Eczema and Psoriasis
Dry skin can indeed be very annoying to those who deal with it on a daily basis, however, eczema and psoriasis is even more of a nightmare for those who have these conditions. Eczema and psoriasis are non-contagious skin disorders that millions of people suffer with. Roughly speaking 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during their life. Many of these people experience these itchy rashes during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema and psoriasis find that the disease clears with age.
Know the Symptoms
How can you tell if you have Eczema or psoriasis? Well, if you have one of these two skin conditions you would know. Eczema is the milder skin condition, but none the less annoying. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body the most common areas are face, neck, elbows, and behind knees. Your skin would show red splotchy patches that itch or even sting when touched; in other words a bad looking rash. Eczema and psoriasis can come and go, depending on the external conditions.
Triggers
There are many substances which have been identified as itch "triggers" for people with eczema and psoriasis. The triggers are different for each person. Many times it is tricky to identify the exact trigger that causes a flare-up. For some, feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak. For others, it seems that rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits, dust mites, and animal saliva and danders may trigger itching with eczema and psoriasis.
Eczema and psoriasis, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured. However, for most people, the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoiding triggers. Use of quality body lotions can also be helpful.
The Genetic Factor
Psoriasis is a long-lasting, genetic, skin disorder that appears in many different forms and can affect any part of the body, as well as the nails and scalp. Psoriasis appears as patches of silvery scales or red areas on the legs, knees, arms, elbows, scalp, ears, and back.
Psoriasis is caused by skin cells growing too rapidly, which is the primary cause of lesions associated with psoriasis. In some cases skin cells grow four times faster than normal. Toenails and fingernails can lose their luster and develop ridges and pits. Psoriasis often follows patterns of flare ups then remission.
Psoriasis is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Psoriasis is not only annoying it can cause low self esteem if it ever becomes severe. Psoriasis can look like calluses with a silver looking coating, or very red splotchy red spots. Some cases can require medical laser skin rejuvenation treatments, although the jury is still out on the effectiveness of these treatments in the long term.
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