Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) are common, chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply than normal skin, causing the formation of bumpy red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. It cannot be passed from person to person. Psoriasis usually appears in early adulthood.
However, eczema is a group of conditions that make your skin inflamed or irritated. The most common type is atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Some people continue to have symptoms on and off for life. There’s no cure, but most people can manage their symptoms by getting treatment and by avoiding irritants. Eczema isn’t contagious, so you can’t spread it to another person.
Difference between Eczema & Psoriasis
Eczema
Psoriasis
Overview
Hypersensitivity reaction – skin overact to certain triggers.
Chronic autoimmune disease that results in the overproduction of skin cells.
Feeling
Intense itch – get so bad that you scratch enough to make you bleed
Itchy, sting or burn – like getting burn by fire ants.
Appearance
– Red and inflamed skin – Scaly, oozing, or crusty – Rough, leathery patches which are sometimes dark – Swelling
– Red patches – Thick silvery and scaly patches – Skin is thicker and more inflamed than eczema.
Affected body parts
– Body parts that bend: Inner elbow or behind your knees – Neck, wrist, and ankles. – Babies will have it on chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms and legs.
Often shows on places: – Elbows – Knees – Scalp and face – Fingernails and toenails
Signs and symptoms
Dry skin Itching, which may be severe, especially at night Red to brownish-gray patches Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales Small scaling spots Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itchItching, burning or soreness Thickened, pitted or ridged nails Swollen and stiff joints
Triggering factors
Results from things that irritate your skin: Dry and sensitive skin Feeling too hot or cold Household products like soap or detergent Animal dander Respiratory infections or colds Stress Sweat
Family history Heavy alcohol consumption > 5 drinks/ month Smoking Stress Drugs such as beta blockers, NSAIDS and lithium
Age group
Usually in infants and children
Usually in adults
Complications
Asthma and hay fever Chronic itching Skin infections Allergic contact dermatitis
Psoriatic arthritis High blood pressure Metabolic syndrome
Pictures
Common sites of Eczema
Common sites of Psoriasis Outbreak
Treatment of eczema:
Treatments for atopic eczema can help ease the symptoms. There is no cure, but many children find their symptoms naturally improve as they get older.
Main treatments are:
Emollient (moisturizer) – use everyday to stop the skin becoming dry.
Topical steroids
Cream and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.
Calcineurin inhibitors cream or ointment
Example: tacrolimus or pimecrolmus
Reduce the activity of the immune system and help reduce inflammation
Oral or injected medications
If topical treatments are not effective, a doctor may prescribe systemic corticosteroids. These are available as injections or oral tablets.
Antihistamine for severe itchiness.
Treatment of psoriasis:
Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales.
Topical therapy:
Emollients
Moisturizing treatment to provide a protective film over the skin and reduce water loss, reducing itching and scaling.
Steroid creams or ointments for mild and moderate psoriasis– to control inflammation, slowing down the production of skin cells and reduce itching.
Vitamin D analogues
Slow the production of skin cells
Has anti-inflammatory effect.
Retinoids
Calcineurin inhibitors cream or ointment
Reduce the activity of the immune system and help reduce inflammation
Salicylic acid – Dermal SA ointment or Beprosalic ointment
Coal tar – Pinetarsol gel/solution
Reduce scales, inflammation and itchiness.
Oral or injected medications
Alternative treatment for severe psoriasis or other treatments have not worked.
Initiate by the specialist only and will be very effective in treating psoriasis.
Therapies for atopic eczema and psoriasis:
Phototherapy
Also known as light therapy, means treatment with different wavelength of UV light. This treatment can slow rapidly growing skin cells, suppress an overly active immune system and reduce inflammation.
Wet dressing
An effective, intensive treatment for severe atopic dermatitis involves wrapping the affected area with topical corticosteroids and wet bandages.
Counselling
Talking to a therapist or other counselor may help people who are embarrassed or frustrated by their skin condition.
Stress-relieving therapies
Stress reduction techniques, may be used to improve mood and decrease anxiety associated with eczema, and help those who scratch habitually.
Self-care techniques:
Keep fingernails short to reduce damage to your skin.
Keep skin moisturize to restore the skin barrier.
Instead of nylon and polyester, wear loose-fitting clothes such as 100% cotton or silk to avoid overheat
All-cotton sheets help to control your body heat so you don’t get hot and itchy at night.
Use mild and an unscented detergent to wash new clothes before wearing.
Use gentle soaps which are free of fragrance, SLS, SLES and paraben such as Eucerin, Cetaphil, MK anti-pollution bath and shower gel.
Supplements:
Fish oil
Studies show that omega-3 fats EPA and DHA have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Example: Megalive Omega 600/300, Megalive 700/35
Vitamin D
Vitamin D play an important role in skin barrier and skin growth and maintaining skin immune system.
Researches showed that low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Sea buckthorns
Has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect
Researchers described the beneficial effects in wound healing, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Evening Primose Oil
Has Omega-6 fatty acid essential fatty acids such as GLA and LA.
Provide anti-inflammatory support in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Probiotics
Our skin has accommodated with good bacteria that support its immune and barrier.
Thus, reduce risk of acne, eczema, psoriasis and allergic inflammation or in skin hypersensitivity.
Example: Megalive flora max pro, flora kids, flora 60 plus.
