Itching All Over

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Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Psoriasis is hypothesized to be immune-mediated and is not contagious.

Causes & Symptoms :
The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localised patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy). Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Because of this, dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to finding the most appropriate treatment for their patient. The decision to employ a particular treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and severity. The patient’s age, gender, quality of life, comorbidities, and attitude toward risks associated with the treatment are also taken into consideration.

Topical treatment:
Bath solutions and moisturizers help sooth affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriatic plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly to psoriatic plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams containing coal tar (no longer available on prescription in the UK) , dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are routinely used. The mechanism of action of each is probably different but they all help to normalise skin cell production and reduce inflammation. Activated vitamin D and its analogues are highly effective inhibitors of skin cell proliferation.

Phototherapy:
It has long been recognised that daily, short, non-burning exposure to sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis. Niels Finsen was the first physician to investigate the therapeutic effects of sunlight scientifically and to use sunlight in clinical practice. This became known as phototherapy. Sunlight contains many different wavelengths of light. It was during the early part of the 20th century that it was recognised that for psoriasis the therapeutic property of sunlight was due to the wavelengths classified as ultraviolet (UV) light.

Photochemotherapy:
Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA) combines the oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Precisely how PUVA works is not known. The mechanism of action probably involves activation of psoralen by UVA light which inhibits the abnormally rapid production of the cells in psoriatic skin. There are multiple mechanisms of action associated with PUVA, including effects on the skin immune system.

Systemic treatment:
Psoriasis which is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. This is called systemic treatment. Patients undergoing systemic treatment are required to have regular blood and liver function tests because of the toxicity of the medication. Pregnancy must be avoided for the majority of these treatments. Most people experience a recurrence of psoriasis after systemic treatment is discontinued.

http://onestoptreatment.com/Psoriasis-treatments.php

more posts of interest:

• A Simple Treatment To Help With Psoriasis
• Who Gets Psoriasis? 4.5 Million Adults!
• Psoriasis – What is it and how to treat it
• Psoriasis: Symptoms and treatment
• Psoriasis Severity

Sunburn hurts! Sunburn usually develops as a result of over-exposure to the sun or less commonly, occupational exposure. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburned. Mild and moderate sunburn results in skin irritation and redness and can be safely treated at home. Severe sunburn requires medical attention. The best treatment for sunburn is prevention!

The following chart describes the symptoms of different levels of sunburn problems and possible treatments to relief its pain:

Sunburn Relief Chart

Symptom: Deep pink, Heat and burning
Problem: Mild Sunburn
Relief: Cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water
You may also use cold compresses with Burow solution, which you can buy at a drug store

Symptom: Red, visible strap lines
Itching and stinging
Problem: Moderate Sunburn
Relief: Aspirin or ibuprofen every 4 hours, Apply Aloe Vera lotion

Symptom: Bright red, Blisters, fever, chills, and nausea

Problem: Severe Sunburn
Relief: See doctor, Aspirin or ibuprofen, Take a cool bath (not ice cold)

More Sunburn Relief Tips

Take a cool bath–not ice cold, but cool–and don’t use bath salts, oil or bubble bath.

Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin. Use an extra soft, absorbent 100% cotton towel and pat your skin dry.

Use a sunburn remedy containing Aloe Vera.

Use a light moisturizer or a dusting of power to ease chafing and irritation of the skin.

Stay out of the sun! If the sunburn is severe or you are blistering, feel faint or nauseous, see a doctor immediately.

Sunburn Prevention Tips

The best treatment for sunburn is prevention! What can you do to prevent sunburn?

Carry a waist bag that can also be worn in the water for quick and easy access to your sunscreen. Use a generous amount of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 before going into the sun. Every 2 hours, reapply sunscreen especially if sweating a lot. Also, reapply after swimming. Pay particular attention to the more prone sunburn areas of the body such as your face, nose, ears, upper back, and shoulders.

Reapply sunscreen to exposed areas such as face, upper back, and shoulders every 2 hours when just standing in water, walking on the beach, or playing sports.

Carry a beach umbrella to shade yourself when ever you and your family are lying on the beach and not in the water. Make sure your beach umbrella that has a reflective undercoating with a SPF of at least 35 to fully block out the sun.

Wear a loose cotton shirt to protect and prevent your back and shoulders from being sun burnt if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Cover your legs with a beach blanket while sitting on your beach chair if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Wear a sun hat to protect and prevent your head, nose and face from being sun burnt if you do not use a beach umbrella.

Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV light.

Use lip balm with sunscreen to protect and prevent your lips from being sun burnt.

Wear slippers to protect the soles of feet from being burnt before walking on the beach’s dry hot sand.

What can you expect from being sun burnt?

Minor and uncomplicated cases of sunburn cause discomfort and no long-lasting effects. You can expect to feel better in 4-7 days. You may see peeling. This is often associated with severe itching, especially at night, after sweating, or after showering.

Chronic sun exposure may lead to premature aging, severe wrinkling, pigmented skin lesion development (moles), and various malignant (cancerous) skin tumors. Premature cataract formation in the eye can also result.

Plan ahead to have a SAFE & FUN Summer!

Using and following the above actions and tips will proactively prevent you from being sun burnt during most outdoor activities. Also, by being aware and knowledgeable of the early signals of sunburn and acting accordingly, you can assure yourself and your family of a safe, enjoyable, and fun summer. Have a GREAT SUMMER!

Please Note: This information is provided as a guideline and not intended as medical advice. If complications arise due to sunburn or sun exposure, contact your doctor immediately.

more posts of interest:

• Sunburn Remedy: Feel The Burn
• Sunburn treatment – Part 5
• Aromatherapy For Sunburns
• Sunburns Can Be Treated With Online Skin Care Tips
• Sunburn Relief – Part 1

Eczema is a skin problems. Eczema is a general term for a rash similar to the skin. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Eczema is often very itchy, and when you scratch the skin to become red and inflamed. No fewer than 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. It occurs in adults and children, but appears most often on babies. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the disease. There are many forms of eczema. Atopic eczema is believed to have a hereditary component, and often runs in families whose members also have hay fever and asthma.

Approximately 10% to 20% of the world ‘s population grows atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a term for a skin reaction resulting from exposure to allergens or irritants. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. Contact dermatitis is of two types: allergic (resulting from a delay in responding to certain allergens, and irritant (resulting from the direct response to a solvent). Another type of eczema xerotic eczema. Xerotic eczema is dry skin which becomes so severe, it will become eczema. It worsens in winter dry, and the trunk and branches are often the hardest hit.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes dry or greasy extension of the scalp and eyebrows. Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years. It affects people aged over 50. Eczema can be exacerbated by dry skin. Hydration is one of the most important self-care for people suffering from eczema. Sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch. Capsaicin applied to the skin acts as a counter irritant . Other agents that act on nerve transmissions, like menthol, also have been found to mitigate the body’s itch signals. Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also used.

Eczema Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Anti-histamines to reduce inflammation

2. Topical steroids are applied thinly to the affected area.

3. Oral steroids are sometimes prescribed in very severe cases.

4. Avoid excessive scrubbing and toweling after bathing your child.

5. Avoid giving your child frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin.

6. Apply moisturizing ointments , lotions, or creams to your child’s skin regularly.

more posts of interest:

• What You Should Know About Eczema
• What Does Atopic Dermatitis Have To Do With Eczema?
• Eczema Skin Treatment and Care
• Eczema Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
• Eczema Treatment: Get Cautious, not Scared