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Psoriasis Eczema Difference
what is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
I was told it was one and now I'm just not sure. I would also like to know how I got it? I have just gotten it in the past 4 months and I live in Texas, I have been here just 2 years, and I think I'm getting allergies too. What is it with TX?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface. This produces scaling, itchiness and irritation of the skin. Psoriasis is non-contagious.
Currently in the United States almost 5 million people are affected by this disease. It occurs in all age groups and about equally in men and women.
When psoriasis develops, thick patches of skin become red with silvery scales. Often the skin at the joints cracks making outbreak very painful. Psoriasis most often occurs on the knees, lower back, soles of the feet, scalp, elbows, face and palm.
There have been huge strides in understanding what causes psoriasis. Recently, a team from the University of Michigan looked for the gene -- called PSORS1 -- in more than 2,700 people from 678 families in which at least one family member had psoriasis. According to the researchers, PSORS1 is the first genetic determinant of psoriasis to be definitively identified in a large clinical trial. The finding may help in the development of new, more effective treatments for the disfiguring inflammatory skin disease.
Some other research has found that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. In a normal immune system a type of white blood cell, called a T cell is produced, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Top Scientists have concluded that an abnormal immune system produces too many T cells in the skin. These excess T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people who suffer with psoriasis.
Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis after a careful examination of the skin. However, diagnosis may be difficult because psoriasis often looks like other skin diseases. A pathologist may assist with diagnosis by examining a small skin sample under a microscope.
What’s the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?
Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. In people with eczema, the inflammatory response to irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching. Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured. However, for most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
What does eczema look and feel like?
Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, eczema may "bubble up" and ooze. In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
Cocoa Or Shea Butter? What's The Difference?
Cocoa and Shea butter are two of the best emollients around. If you suffer from dry skin, like so many seem to do, you can't go wrong with either one! Moisture is moisture, I say, so how do you choose? To make an educated decision, you have to look at the qualities of both and decide for yourself. Some companies even combine the two in a lotion or body wash, for the best of both worlds. In my estimation, the two are interchangable and equally moisturizing. I have made lotions from both, choosing the shea butter for myself... but we shall get to that later.
Skin conditioning is of utmost priority for me. I suffer from some of the worst dry skin in the winter, even suffering from it in the summer, especially as I get "older." Most people are open to using anything that will moisturize and keep them looking young. I know from experience that both cocoa and shea butter are listed in many lotions and body washes. I like to couple them in body wash with any oatmeal type ingredient.
In the past, I have bought every kind of moisurizing butter available and in every scent imaginable: mango, grapefruit, lime and coconut, banana, apple pie, etc. Obviously the scent has nothing whatsoever to do with its ability to soften your skin. The moisturizing elements within the body lotion or body butter are your key to longer lasting beauty and youthfulness.
I am going to outline here the history and uses of both cocoa and shea butter. You can decide for yourself
COCOA BUTTER
Cocoa butter is the natural fat extracted from the cacao bean from South America and West Africa. It has to be grown around the equator; no other location will do. Cocoa butter is used to make toiletries, skin care products, cocoa powder and chocolate. Cocoa butter has a delicious subdued chocolate odor, and has natural antioxidants that prevent products containing it from going bad, thus increasing their shelf life for up to two years. It is a favorite in the production of soaps, cosmetics and skincare products. Its emollient properties and its smooth texture make it a perfect ingredient for body butter and lotions. Cocoa butter has been around for centuries. Known as the "ultimate moisturizer," cocoa butter absorbs into the skin with ease due to its body temperature melting point.
The cocoa butter creates a shield against the environment, and it is very helpful in the alleviating of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It works by holding back the production of immuno globulin which is known to aggravate and accelerate the above mentioned conditions.
This butter will soothe the skin, relieve stress, and help you relax. It is useful for pregnant women, when used in regular applications, as a formula to help prevent, and ward off stretch marks. The butter has a very nice smell also. It has been said that cocoa butter may also help to ease arthritis and even help to prevent heart disease. Wonderful claims I must say. I really had no idea just how good this butter was for my skin and body. I just enjoyed using it.
SHEA BUTTER
The benefits of Shea Butter have been enjoyed for centuries. Women in Africa have been using shea butter to smooth their skin and hair far longer than their Western counterparts. Shea butter has tremendous benefits for hair and skin. It comes from the tropics of Africa from the nut of the Karite tree, where the fatty acids are extracted from the the nut container. The quality of the irremovable fatty acid is far more superior to that of the cocoa butter, but unfortunately it can take up to thirty years for a crop to yield the right quality of this fatty acid. It's a wonder they can actually bring it to us at a reasonable price bearing all this in mind. The women of Africa call it "women's gold" as many on the continent depend on it for their livelihoods.
Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent, although we make no medical claims here! 
Shea butter is reported by many as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis.
Shea butter provides natural ultraviolet sun protection, although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from none at all to approximately SPF 6. Shea butter absorbs rapidly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Africans have been enjoying the natural properties of Shea butter for centuries, and they have used it on their hair as a conditioner, and also on their skin for protection against the sun, and the harsh elements of their climate.
Shea butter is a luxurious moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling silky soft. It works by stimulating the skin's renewal process, thus revealing a more youthful, fresh skin. It is non greasy, and it is used in many expensive skin products. It is also a wonderful, natural conditioner that makes the hair vibrant, while also protecting it from dryness and preventing split ends. It is also the base of many essential oils. Shea butter works by maintaining the natural oils in our skin, and it can also activate collagen production.
IN CONCLUSION
To wrap up our discussion, I have to say, given the info here, I must profess a penchant, a fondness for shea butter. Given its natural SPF, healing qualities and richness of moisture, it seems only natural to choose it over cocoa butter. Both leave you feeling silky soft... and while both are superior moisturizers and healing agents (again no medical claims here!), one can't go wrong with shea butter!
Please check out our extra rich body butter, goat milk lotions and goat milk soaps with SHEA butter (of course!) http://bonanzle.com/booths/NeeNeesSoapShop THANKS! http://www.NeeNeesSoapShop2.blogspot.com
1 John 4:7
About the Author
We are located in the Piney Woods of East Texas. We are a small, locally owned and operated home business. Our products are all from the finest quality ingredients and many are made when you order them! All our lotions and soaps are handmade with fresh goat's milk and the finest quality vegetable oils. God Bless You! http://www.NeeNeesSoapShop2.blogspot.com
