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Psoriasis Characteristics
Psoriasis or eczema?
OK, so I have these blotchy discolored spots on both of my arms.
They don't itch or hurt or anything,
they are just small oddly colored spots on my arms.
Some are red and some look like really tiny white heads.
I am very self conscious about this and have no idea what it is.
What are the characteristics of psoriasis or eczema?
Here's what I found on webmd.com on both conditions:
Psoriasis Overview
Psoriasis is a common and chronic condition that usually causes patches of itchy, scaly and sometimes inflamed skin.
Although they can appear anywhere, these patches -- called plaques -- are most likely to crop up on your knees, elbows, hands, feet, scalp, or back. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the fingernails and toenails are also affected in about 50% of cases of active psoriasis.
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary a great deal depending on its severity, ranging from mildly annoying to truly debilitating.
While the itchiness and pain can be unpleasant, some of the worst effects of psoriasis can be emotional. People with severe psoriasis sometimes are so overwhelmed by their condition and self-conscious of their appearance that they feel isolated and depressed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to seven million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. That's about 2.6% of the population. Unfortunately, there isn't a cure. But there are many effective treatments that can help keep psoriasis under control.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Normally, skin cells are constantly being formed deep beneath the surface of your skin. Over about a month, these cells are pushed up to the surface. This is called cell turnover. The cells eventually die and flake off, revealing new skin cells.
In people with psoriasis, the skin cells grow too quickly. The exact cause of psoriasis is not completely understood, but genetic and immune system abnormalities are believed to play key roles in the condition. In psoriasis, cell turnover can happen in a matter of days. A faulty immune system signals increased growth cycle of skin cells. Layers of skin build up, forming a whitish, flaky crust. Blood vessels increase flow in an attempt to nourish this skin, which leads to redness and swelling. The classic symptoms of psoriasis are reddened, inflamed skin with a whitish, flaky layer of dead cells on top.
Although psoriasis usually appears as a skin condition, recent discoveries show that its real cause is a problem with the immune system.
Your body naturally fights infections and heals injuries with special cells -- called white blood cells -- that battle viruses or bacteria. Normally, these cells go to the site of infection or injury to help repair wounds and prevent infection. One byproduct of this normal process is inflammation (redness and swelling).
For reasons that doctors don't yet understand, the immune systems of people with psoriasis malfunction. One type of white blood cell, the T-cell, begins overproducing a substance called cytokines. This overproduction appears to turn off a signal that controls the growth of skin cells.
Psoriasis of the skin or nails may look like a rash or fungus, but you can't catch psoriasis from another person. You also can't give it to anyone else or spread it from one part of your body to another by touch. Experts now know that if psoriasis runs in your family, your chances of developing it are higher.
Psoriasis Overview
(continued)
Types of Psoriasis
There are several different types of psoriasis. About 90% of all cases of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis, but other varieties include:
Guttate psoriasis. This form of psoriasis usually affects children, teenagers, and young adults. It often appears after a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Its typical symptoms are red, scaly, raindrop-shaped spots on the skin, usually over the abdomen, arms, and legs. It can often clear up on its own without treatment.
Pustular psoriasis. The typical symptoms of pustular psoriasis are pus-filled blisters on the skin. The blisters usually dry up, turn brown, become scaly, and peel off. The lesions usually occur on the hands and feet and are primarily seen in adults.
Erythrodermic psoriasis. Symptoms include fierce red and scaly skin over large areas of the body. This condition can evolve from other forms of psoriasis or be triggered by psoriasis treatment. It can also be triggered by withdrawal from drugs such as corticosteroids (often taken for diseases such as asthma).
Inverse psoriasis. In people with this condition, dry and bright red patches appear in folds of skin, for instance under the breasts, in the armpits, or on the genitals. This type of psoriasis can be exacerbated by obesity.
Progression of Psoriasis
Psoriasis doesn't have any set way of progressing. It develops differently depending on the person. Some people may only have occasional and minor symptoms for their entire lives. Others may have to cope with severe symptoms on a regular basis.
In most people, the symptoms come and go. Flare-ups might be brought on by some of the conditions mentioned above, such as dry weather or stress.
Untreated, extremely severe psoriasis can be dangerous. Although it happens very rarely, if lesions cover enough of the body, the immune system can become overwhelmed. This increases your risk of developing serious bacterial infections. Be sure to see your doctor immediately if your psoriasis spreads to cover large parts of your body or if you show signs of infection, such as fever.
Coping with psoriasis can be exhausting and frustrating. It's important to try to stay emotionally and physically healthy during treatment.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Overview
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. While the word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin, "atopic" refers to an allergic tendency, which is often inherited. These eczema sufferers have a higher risk of developing other allergic conditions (like asthma or hay fever).
Typically, eczema causes skin to become itchy, red, and dry -- even cracked, blistery, and leathery. Eczema most frequently appears on the face, wrists, elbows, and knees, but it can show up in other areas, too.
Eczema is a chronic problem for many people. It is most common among infants, many of whom outgrow it before school age.
What Causes It?
Like asthma, eczema seems to run in families. Certain genes make some people have extra-sensitive skin, and certain environmental factors -- like an allergy or stress -- can trigger an episode of eczema.
Eczema is also caused or worsened by contact with irritants in common substances:
woolen and synthetic fabrics
latex rubber
nickel used in plated earrings and other jewelry
heat and sweat
chemicals such as formaldehyde, found in permanent-press fabrics, polishes, rugs, foam insulation, and particle board
Eczema can also be caused by dry skin.
Since eczema may in part be an internal response to stress, any emotionally charged event -- from a move to a new job -- may trigger a flare-up.
I have eczema & let me tell you, it's NOT fun to deal with. I use a topical steroid, Elidel, to keep it under control. I get lazy with it though, & end up with blotchy flare ups around my mouth, nose, scalp & cheeks. The flare ups alternate between being itchy & dry. Elidel is wonderful to help treat eczema, however the side effects are a royal pain in the butt, both the headaches & flushed feeling.
I went to scent free lotions, fabric softener, laundry soap, dryer sheets & bath products before going to my doctor to get Elidel. I'd tried it before & it didn't work. I'm glad it does now. My eczema is stress related & flares up when I'm stressing over the smallest thing, like what to fix for dinner (stupid reason for a flare up but it happens nonetheless).
I've gradually introduced scents back into my life, finding milder scents, lavendar, vanilla & water scents are safe, not causing additional flare ups.
Go see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Some GPs (General Practicioner) or Family Doctors can diagnosis both conditions, some can't. I got lucky with my FD being able to as he'd seen several eczema cases prior to mine & knew what to prescribe for me.
Both conditions are royal pains in the butts & can be handled. Good luck to you!
Psoriasis – the facts, part 2
There are a number of factors that can cause psoriasis to appear or flare up after a remission period. These factors include smoking or exposure to smokers, sun exposure (not necessarily excessive) and excessive alcohol intake. Additionally, injuries to the skin can also trigger psoriasis as can skin infections and in some cases, even scratching as the body's T cells (see previous article) may incorrectly see this as a threat and overreact by forming excess skin cells.
Whilst psoriasis is a chronic disease it does not necessarily exhibit itself all the time. The characteristic build up of red scaly skin can flare up and last for weeks or even months and there is generally a remission period before the symptoms return. One of the best, natural treatments that has been scientifically proven to cause psoriasis symptoms to disappear and to promote a remission period of up to nine months is a course of treatments at the Dead Sea, where a number of natural and climate conditions combine together to provide what is considered by many, the most effective psoriasis treatment available today.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It exhibits itself with patches of silvery scales, inflamed red skin. These patches can be circular or oval in shape and often cause severe sensations of burning or itching.
In the United State alone, about 5 million people suffer from psoriasis – around 1.5% of the population. Of these, around 10% also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. This can show itself by joint inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis.
For many people, psoriasis is a devastating affliction. Whilst the symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, the main problem is the psychological impact caused by the visual signs psoriasis leaves on suffers.
For this reason, treatments such as those offered at the Dead Sea, which provide long term relief from all the symptoms of psoriasis, are especially effective.
About the Author
Katerine Lev
http://dead-sea-health.org
