NAIL CHANGES IN NAIL PSORIASIS

Nail psoriasis leads to a large number of changes in the nail surface, nail bed, nail blood circulation, and also increases its susceptibility to different diseases. These changes are explained below.

1. 1.       Oil drop or salmon patch

This is diagnostic for psoriasis of the nails. It is characterised by a translucent yellowish red discoloration of the nail bed which makes it seem like there is a drop of oil beneath the nail. Doctors call it oil drop or salmon patch.

1. 2.       Pitting of the nails

Damage to the nail’s proximal matrix leads to the formation of numerous pits in the nails, making it look like a thimble. These pits may range from 2-3 to more than twenty.

1. 3.       White patches on the nails- leuconychia

As a reaction to the process of psoriasis, the cells of the nail matrix become white, a process known as leuconychia.

1. 4.       Raising of the nail- subungual hyperkeratosis

Rapid proliferation of cells under the nail as a reaction to the disease process leads to a raising of the nail, which is quite tender.

1. 5.       Separation of nail from the nail bed- onycholysis

Due to damage to the nail, it separates from its bed, leading to the formation of a gap between the nail and the nail bed, usually manifested as a white line. It is a common site for bacterial and fungal infections.

1. 6.       Transverse lines across the nails- Beau’s lines

As a result of the disease process, cell growth arrests occur, leading to the formation of white transverse lines across the nails, known as beau’s lines.

1. 7.       Crumbling of the nail

As a result of the abnormalities of the nail and the nail bed described above, the nail starts crumbling, and may even detach from the nail bed.

1. 8.       Redness of the lower area of the nail- spotted lunula

The disease process attracts the blood cells of the body, leading to a dilation of the small blood vessels under the nail. These engorged vessels appear as a redness of the pale lower area of the nail.

1. 9.       Fungal infection of the nails- Onychomycosis

Fungus has a distinctive trait to invade all vulnerable places in the body. The same happens in the diseased nail, and the condition of fungal disease of the nail is known as onychomycosis. It is estimated that about 35% of the patients of nail psoriasis develop the fungal infection. However, it does not aggravate the condition, and can be treated with anti fungal medicines.

1. 10.   Vertical black lines in the nails- splinter haemorrhages

The disease process leads to the dilation of the small blood vessels supplying blood to the nail and the finger tip. When these vessels bleed, it leads to the formation of small vertical black lines in the nails.

1. 11.   Associated finger changes in psoriatic arthritis

As explained previously, the nail psoriasis is more liable to occur in people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis. These finger changes may be manifested as suasage shaped fingers, or red pustules or plaques.

Researches were done and funded by different organization to find the cure for psoriasis. Unfortunately, NO CURE was discovered. However, there are different ways to treat psoriasis, but one of the best treatments out there is the use of natural psoriasis treatments. Some people may ask “Is there a need to use natural psoriasis treatments?” The answer is YES.

The need for natural treatments for psoriasis is a must because medications are not enough to treat psoriasis. Remember that the best treatment is the combination of different treatment regimen. Therefore, there is a need to learn more about natural ways in treating psoriasis.

• Vinegar dip.

Surprise! Yes, your vinegar is not simply used as your salad dressing or food seasoning; it can also be used as a treatment to psoriasis. Apple cider vinegar is said to soothe skin inflammations as well as minor burns. It is also said that it acts as a disinfectant. It can soften the skin debris forming under your nails by simply dipping affected fingers or toes in a cup or bowl of vinegar. Psoriatic patients can also utilize a cotton ball and dip it in the vinegar and apply it to the plaques. How easy could that be?

• Olive oil.

Ever fancied the use of olive oil for the scalp? Well, it surely is peculiar; however, it can greatly help in soothing the scales on the scalp. Simply warm a small amount of olive oil and gently massage it on the scalp. This will help in softening and will be able to help in removing the scales. After this massage, then you can enjoy your favorite shampoo but be sure to rinse well.

• Wrapping with plastic.

Doctors are very well aware of the use of covering the plaques of psoriasis. Covering the plaques will help in making them go away. It will also help in maintaining the applied medications as well as the moist in place. However, caution must be done since prolonging the cover will promote growth of microorganisms. Consult a doctor if you plan to use this natural treatment method.

• Use of Baking Soda.

Baking soda can help in decreasing itchiness. Just add 11/2 cup of baking soda to approximately 3 gallons of water. Then soak a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply to the psoriasis plaques.

• Use of Epsom salts.

Epsom salts can help in decreasing the inflammation whilst helping in healing the plaques. Simply add Epsom salts on the water that will be used for bathing and your good to go!

• Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera is known to help in its properties for soothing the skin. It also helps in rejuvenating the skin cells from minor burns (e.g. sunburns) as well as inflammation. You can simply cut one aloe vera and squeeze the gel out of it. Then, apply it to the plaques. Aloe vera containing products can also help if the plant itself is not available.

• Use of Vegetable oil.

Vegetable oil can also be very useful. You can add a cup on your bathing water to ease the plaques.

These are just some natural ways of beating psoriasis naturally. There is nothing more satisfying than treating your psoriasis with effective, cheap and natural treatments!

Rumor has it that the pop star Britney Spears is suffering with a common skin disease called “psoriasis.” Psoriasis is a skin condition where people who suffers from it has that telltale thick, flaky red skin and that silvery white patches commonly known as scales. These symptoms are usually seen on the sufferer’s knees, elbows, ankles, groin area and considerably anywhere in the body.

On the pop star’s case, her enlarged photos in the premiere night of “X Factor” last September 11 shows reddened patches on her left ankle as well as on her right heel. Her make-up artist surely did what she can however, the symptoms are evident.  These patches may prove that she really is suffering from this skin condition.

Psoriasis can be caused by genes, weak immune system as well as stress. Britney Spears may have been suffering from stress brought upon by becoming a judge in the said prestigious competition. She had a public breakdown four years ago and even said that returning to the stage is nerve-wracking. Severe stress may trigger up the flare.

This skin condition is actually very common. It is not impossible for even an international pop star to have it. It can affect people aging from 15 to 35. Not surprisingly, Britney Spears is 30 years old. This can be considered as evidence pointing that she maybe is really suffering from psoriasis.

Psoriasis can appear every now and then. It may develop slowly or it can appear suddenly. But one thing is for sure, it does not go away. Triggers for the flares includes stress, dry skin, bacterial and viral infections, injury to the skin, some medicines such as antimalarial drugs, beta blockers and lithium (drug to treat mood disorders), weak immune system, reduced exposure to sunlight, sunburn and being alcoholic. One source even revealed that the star had it for a long time. The abovementioned triggers may cause her skin condition to recur.

As mentioned earlier, there is no way to totally eliminate the said skin disease. However, there are various ways to control the symptoms and to prevent infection. One is the use of topical treatments such as lotions, ointments, creams as well as shampoos for the scalp. Another form of treatment is the use of systemic treatment wherein pill will be prescribed by a doctor or a medicine in a syringe will be injected to the person who is suffering from it. Another one includes the use of phototherapy where light will be used to treat the skin condition.

The source even said that Britney Spears has been using a topical treatment specifically a skin cream for her psoriasis. However, it was said that she stopped using it for it causes burning in the skin. Because of stopping the topical cream, she will surely continue on scratching the reddened patches on her skin. This may even cause infection.

Whether the rumors are true or not, it is still better to raise the awareness about psoriasis. Psoriasis is not an embarrassing disease. It is not even communicable. It is one of the most common skin conditions, however, treatment and support for the sufferer is a must. Instead of picking on Britney Spears, it is best to back her up or just leave the issue behind.

Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious skin disease characterized by bright red, sharply outlined dry plaques covered with silvery scales, primarily on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. It is typically accompanied by a stippled appearance of the nails, and sometimes by an arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriasis is usually chronic and difficult to treat; patients often experience regressions.

Imagine what would happen if you cannot go out and meet other people or you cannot go out to work because of this certain skin disease. And, imagine if suddenly someone came or an unwanted guest just shows up in front of your doorstep. It is very embarrassing if something like this would happen. People who are suffering from this skin disease are very frustrated because of the condition of their skin. Sometimes, this kind of skin disease can make the person who is suffering from it feel inferior to others. To make the most of it, it is very frustrating to know that this skin disease doesn’t have any cure yet. There is still no medicine discovered to totally cure this kind of skin disease. But you can do some remedies into your home.

You can treat this on your home with proper instructions and proper guidance. It is very important for you to always keep your skin clean especially the affected areas in order to avoid infections and outbreaks. Always taking a shower or swimming could rehydrate the affected skin area. This will also help to soften the scales and even remove it without injuring the affected area. Using or applying some creams after bath like petroleum jelly will soften the affected area because petroleum jelly is proven to be an effective moisturizer. Other ingredients from your house that you can use to treat psoriasis are the following: cow cream which could be applied after taking a shower; garlic oil which you can rub onto the affected skin area before bedtime; vegetable shortening; coconut oil which you can use as reliever, you can apply this on the affected area three times a day; baking soda is one of the effective technique to help ease the itchiness; Aloe Vera gel is also a better remedy for treating psoriasis at home;  cashew nut oil in which you can put or apply for overnight and then wash it in the morning; cabbage leaves which you can apply into the skin that is affected; seawater which is very beneficial in treating psoriasis, you just have to apply it regularly.

These are only some of the natural remedies that you can at home to treat psoriasis. The best thing that you can do is to change the way you lived before into a healthy lifestyle in order for you get better. Even if it will disappear after some treatment, the time will come that it will reappear again because there is still no medicine that is discovered to cure psoriasis. And that is the very reason why you still have to continue living with a healthy lifestyle.

There is still no treatment for psoriasis and there is still no method in order to prevent this kind of skin disease either. Controlling and avoiding the flare ups to worsen is the only way that you can do. Below are some tips on how you can prevent or control psoriasis from getting worse.

Always keep your skin soft and moist

The psoriasis indications become worse every time your skin is arid, that is why you always have to make it sure that your skin is soft and moist. You can prevent psoriasis symptoms to worsen by bathing regularly and you can always use a moisturizing lotion or moisturizing cream to keep you skin soft and moist.

Always have to take good care of your skin and scalp

If you are suffering from this skin disease, you should always have to take care of your skin. How are you going to do this? You always have to carefully trim your fingernails regularly to avoid your skin flaring up. Every time that you are going to take a bath, always make it sure that you also clean you scalp and not only your hair.

Always have to avoid dry, cold climate

How can climate or weather makes psoriasis symptoms worsen? Weather affect our skin especially those people that are suffering from psoriasis.  You have to avoid dry and cold climates. Cold climate can make the symptoms worse and hot climate can make the symptoms better. However, if the weather is hot it can worsen the symptoms for some people who suffer from this skin disease.

Always use a humidifier

You can always use humidifier to keep your skin moist. What is humidifier anyway? Humidifier increases the humidity in a room into the whole house.

Always avoid scrapes, cuts, bumps, and infections

Most people hurt themselves without their knowledge. How is this? People with psoriasis symptoms have to always look or watch out at where they are walking and going every time they roam around. They have to avoid accidental cuts, injuries, bumps and picking from their skin to avoid more infections that causes the psoriasis symptoms worsen.

Always be careful with the medications that causes the symptoms to flare-up

Before taking any medication, you have to ask first your doctor if it is safe for you to take it to avoid side effects.

Reduce stress

The more you are stressed, the more your psoriasis symptoms are susceptible in flaring-up. Even if it’s not proven yet, you can always take pre-caution methods like relaxation techniques.

Avoid alcohol intake

Drinking too much alcohol flares up a symptom that is why you have to avoid too much alcohol intake. Even though the connection of psoriasis and alcohol is not yet vibrant, it is better to avoid drinking because it is still risky to drink especially when you are taking-in some systemic medicines.

Always maintain a healthy diet

There are still no scientific studies that prove the linking of diet and psoriasis but it is highly recommended by experts that people having psoriasis symptoms have to eat a well-proportioned diet. People who are suffering from psoriasis symptoms should not smoke because smoking can make their symptoms more severe.

Exposed yourself under the sun but in moderation

For about 20 minutes or more, exposing yourself under the sun can slow then progress or development of your skin cells but you have to remember that too much exposure is not good because it can increase the risk of getting a skin cancer. You can also use sunscreen if you don’t feel like going out under the sun.

The exact causes of Psoriasis have not been completely understood. A genetic predisposition to psoriasis exists, but the factors involved are still indefinite. Even though it is not proven, there are still several factors that are believed to be causes of this disease. Some factors are the following:

Genetic cause

Too many researchers have found that gene plays a big role into the progress of psoriasis. What does gene means and why is it that genes are one of the reasons or causes of having psoriasis? Genes are the units of heredity, along with many other such units; it is transmitted from parents to offspring. Each gene, acting alone or with other genes, determines one or more characteristics of the resulting organism. The totality of genes that make up the hereditary constitution of an organism is called Genome.

These researchers found that there are 9 mutations that can be involved causing psoriasis. The 4-key gene (PSOR 1 – 4) seems to be the major aspect that leads to psoriasis. Gene mutation causes specific cells to malfunction.

According to another studies, approximately 40 percent of people that are affected with this kind of skin disease (psoriasis) have one member of the family that has been affected with.

Immune System

The major function of the Immune System is surveillance of the cells of the body to ensure that they are not abnormal. Cells infected with viruses, malignant cells, or cells from another individual of the same species have protein markers from their outer membrane that acts as a signal to the immune system to destroy them. The system to which these proteins belong is called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Immune responses are not always beneficial.

An immune system which is normal protects our body against “attackers” by eliminating viruses, bacteria and foreign proteins. With a person who is suffering from Psoriasis, their immune system fails and causes improper inflammation and a quicker or faster development of the skin cells.

In rare cases, white blood cells are starting to attack our strong cells that are present inside our body and then striking them as “foreign” constituents that they needed to destroy, generating the development of our autoimmune disorder. This can lead to the growth of diversity of diseases including the psoriasis.

Weather

Weather or climate is one of strongest aspect in generating psoriasis. The unstable weather (cold weather or dry weather) usually starts up psoriasis to flare-up and hot, sunny weather improves the psoriasis symptoms.

Skin Injuries and Infections

Skin injuries and infections produced by bacteria and viruses can produce psoriasis flare. The bacteria streptococcus which causes infections as well known as developer.

Stress

Stress is normal part of life and such producers of stress as physical exercise, various emotional states and creative activity are usual considered healthy. Prolonged and unwanted stress, however, can have undesirable effects on mental and physical health. Unexpressed anger and emotional illnesses such as anxiety and depression are strongly related with psoriasis outbreaks.

Drugs

Drugs are substances given to humans to animals for the treatment, prevention, or diagnostics of illness. Drugs that are listed below are recognized to worsen psoriasis:

• Chloroquine – treating and preventing malaria.
• ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers – treating high blood
• Lithium – treating bipolar disorder
• Indocin – gout treating and arthritis

As most known, psoriasis is not only a hereditary skin disorder, but rather it is a incurable disorder that will form up ugly patches and peeling scales on patient body. As of today, immune system issue is known to trigger the excessive formation of skin cells and eventually causing too much layers of skin being developed while psoriasis problem arise. For normal people, around 20-30 days will be optimal to finish a cycle of skin development and replaced by new skin, while psoriasis patient may encounter this cycle within 1 week. Hence, the outer skin organism is unable to slowly get rid of the redundant new skn.

According to report, there are total of 3% man kind having psoriasis problem and their age range from 11 to 45 year old. Actually if you consider the number of more than 6 billion world population, 3% is a scary number. While although psoriasis is not contagious at all, a lot of people have the misunderstanding that this skin disorder is spreading like other skin disease. To a lot of sufferers, the most daunting point will be to bear the unfriendly approach from surrounding people. We understand that this disease is triggered by hereditary reason, almost 30% of the sufferers actually have their relative diagnosed with the same symptoms as well.

What are Psoriasis Symptoms:

The most common symptoms incurred by psoriasis will be excessive shedding of dead skin cells. Due to the accumulation of both live and dead skin at the same body spot, red patches and scales are flaky and crusty. There are several body parts that is common with psoriasis patches, such as scalp, torso, elbows and knees.

The three common treatments to psoriasis are topical, light therapy and systemic treatment. Topical treatments, which can be cream, lotion, gel or ointment, are skin-applied. Topical treatments help in reducing inflammation, helping skin peeling, unclogging pores and thus soothing the skin. Light therapy makes of natural and artificial UV light. Systemic treatments are usually taken orally or intravenously. Systemic treatments are advised for people suffering from severe psoriasis.

Further, these treatments may be combined usually at low doses. Combined therapy is mostly recommended for people with chronic, disabling psoriasis. Combined therapy can yield much better results than when the treatments and therapies are administered in isolation. Nonetheless, the physician will usually start with recommending the simplest treatments before progressing to more advanced ones.

Psoriasis of the scalp is one of the most usual forms which psoriasis takes. As a matter of fact, almost 50 % of psoriasis patients are affected with this bothersome condition. Flakes may appear as dandruff-like or thick sticky scales. This condition may not only affect the scalp itself, this may reach further than the hairline and affect the forehead and the back of the ears as well.

How does psoriasis scalp impact patients who have it?

Wearing dark colored clothing is impossible for psoriasis sufferers since this only makes the flakes and scales more visible. This is a bothersome condition for many people because of the emotional distress and humiliation they experience.

Some people who have this condition even fear that it will cause hair loss. Although there are uncommon cases wherein hair loss resulted from excessive scratching, it is not a trademark of the disease.

How is psoriasis scalp diagnosed?

Physical examination is one way to be able to know the difference of psoriasis of the scalp from other skin conditions. Your doctor will seek nail cavities and psoriasis on other parts of your body. Aside from this, your doctor may perform skin testing such as skin biopsy to arrive at an accurate final diagnosis.

How can psoriasis scalp be treated?

There are different treatments which are available for this skin condition. These treatments include topical medications, light therapy/ phototherapy, and systemic drugs and biologics.

Topical medications

Topical medications may be in the form of ointments, creams, oils, shampoos, foams, or liquids. Ointments and heavy creams are not advisable to be used by patients who suffer with this condition since these are too messy to be applied on the scalp. Plus ointments are hard to rinse away, most especially for people with long hair. Oils, shampoos, foams, and liquids are recommended to be used instead.

Psoriasis scalp, theoretically, responds well to topical medications but patients mostly find applying these medications as a challenge. Applying topical medications is not without difficulties basically because of the characteristics of our hair. On the other end, because the scalp plaques are scaly and thick, topical medications are not able to penetrate well.

Light therapy/ Phototherapy

Scalp psoriasis responds well not only to topical medications but to UV treatments as well. However, the hair serves as a hindrance for the scalp to be exposed well. Traditional light therapy or even sunlight would not be very effective if the hair blocks the UV rays. However, making use of 308 nm excimer laser that is recently in use was reported to be successful in treating psoriasis of the scalp. The laser gives off small UVB light which can be aimed at a precise target. Hair is first parted with a blow dryer-like device then the laser is used to the exposed spot of the scalp.

In a recent study, scalp psoriasis of 35 patients who did not respond well to topical treatments was treated using the laser for two times every week, to a total of 21 sessions. Almost all of them showed improvement by almost 50%. Psoriasis was cleared or was almost cleared in half of the 35 patients.

Systemic Drugs and Biologics

Systemic drugs and biologics are drugs which are taken intravenously, instead of topically. These are helpful in scalp psoriasis treatment. Systemic drugs include acitretin (Soriatane), cyclosporine, and methotrexate. Examples of biologics are Simponi/ Stelara, Remicade, Humira, Enbrel, and Amevive. Since these drugs are taken internally whether through infusion, injection or through pill, thick scales or hair will not get in the way.

Psoriasis is a troubling condition by itself alone and having it on the scalp makes this more irritating. Fortunately though, numerous treatment options are available to help treat this condition.  The key to finding a treatment that will work is a dose of persistence. Effective treatment is just around the corner, all you have to do is find it.

There are no cures for psoriasis yet though there are lots of treatments for psoriasis symptoms. Nevertheless, the treatments are not universal wherein one treatment may not necessarily be effective. You must not lose hope in finding one treatment that will work for you. Though finding a treatment may usually take longer, trying different combinations would be advisable. Here are some of the most common medications advised for the psoriasis sufferers. These are the most effective treatments there are though they may have some side effects.

The first is methotrexate. Common to all psoriasis is the abnormal skin turnover. Methotrexate provides relief as it interferes with the skin regeneration process. As such, this treatment is highly advisable for psoriatics with moderate and severe psoriasis. Methotrexate is specifically advisable for people with very painful psoriasis like severe plaque psoriasis and pustular psoriasis.  Methotrexate can be administered orally or intravenously. Nonetheless, you can only take methotrexate just once per week. After taking it, it would be very important to have a follow-up with the doctor who administered it.

Some of the side effects of methotrexate are loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis simply refers to liver’s scarring.

The second is cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is recommended for people with moderate and severe as well as resistant plaque psoriasis. Cyclosporine is a suppressant, suppressing the functions that lead to rapid skin turnover. Simply, cyclosporine is very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. The effects of cyclosporine can be noticed after 4 to 8 weeks. It can be taken on a daily basis but when the medication suddenly stopped, the symptoms may immediately ensue.

The side effects of cyclosporine include nausea, tremor and diarrhea. Other major side effects are increased cancer, kidney damage and high blood pressure risk. This is the reason why the use of cyclosporine must be stopped after taking it for about a year.

The third is oral retinoid. A derivative of Vitamin A, oral retinoid is a synthetic drug which means this is very good for our skin. Some of the common oral retinoids are accutane, acitretin and soriatane, all of which are used in treating severe psoriasis. Oral retinoid directly affect the skin cell regeneration. Hence, the treatment can lead to clearing up of psoriasis symptoms. While it usually takes weeks up to months prior to seeing results, the results that oral retinoid bring may last longer. You might notice slight worsening when you are starting the treatment but redness and scaling may eventually be reduced until it clears up. Oral retinoid works best when combined with phototherapy. Daily dose of oral retinoid could be taken, and when the stomach is full.

Some of the side effects with oral retinoid are photosensitivity, burns, increased fat level into the bloodstream and pancreas inflammation. It should not be taken by pregnant women as well as those who are currently lactating. Even women who are planning to get pregnant must avoid oral retinoid intake. Consulting with your doctor is always a must when planning to take oral retinoid to treat your psoriasis.

Eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis are three usual causes of skin rash. These are not easy to diagnose since no particular test is able to determine these diseases. Apart from this, they are easily confused since they are similar in appearance.

Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and your medical history to be able to make the right diagnosis. You may undergo multiple tests or skin examinations. Inflammation and itching often causes one to be bothered, all these tests would be eventually worth the effort and the time. When the cause is determined, you may begin your treatment and relieve the symptoms.

You may help your doctor in making accurate diagnosis regarding your condition by learning about the differences of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

What are the dissimilarities of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis?

What is eczema?

Eczema commonly appears as itchy patches which turns reddish, becomes swollen, then cracks due to scratching. These rashes usually show up on certain body parts like hands, feet, at the back of the knees, in the elbows, or on the face.

The precise cause of this skin condition is yet to be discovered but is being linked with environmental factors and genetics. Atopic dermatitis, the most usual type of this skin disease, is a hypersensitive condition which often shows up in children or babies. Atopic dermatitis may disappear by the time that the child turns 2 years old or may last up to adulthood.

Eczema breakout may be triggered by specific substances, so it is necessary that these are identified in order that they may be avoided. Examples of usual irritants are wool, chlorine, soaps, detergents, and household cleaners. Apart from these, stress causes development of eczema as well.

In order to confirm eczema, your doctor may inquire regarding medical history of allergies or may suggest that you undergo a blood test or an allergy test.

What is dermatitis?

In general, the word “dermatitis” means redness of the skin. Contact dermatitis may be developed once the skin makes contact with irritants. Contact dermatitis has two major types: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Both of them usually cause red and itchy skin rashes.

1. Allergic contact dermatitis. This is caused by allergy or sensitivity to a specific substance like fragrances or metals e.g. nickel. With this type of contact dermatitis, skin rashes may appear on the part which came in contact with the substance in a matter of 24 to 48 hours. Its main symptom is itching. People who have frequent flare-ups of allergic contact dermatitis are advised to try to undergo allergy testing.

2. Irritant contact dermatitis. This is more widely spread than allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis causes skin to develop inflammation through exposure to irritants such as detergents, soaps, acids, or chemicals. This type of contact dermatitis may show up whether you were previously exposed to the substance or not. Rashes often show on the hands, associated by pain, itching and burning sensations. These reactions will continue until you have discovered what really caused them so that you may be able to avoid whatever that cause may be.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition which causes silvery-white flakes and calloused, red patches on the skin. These patches or psoriasis may become sore and itchy, or may even cause a burning sensation. Oftentimes, these may be found outside the knees and elbows. However, psoriasis usually affects the nails and the scalp as well.

There are numerous psoriasis triggers. These include particular medications, skin injuries, cold weather, and stress. Psoriasis more usually develops among adults unlike atopic dermatitis.

Psoriasis has the ability to mimic other types of skin diseases. Psoriasis diagnosis is performed by doctors by looking at the scalp, nails, and skin. Aside from this examination, your doctor may also recommend that you undergo skin biopsy. In skin biopsy, small sample of skin will be removed and viewed through microscope.

Evidently, the symptoms of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis could be similar but the triggers and/or the causes of each skin disease are distinct from each other.