Which Itch Is Your Itch
The best way to tell for sure if you have eczema or psoriasis is to get a diagnosis from our experts. Their years of training and clinical experience, plus the diagnostic tools we have on-site at our offices, means that you get an accurate diagnosis, so you can proceed with the most effective treatments available.
To find out whether you have psoriasis, eczema, or need to treat a different kind of itch, contact us today by calling your nearest office or using the online form.
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How The Two Conditions Are Similar And Different
The similarities. Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis tend to be lifelong conditions. They can take an emotional toll too, especially when the patches are very noticeable. Both can often be managed. Psoriasis usually needs stronger medicines than seborrheic dermatitis.
Both can also flare. This happens when youâre exposed to certain triggers that are unique to you, like the weather or stress.
Neither condition is contagious. You canât pass it to someone or get it from someone. But both conditions can run in families. So having one can be in your genes.
The differences. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. That means your immune system is sending out faulty messages, and your body responds by growing skin cells too quickly.
Psoriasis plaques are itchy like seborrheic dermatitis, but they can also be painful. About one-third of people with psoriasis get a form of arthritis as the disease gets worse.
The scales on psoriasis plaques are thicker than those of seborrheic dermatitis, with more defined edges. Their color is closer to silver than the white or yellow of seborrheic dermatitis scales.
Conditions They’re Linked To
Eczema usually comes along with dry, sensitive skin. You may have someone in your family who has it or has asthma or hay fever.
Psoriasis is linked to other serious health conditions. If you have it, you may also have diabetes, heart disease, or depression.
Whether it’s psoriasis or eczema, your doctor can recommend ways to get relief for it.
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Psoriasis Up And Down The Legs
Psoriasis frequently occurs on the legs and knees. Although some psoriasis may cover significant portions of the legs, other types may appear in isolated patches.
The different types of psoriasis have different appearances.
For instance, guttate psoriasis on the legs would appear in many separate, drop-like, small red psoriasis patches. However, plaque psoriasis on the legs often appears in large, shapeless patches with thick red skin or thick white scales.
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3. To help safeguard the skin, the immune system release chemicals that can cause nerves to itch and blood vessels to dilate to prepare the skin for a sudden rush of immune cells
4. When the immune cells arrive at the scene, most work to kill off the pathogens causing the distress, but a few capture some of the invaders and take them back to the heart of the immune system, where other soldier cells are produced in a way to recognize and attack the invading cells on contact
5. Inflammation is the bodys way of opening blood vessels to allow more soldier cells to rush to the battlefield.
While this entire process is completely normal, people with psoriasis tend to overproduce these soldier cells when the body feels threatened. This overabundance of killer immune cells can actually be dangerous to the skin since they begin to attack good cells along with the bad ones.
While it is great to finally understand the impact an improperly working immune system can have on your skin and cause psoriasis more research is needed to pinpoint the exact cause for the over-firing of the cell messages. Difference Between Severe Dandruff and Psoriasis
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What Is Atopic Dermatitis Or Eczema
Atopic eczema is a common skin condition that is characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly patches. Atopic eczema is known for the intense itching that it causes. Atopic eczema most often occurs in children, with 90% of all cases being diagnosed before the age of 5.4,5 As a chronic condition, atopic eczema may have periods of remission and periods of flares. Atopic eczema may also appear differently depending on the age of the person affected. A primary care doctor or dermatologist will inspect the skin and asks about symptoms that you are experiencing such as itch. Sometimes, a provider may conduct a patch test to determine if you have skin allergies.
What Else Should I Know
Making healthy choices can help with psoriasis. Here are some things you can do:
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can trigger outbreaks of psoriasis in some people.
- Avoid alcohol. It can make psoriasis treatments less effective.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can help fend off diseases that might trigger psoriasis.
- Stay at a healthy weight. This decreases the risk of inverse psoriasis.
- Keep skin clean and well moisturized. Bathing daily with bath salts or oils and then applying moisturizer can help ease the symptoms of psoriasis.
People who have psoriasis may feel self-conscious about how it looks. Thatâs one reason why some people turn to a therapist or join a support group of people who understand what they might be going through.
The key to psoriasis treatment is keeping up on whatever your doctor prescribes. If that means applying an ointment twice a day, then find a way to remind yourself to do it so you donât forget. Psoriasis is one of those things that you need to stay focused on treating, even when youâre feeling OK.
Whether your psoriasis is mild or severe, learn all you can about it. Talk to your doctor or check websites like:
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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.
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Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Options
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can be treated with systemic drugs that affect your whole body. Depending on your unique case of psoriatic arthritis, your dermatologist may prescribe methotrexate, cyclosporine or certain biologics. In some cases, steroid injections can reduce inflammation quickly in an affected joint. At Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting, we may team with a board-certified rheumatologist to treat joint disease linked to psoriatic arthritis.
In addition to these medications or treatment options, whether you are experiencing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, your dermatologist may recommend lifestyle changes to help minimize symptoms and flare ups. We always encourage changes such as quitting smoking, drinking less and minimizing stressors which can help with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flare ups. With psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it is common for symptoms to come and go, but it is important to continue taking medication and undergoing treatments recommended by your dermatologist.
If you are struggling to manage your plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, schedule an appointment today. Our team of board-certified dermatologists are experts in treating all types of psoriasis and can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique background and needs.
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What Are Symptoms Of These Conditions
Visually, it can sometimes be difficult to tell one condition from the other. You need to look at various aspects of the rash to distinguish themboth manifest as dry, itchy scales, red patches, and plaques. At times, psoriasis causes thicker plaque, and eczema could produce a serous exudate or leaking fluid. In most cases, though, medical professionals have to perform biopsies to be sure.
What Are The Treatment Options
Though the underlying causes are different, treatment is generally similar, Dr. Fernandez says. You should see a dermatologist for any rash that doesnt go away with over-the-counter medicine, he says.
- Topical cortisone, especially if you have a mild case.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for more moderate to severe cases.
- or ultraviolet light treatment for severe cases.
Also, eczema can prompt a secondary infection so your doctor may use topical and systemic antibiotics to remove bacteria and calm the inflammation.
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Approach To The Patient
Evidence-based guidelines35 on the treatment of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were published in 2004 by the Finnish Dermatological Society. Recommendations for the management of psoriasis in primary care, based on these guidelines, the evidence cited above, and considering common practice among American dermatologists, are shown in Figure 9.35
Management of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Figure 9
Algorithm for the management of chronic plaque psoriasis, based on recent guidelines,35 current evidence, and common practice among American dermatologists.
Management of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Figure 9
Algorithm for the management of chronic plaque psoriasis, based on recent guidelines,35 current evidence, and common practice among American dermatologists.
For the initial treatment of psoriasis on limited areas of skin, the most effective treatment is a combination of potent topical steroids and calcipotriene. This recommendation, however, is based on limited evidence.18,29,30 An alternative would be to start with a potent topical steroid, calcipotriene, or a topical retinoid alone. Calcipotriene and topical retinoids can be used long-term, but topical steroids must be used intermittently because of their side effects.35
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What Are The Triggers Of Guttate Psoriasis
Although the cause of guttate psoriasis is unknown, researchers have identified a link between bacterial or viral infections and the conditions onset.
In particular, strep throat and tonsillitis frequently precede guttate psoriasis, especially in children. Infections usually occur before the onset of guttate psoriasis.
Other factors may also trigger a guttate psoriasis outbreak, including:
- a skin injury, like a cut, an insect bite, or a burn
- sunburn
All forms of psoriasis, including guttate psoriasis, have three stages. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists these stages as:
- Mild. There are only a few lesions, which cover about 3 percent of your skin.
- Moderate. Lesions cover between 3 percent and 10 percent of your skin.
- Severe. Lesions cover 10 percent or more of your body, sometimes the entire body.
Your dermatologist will gauge the stage of your condition by how much of your skin is covered with lesions as well as its effect on your life. Theyll probably use two assessment scales, the Physicians Global Assessment and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index .
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Articles On Psoriasis Symptoms
Maybe you’re settling into your easy chair for a little Sunday siesta. Or you’re heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun. Either way, you stop and pause, because you’ve got an itch that just won’t leave you alone — along with blotches of red on your skin. What gives?
Your doctor needs to make the final call, but psoriasis or eczema could be the problem. Both are skin conditions with similar symptoms, but there are ways to tell them apart.
What Are The Stages Of Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis has three stages: mild, moderate and severe. Mild guttate psoriasis is where there are only a few spots on your skin, covering about 3% of your body. Moderate guttate psoriasis is the next stage where there may be spots on 3% to 10% of your body. Severe guttate psoriasis is the highest stage and could see spots covering 10% of your skin.
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How To Differentiate Eczema And Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition of the immune system. It causes red, scaly patches on the scalp or the skin of the elbows and knees, though it can occur anywhere on the skin. Meanwhile, eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammationcommon triggers include dry skin or chemicals. Neither of these is contagious, though people with either condition can pass it down to their children.
How Effective Are Over
Most of the over-the-counter products are low-potency corticosteroids or plain moisturizers. Keeping the skin well moisturized is helpful but not an effective sole treatment for these skin diseases. Be careful with botanicals and natural products, as many have fragrances that can aggravate the skin.
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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.
Atopic Dermatitis Vs Psoriasis
Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are common, long-term skin diseases. Both are noncontagious. Because both the rashes look somewhat similar, the diagnosis may be difficult at the first glance, and a biopsy of the skin remains the last resort. However, certain things that can help differentiate between the two before the doctor orders a biopsy.
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Common Symptoms Of Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes dry, variably-thickened red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales.
Psoriasis is a very common, long-lasting.
almost 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis The majority suffer from plaque psoriasis. It causes inflamed red patches covered.
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis some of the common questions you may.
, have any other symptoms including nail or scalp.
Common areas affected by psoriasis include the scalp, elbows, knees, and torso. It can also appear on your face, hands, feet, skin folds, genitals, and even nails. Psoriasis symptoms can appear almost anywhere, so talk to a dermatologist about where and how its affecting you.
Signs and symptoms · Pruritus One of the main symptoms of plaque psoriasis · Nail psoriasis Nails may exhibit pitting, onycholysis, subungual.
The British Journal of Dermatology This study compared early and complete skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
relationship between psoriasis and its common comorbidities? This review discusses.
Severe Plaque Psoriasis Symptoms In addition, sales of the companys plaque psoriasis treatment Cosentyx increased by 7%, with its HER2-negative breast cancer therapy Kisqali also growing by 50%. The trial. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is
perceptions.
How Are Ra And Psa Diagnosed
Because these two conditions share similar symptoms, itâs important to get an accurate diagnosis from a rheumatologist. A rheumatoid factor blood test is one way your doctor can tell which condition you have. RF is a protein found in people with rheumatoid arthritis. People with PsA usually donât have it. Blood tests looking for other antibodies such as anti-CCP can also help differentiate the two.
Another way to tell is to look at your skin and nails. If you have scaly patches on your skin, pitting and flaking on your nails, or both, you have PsA.
Once youâve had the disease for a while, X-rays might also be able to distinguish the two conditions.
It is possible to have RA and PsA together, but itâs rare. If you do have both, many of the treatments, including some medications, will work for both conditions.
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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?
Whats The Outlook Like After Having Guttate Psoriasis
- In nearly two thirds of people the spots clear up and never come back.
- Occasionally the spots turn into a more long-term type of psoriasis called plaque psoriasis. This can be treated with similar creams and light treatment.
- Once itâs cleared, sometimes a second outbreak of guttate psoriasis happens. This could happen if the streptococcus bug is lurking in your tonsils.
- Thankfully the guttate psoriasis never properly scars, although sometimes it can leave tiny pale marks where it used to be: these should fade with time though.
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