Skin Care: Do not Confuse Psoriasis with Eczema

Two of the skin diseases most frequently seen by dermatologists are psoriasis and eczema. In the public mind, these two skin disorders are often confused, and for good reason. Even dermatologists can sometimes have difficulty identifying which condition is present in a patient. Indeed, eczema and psoriasis can appear to look similar. Both show up in patchy areas that can become very itchy.

However, there are some distinguishing characteristics between the two that make it simpler to recognize which condition is present and to enable an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment for each.

The Fundamental Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is characterized by reddish lesions accompanied by silvery scaling that flakes off, causing the skin beneath to bleed. This form of psoriasis is called, plaque psoriasis, is the type most frequently diagnosed. The scales are commonly referred to as plaques, flakes or scales.

Actually, the scales are excess skin produced when certain substances in the body become unbalanced, and cause skin cells to grow out of control. In severe cases skin cells grow at a rate up to 1,000 faster than normal growth.

Another, less common, form of this skin disorder is called Guttate Psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis appears more often in children and young adults, showing as small, red bumps the size of drops of water on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection such as strep throat.

Eczema: While eczema may resemble dry skin that also itches, it does not usually include the flaking quality associated with psoriasis. Again, psoriasis tends to be characterized by raised red spots that are rough, and tend to flake as they itch.

Eczema is generally erupts in response to environmental factors such as exposure to products containing harsh chemicals. Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually has a genetic link, and is a response to factors occurring inside of the body.

Who is suffering from these skin disorders can be a good sign of whether the affliction is eczema or psoriasis. As a general rule, psoriasis tends to strike adults most often, while eczema is more commonly seen in children.

Both psoriasis and eczema are maddening, inconvenient, irritating and embarrassing skin diseases presenting coping difficulties for both adults and children. Under any circumstances, a visit to a dermatologist is a must to address diagnosis and treatment options.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author: Do you know how to take care of your skin? Learn more at http://skincarenotes.com/

The Future Is Bright For Psoriasis Treatment And Eczema Treatment Methods

Psoriasis and eczema which is also known as dermatitis are two skin conditions that are fairly similar and can affect a wide range of people. However, there are several differences between the two as well. One problem you can find is other skin diseases that coexist with psoriasis, which is why it is essential you treat these skin conditions as quickly as possible,and psoriasis does tend to be more severe than dematitis.

You will find that it typically Psoriasis is a life-long condition that has alternating periods of rough patches and periods or partially clearing. Therefore, it is essential you still make an effort to treat the psoriasis as best as you can. One method that is a bit surprising is natural sunlight.

Natural sunlight can have a positive affect with psoriasis treatment and also eczema treatment as it provides the basis for the development of ultraviolet light therapy for treating psoriasis. But at the same time, you never want to purposely go out and get burned or redden your skin.Short bursts of sunlight are of more benefit than a long lay in the sun.

Until recently, steroid creams applied to the skin were just about the only treatment available. These creams helped reduce the inflammation. But you have to be cautious of the side effects these creams bring on such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks, bruising, and an increased risk of infection.Another psoriasis treatment and eczema treatment regimen involves the application of gels or liquids that contain coal tar,but usage of these type coal tar products are usually messy,they can stain clothing and make the skin sensitive to sunlight. With regard to dermatitis some things have been established as what can cause this skin problem in some certain individuals. Regular contact with strong solvents, cleaning fluids and other similar harsh industrial abrasives can dry out and break the skin enabling even small quantities of these unnatural man made substances to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, and develop these skin problems. Of course not every person that works in that type of environment is destined to suffer the cruel effects in this way. Other factors such as a family member with this skin disease increases the possibility of generating dermatitis at some stage of life.Dermatitis like psoriasis in that it can appear to settle down for a period of time and then flare up again.

Despite these symptoms, creams still remain as the best option available for psoriasis treatment and eczema treatment. There are a number of new treatments that are currently being researched and tested on. The future is bright for those with the embarrassing skin conditions of eczema and psoriasis.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greatly reduce and get rid of psoriasis eczema with the Lanni Moisturiser

Psoriasis: Living well and Healthy

Author: Wayne Mcdonald

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.

There are five types of psoriasis.

#1-Plaque psoriasis - Most common form of the disease

#2-Guttate psoriasis - Appears as small red spots on the skin

#3-Inverse psoriasis - Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds

#4-Pustular psoriasis - White blisters surrounded by red skin

#5-Erythrodermic psoriasis - Intense redness over large areas

Plaque psoriasis appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells, called scale. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body such as the scalp, the face, the hands and even the nails.

Treatment Overview

At this time there is no cure for Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. There are many different types of treatment that can reduce, or nearly stop, the symptoms of psoriasis. No single treatment works for everyone and some people use a combination of treatments.

Here are five tips for treating the symptoms of psoriasis (see our disclaimer at the bottom of this article).

TIP#1---Caring for your Scalp

For my dry and tight scalp I use Alberto VO5 Oasis shampoo and conditioner. It takes care of the psoriasis on my scalp, leaving it well moisturized that I don't have to put mineral oil on my scalp overnight. It also minimizes psoriasis scalp flakes.

TIP#2---Dealing with Itching

Today, out of desperation, I tried Lanacane on my hands right after a Narrow Band Light treatment. A couple of hours passed. The rest of my guttate psoriasis drove me wild! My hands?? Not at all!! I then bathed in the Aveeno Oatmeal bath mix. and applied, to my wet body, Burts Bees Apricot Kernel Baby Oil. But, most of all, I was super impressed with the Lanacane. It worked for me. I am just newly diagnosed and had no clue this itching could be so severe. Gayle, WA

TIP#3---Herbs and Dietary Supplements

I have had guttate psoriasis for 34 years and it always fluctuates between being good and bad based on stress, weather, etc... I have gone through years of creams, light treatments and avoidance altogether until a friend told me about Omega 3-6-9 gel caps with flax, borage and fish oil. My skin has improved markedly and I no longer treat myself with UVB light treatments on a regular basis!

TIP#4---Homemade oatmeal bath

I grind about 3/4 of a cup of regular dry oatmeal in a blender, then pour it into a clean knee-high nylon stocking. Run bath water through the stocking. When you're done filling the tub, knot the stocking at the top and use the remains for a "loofah." This helps keep my skin soft. I follow with Aveeno moisturizing oil lotion.

TIP#5---Scale Removal Tips and Products

I saw how well my son's cradle cap treatment worked on his scalp, I decided to try it on my face and ears. It worked like a charm! It is Gentle Naturals cradle cap treatment by Oragel. It has a pleasant scent, and is moisturizing as well. I apply it about 1/2 hour before my shower and use a washcloth to gently massage the skin.

Source: National Psoriasis Foundation/USA

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can reduce, or nearly stop, the symptoms of psoriasis. Work with your doctor, read articles about psoriasis, and join a support group. Soon --- You will be Living Well With Psoriasis.

Disclaimer: The information presented is only for discussion. Check with your doctor before beginning any new treatment. And always make sure your doctor is aware of any natural or herbal product (including vitamins and supplements) you are using, as some may interact with prescription medications. Results and personal experiences will vary from person to person.

Copyright (C) 2007 Wayne McDonald

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/psoriasis-living-well-and-healthy-273745.html

About the Author: Get the Facts. Psoriasis Resources and Links, Psoriasis Articles, Psoriasis Treatments and Natural Remedies, plus Tips to Living well with psoriasis at http://www.psoriasistlc.com/

Please try out the Lanni Ultimate Moisturiser

Using Honey to Heal Infections

By: Frank Buonanotte

Honey has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of medical conditions such as wounds, burns, skin ulcers and scrapes. Now researchers are discovering strong antimicrobial properties in a special type of honey which is made by honeybees that gather nectar from a particular flower, indigenous to New Zealand. This special honey is called "Manuka Honey" and it is now being used as a main ingredient in various health care products on account of its incredible ability to heal.

Even though honey was used as a medicine thousands of years ago, it lost its popularity as a wound dressing when antibiotics were invented during World War II. However, new research is bringing this natural remedy back into the contemporary medical use, especially with the increase in Staph infections and findings of antibiotic-resistant strains bacteria.

Manuka Honey helps wounds in several ways. Its thickness provides a protective barrier around the wound. The hydrogen peroxide it contains is released slowly, killing bacteria that may exist in the wound. Manuka Honey also reduces inflammation and speeds up the growth of healthy tissue. It even makes wounds smell better. Scientists believe this could be because when the bacteria in wounds eat the sugar that's in the honey, they give off sweeter smelling gases. Patients that use Manuka Honey dressings on their wounds report that they experience less pain, leaking of wound fluid and scarring.

The special bacteria-killing properties found in Manuka Honey comes from the nectar of the flowers on the tea tree (Leptospermum) which grows wild in New Zealand. This antibacterial component has become known as the "Unique Manuka Factor" or more commonly known as UMF. Manuka Honey has been proven in clinical studies to destroy MRSA and heal staph infections where antibiotics have failed. This is gaining increased interest within the medical community as more cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria plague our hospitals and communities. Manuka Honey has worked in very desperate cases where nothing else has.

To make Manuka Honey, beekeepers set their hives close to tea trees so the bees will gather their nectar. Since the Manuka tree is indigenous to New Zealand and certain parts of Australia, this special type of honey is becoming quite a commodity.

Studies so far have found no negative side effects to using Manuka Honey for medical purposes either internally or topically on the skin. One U.S. manufacturer called Honeymark International uses Manuka Honey in all their health care products and is now developing a line of cosmetic products containing Manuka Honey, due to be released later this year. "Honeymark currently has products to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, infected wounds, arthritis, ringworm, athlete's foot, etc.," says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. "Shortly we'll be introducing a Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer, Liquid Hand Soap, Antiseptic Spray, Sanitizing Hand Gel and an Anti-Aging Serum, all containing Manuka Honey."


For more information or to purchase Manuka Honey products, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com