only a few days when you have psoriasis, causing the skin cells to rise too fast and pile up on the surface of your skin. Because of this, people who have psoriasisabout 7.5 million people in the U.S., per the American Academy of Dermatology can have flare-ups that cause the characteristic itchy, scaly skin patches to show up on their skin.
Light Treatment For Plaque Psoriasis
Light therapy is a common treatment for plaque psoriasis. Because light therapy is nonpharmaceutical, its a popular choice prior to systemic medications.
Some people are able to achieve healing through regular limited sessions of sun exposure, while others fare better using a special light machine.
Check with your dermatologist before treating your psoriasis through exposure to sunlight. Too much sun exposure can burn your skin and make plaque psoriasis worse.
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Continue Learning About Plaque Psoriasis
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
What Is Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis is one of those conditions that can present itself in many forms. Plaque psoriasis is just one of those forms and it can actually look very different in every situation.
Plaque psoriasis occurs when your skin cells grow at an unusually fast rate, and the dead cells form plaque-like sections of psoriasis on the surface of your skin.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Psoriasis
There are several types of doctors who may treat psoriasis. Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis. Rheumatologists specialize in the treatment of joint disorders, including psoriatic arthritis. Family physicians, internal medicine physicians, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and other medical doctors may all be involved in the care and treatment of patients with psoriasis.