Eczema and Psoriasis – Symptoms and Treatments

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

It is important to get diagnosed to enable you know what kind skin disorder you are suffering from. There is a difference between having eczema and having psoriasis. You can have eczema and not have other symptoms of psoriasis. You can also have psoriasis and not have eczema.

Eczema is also called dermatitis and the name originates from Latin. It is a skin disorder that is caused by environmental irritation or allergic reactions. It gives a scaly red patch on the skin that could also be aggravated by stress and generic factors. It causes the individual to itch, swell and some times bleed. It is dry, scaly, and makes the body temperature go hot.

Psoriasis is a medical disorder also from Latin origin, is caused by an inflammation on the skin cells. It is caused by new skin cells maturing abnormally quick in matter of days causing the excessive cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin thereby making the skin to lesion. It is noted by its scaly silvery white patch on the skin. It causes the skin to itch, swell and have pains depending on the type of psoriasis. They are most found occurring on the knees, scalp, elbow, lower back, trunk, armpit etc.

Symptoms of eczema are:- swelling, itchy skin, scaling, cracking of skin, blisters, inflamed skin, rashes on the knees and elbow, rashes on legs and arms.

Symptoms of psoriasis are: – inflammation of skin, itching, red scales, pains on the skin, swellings, cracks on skin, joint pains, emotional distress, arthritis etc.

Treatments
 
Though there hasn’t been any real treatment or cure for Guttate Psoriasis, sufferers have reported having great results with steroid creams.They are produced by medical experts to help soothe the itching, redness and scaling of guttate psoriasis. Most creams have proven to work effectively for many Psoriasis sufferers for quite some time now. The good news is that some companies offer free trial offers for you to sample before buying.

You’ll see visible signs of improvements in the 1st week of usage but unfortunately the free trial samples are mostly available only to sufferers in the US and in Canada.

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What You Need to Know About Topical Retinoids to Treat Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis affecting around 90% of all those suffering with this skin disease. Usually mild to moderate psoriasis can be treated effectively by topical medications, but in more stubborn or severe cases it needs something stronger and more effective. This is why oral retinoids are prescribed. Here we will discuss one of these oral retinoids, Soriatane.

What is Soriatane and who is it prescribed to?
Soriatane is an oral medication prescribed to treat severe cases of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, when other treatments have failed to work. Psoriasis is classed as severe when it affects more than 10% of your body or when it stops you from performing everyday activities.

Soriatane, also known as acitretin, is an oral retinoid, a synthetic form of Vitamin A. Doctors have long known that large doses of Vitamin A can help reduce the thickness and scaliness of the skin. However, large doses are very toxic to the body and can cause damage to the liver. Soriatane was developed to mimic the effects of Vitamin A without same levels toxicity. It works is by controlling the reproduction of skin cells, the speed at which the cells grow and shed, and by decreasing inflammation. Unlike some other psoriasis medications, Soriatane does not cause cell damage or suppress the immune system.

Clinical studies have shown that a large percentage of patients taking Soriatane significantly improved within eight weeks and about one third experienced almost complete remission from their symptoms within six months. This is why Soriatane is claimed an effective treatment for severe plaque psoriasis. However, it is important to note that taking Soriatane can cause risks for pregnant women.

Who shouldn’t take Soriatane?
In 1983 another retinoid, Accutane, was reported to cause birth defects in some babies born to women taking this drug. There also seemed to be a higher risk of miscarriage for pregnant women. It was, therefore, recommended that this and other closely related retinoids, including Soriatane, shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant within the next three years. In fact, women of childbearing age have to take two negative pregnancy tests before they can start taking Soriatane. They also have to agree to use two forms of contraception at the same time, at least a month before the start of treatment, during the treatment and for three years after completing the treatment. It’s advised not to take progestin-only contraceptive pills since they may not work while taking Soriatane.

It’s because taking Soriatane is highly dangerous for women who may become pregnant that this drug is mainly recommended for men, post-menopausal women or for women who have undergone sterilization or a hysterectomy.

Are there any other side effects of Soriatane?
Apart from possible risks to pregnant women, there have been other reported side effects. Common side effects include dry skin and lips; whilst less common are joint pain, abnormal bone growth, changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels and vision problems. Even more serious side effects reported are liver problems, pancreatitis and even cases of depression and thoughts of self harm. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek the advice of their physician.

Suffering with severe plaque psoriasis, or indeed any other form of psoriasis, can cause many problems both physically and mentally. The good news is that there is help available and you owe it to yourself to gain more information so that you can take effective action. To learn more about http://www.clearskinguide.info/Psoriasis-Cure/

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Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.

Itchy Red Skin – What Can Cause Psoriasis Flare Ups?

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Skin conditions can be the result of medication side effects, sun damage or hereditary genes handed down through the family tree. Psoriasis is one such skin condition that has a tendency to run from generation to generation. It is also unpredictable and can bypass an entire generation and show up again in the grandchildren as they get older.

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which skin cells multiply 10 times faster than normal. When the skin cells reach the surface they die and because of the amount of cells being produced, they do not shed from the body fast enough. The cells begin to stagnate on the surface and cause inflamed tissue with a white scaly shell.

Psoriasis typically affects specific areas like the elbow, knee and scalp although other areas of the body can be affected like the bottom of the feet and palms of the hands.

The cause of Psoriasis is thought to be tied to a malfunction of the immune system and can trigger flare-ups during high emotional stress. Over 75% of patients have reported stressful situations in their lives that corresponded to an increase in red itchy skin that resulted in the crusty patches showing up on their bodies.

These triggers could be the result of a stressful job situation or other life changing event and although symptoms can last for several months, it is usually not life threatening. Unfortunately, it is an embarrassing condition that can add to high anxiety and can come in cycles over the course of a lifetime.

In summary, if you are seeing an increase in red patchy skin along your elbows and knees, it is best to consult your physician for further diagnosis and treatment. [http://gravitygarden.com/itchy-skin-all-over/itchy-scalp-red.html]Itchy red skin during stressful times can be something more than hives. You can find more information at
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