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MISSION STATEMENT FOR ECZEMA: PSORIASIS PATIENTS
Our
skin is often perceived as the window to who we are. It is only
human to judge others by their appearance; therefore we are often
identified by our skin condition or imperfections, or even the
color of our skin.
The largest human organ isn't the liver, the kidneys or the lungs;
it's the skin. Our skin is our front line protection against the
outside world. The skin guards our internal organs against
sunburn, dirt, bacteria, and other dangers.
As our body's largest organ, the skin is also the first to react
to change. A number of factors can affect the skin.
The mission of the International
Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation is to gather in one place information pertinent to eczema and psoriasis and to
make the information helpful and easy to read and implement. The information provided has been found on
in medical books and the web, and Dermatological Journal articles about the 156 various forms of dermatitis,
and the 10 major terms describing eczema, and the six major terms describing psoriasis. Many dermatologist
intermix the terms of eczema and psoriasis. We do not provide medical advice as you should always consult your
dermatologist to diagnose the symptom that you are experiencing.
There are approximately 176 different skin conditions. The
four most common are as follow:
1) Dermatitis is a general term that describes an itchy skin with rashes or inflammation
of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Though the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened skin. Dermatitis
is a common condition that is not life-threatening or contagious. However, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.
A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis. To learn more about ways to treat
dermatitis, you may wish to visit Dermatitis-Ltd III for information on
dermatitis research and treatment.
2) Melanomas are malignant tumors and are one type of skin
cancer but they cause the majority of skin cancer related deaths. The Melanoma's cause is due to uncontrolled growth of
pigment cells (elanocytes). The best most effective treatment is surgical removal as soon as possible before it grows
further. No further information is provided about melanomas here as it is more of a surgical solution that is to be quickly
removed so we will continue with less complex skin disorders here such as acne.
3) Acne occurs when the skin pores become blocked, the skin oil called sebum becomes trapped and bacteria
growth continues until it erupts. When the trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface, a whitehead or
pustule is formed which finally erupts as to the various forms of acne while whiteheads appear as small yellowish
white lesions. Many acne patients firmly believe that their acne is influenced by dietary factors, while in previous
decades, doctors’ thought that diet had little influence on acne. There is surprisingly little good scientific
evidence to support or refute diet as a factor influencing acne, as some experts commonly believe. Most dermatologists
are awaiting confirmatory research linking diet and acne but some support the idea that acne sufferers should
experiment with their diets, and refrain from consuming such foods if they find such food affects the severity of
their acne. To learn more about the treatment and management of acne, you may wish to
visit Adult acne, Effective Treatments, causes and Definitions.
4. Rosacea is characterized most often with the prominent red face, sometimes papules without pus and pimples
with pus. More advanced cases have spidery blood vessels composed of arteries and veins with the more extreme cases
presenting with a bulbulous nose. Rosacea is the most often misunderstood dermatological disorder. Some very
insightful information on the causes of skin conditions can be found on the Rosacea-Ltd
Etiology and Research Page. Rosacea can also affect the eyes in a group of eye conditions classified as
Ocular Rosacea.
The cause
of skin conditions range from sunburn and drug reactions to
genetics and pregnancy. Many of the causes can be avoided with a
little prevention, while others are more random in occurrence.
Skin
Infections - Skin infections have a viral, bacterial, or
fungal basis. Rashes caused by athlete's foot, impetigo, and
chicken pox all fall into this category. Bacterial and fungal skin
infections are usually successfully treated with antibiotics and
other medications. Viral skin infections must be combated by the
body's own immune system, although the symptoms associated with
the infection can be treated. Skin conditions caused by infections
may appear as rashes or other types of lesions such as pustules.
Sun
Exposure, Sunburn and Heat Rash - Sunlight contains
harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin. Sunburn
increases your chance of developing a skin condition, as does
tanning and lengthy unprotected exposure to the sun. Skin cancer
is the best known condition caused by sunburn and tanning.
Premature aging of the skin also occurs with prolonged exposure to
the sun.
Certain drug
reactions increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight,
thereby increasing the chance of sunburn or heat rash. Hyperpigmentation,
a skin condition where areas of skin become
darker than the surrounding area, can be caused by unprotected
exposure to sunlight and may be caused by drug reactions; excessive
sun exposure while taking certain
medications is ill advised. Adverse drug reactions can cause rashes,
hives, and swelling. As mentioned above, some medications increase
the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Notify your doctor of any skin
problem that develops after you start a new medication.
In hot,
humid weather, prickly heat rash can develop. Staying
cool and dry, wearing light, cool clothing and drying thoroughly
after bathing are the best defenses against the irritating prickly
heat of the heat rash pustules.
Pregnancy
- Certain skin conditions occur more often during
pregnancy. Almost 90% of pregnant women have temporary
hyperpigmentation called Melasoma, or the "mask of
pregnancy" where naturally darker areas of pigmentation (such
as freckles, scars, moles, and nipples) appear darker than usual.
The condition slowly disappears after childbirth.
Natural
Irritants and Allergies - Many temporary skin problems
are caused by natural sources. Insect bites inflame and irritate
the skin. Poison ivy and other irritating plants cause skin
rashes, pustules and itching. Parasites such as lice and mites can
cause extreme itching and discomfort.
A food
allergy can cause skin rashes, hives and even facial
swelling. While the symptoms of a food allergy are often dramatic,
tracking down the food that causes the allergic reaction can
sometimes take time. If you suspect you have a food allergy,
consult your doctor: allergy testing may be in order.
Diaper
rash is caused by exposure to urine and feces,
allergies to disposable diapers, soaps and detergents, or by
diapers that are worn too tightly. While most cases of diaper rash
are mild and resolve in a day or two, more severe cases form
painful pustules that cover the baby's bottom, and may even result
in a yeast infection. All cases of diaper rash should be monitored
for potential secondary infection by bacteria or yeast.
Genetics
- People whose parents suffer from skin-affecting
allergies may themselves be at increased risk of developing
allergies. Acne has a hereditary pattern, as do some other common
skin conditions. In the field of new drug development, a skin rash
is considered to be a relatively "minor" side effect.
Even medicines that successfully treat problems for most people
frequently list the side effect of causing or worsening skin
problems for an unfortunate few.
Over-the-counter
medications are available without a prescription
because they contain relatively low concentrations of active
ingredients. They are "not designed to treat the causes"
of a skin condition, but to give some relief of
"symptoms." Many good moisturizers are available as
over-the-counter products. They are important in terms of
prevention and maintenance to reduce eczema's impact. Regular use
of these products may reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Prescription
medicines, by contrast, are usually much more powerful
in treating the underlying cause of a condition. They are closely
regulated in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
and are approved for use in treating a specific disease only after
they have demonstrated effectiveness and safety. No prescription
drug is free of side effects, and FDA approval is sometimes given
to drugs that must be used with caution to avoid the negative
effects which could result in something worse than the disease
itself. Consequently, these drugs must be administered under the
watchful eye of a licensed practitioner - a doctor or, in some
states, a nurse practitioner.
The hope of every person suffering from a chronic skin condition is
for a real cure, but at this writing there isn't one in sight. The
clinical management of this disease remains quite complex, with much
trial and error required. It's always a good idea to look into any
rumored new therapy, whether you actually try it or not. And if you
do try it, don't be too put off by apparent failures, or too ecstatic
at what appear to be promising results. Although your disease is
stubborn, it is also manageable. This information sets forth current
opinions from recognized authorities, but it does not dictate an
exclusive treatment course. Persons with questions about a medical
condition should consult a physician who is knowledgeable about that
condition.
Specific
strategies to employ:
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Do
your homework- ask questions before you begin the new
treatment
-
Use
your support networks. Ask your friends with eczema if they
have experience with the therapy.
-
Look
carefully at the product's ingredient list, printed on the
package. There should also be a Product Insert (PI) sheet for
all FDA-approved prescription drugs. If you do not get one,
ask your pharmacist, prescribing physician, or check the
Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), available in most public
libraries. Most PI's are also available over the Internet.
A good
pharmacy is an important source of health information. When
filling your prescription, the pharmacist will double-check to see
that the drug is the right one, and should offer instructions on
how to use the medication properly. If the ingredients of a
product you are considering aren't fully disclosed on the label,
beware. If all ingredients are stated, you can usually track down
why they are included, and what they do. Drugs and pharmaceutical
products must designate the name of the "active
ingredient"-the therapeutic agent. The rest of the
ingredients are usually helpers which make the product
easier to use or carriers to place the active ingredients into as the
active ingredients would be too strong by themselves. Also carriers act as a
base or sometimes assist in penetration into the membrane, organ or skin.
And sometimes they carriers or base assist or help in extending the shelf life or
useful life of the product. In creams or lotions, there will be emulsifiers, preservatives, perfumes, or
dyes. Unfortunately, any of these non-active ingredients can cause
irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive or allergic skin.
Ointments (also called "greases") don't need these, as a
rule, because most active drugs against eczema mix well with
ointments. After a little experience, you will become expert at
reading labels.
Pick a
specific day to start the therapy. Try to pick a time that will
minimize the possibility that other things happening in your life
may cause misleading results. If you're a woman, don't start the
therapy while you are menstruating, as hormonal changes may affect
your eczema. Avoid consuming alcohol or engaging in activities
which may cause dehydration. Be aware that other drugs
(prescription or not) can mask a therapeutic effect of the new
regimen, or could possible have an adverse effect when combined
with a new therapy.
If you
hope to replace an existing therapy with a new one you've never
tried, start the new one on a part of your body that is relatively
free of eczema, to eliminate the possibility that something in it
may cause allergic contact eczema, thus making your problems
worse. Or better still, mark a small area where you will try the
new agent and then only apply it there, using your regular regimen
everywhere else. Once you've tried this for a day or two, try the
new therapy on one side of your body and the old one on the other.
Be
patient! Results may not be immediate. The healing process takes
several days.
Remember
that treating skin disease is a mixture of both science and art,
and fine-tuning may improve the outcome, even with relatively
small changes. It's best to make these in close partnership with
your trusted provider. A small proportion of persons with eczema
will learn that their disease is primarily based on an allergic
reaction to something. Indeed, the hope of every person with
eczema is for a real cure, but at this writing there isn't one in
sight. The clinical management of this disease remains quite
complex, with much trial and error required. It's always a good
idea to look into any rumored new therapy, whether you actually
try it or not. And if you do try it, don't be too put off by
apparent failures, or too ecstatic at what appear to be promising
results. Although your disease is stubborn, it is also manageable.
This information sets forth current opinions from recognized
authorities, but it does not dictate an exclusive treatment
course. Persons with questions about a medical condition should
consult a physician who is knowledgeable about that condition.
ALLERGIC CONTACT ECZEMA
Contact eczema can be divided into two distinct problems, which are defined as allergic
contact eczema and direct irritant contact eczema.
Allergic contact eczema refers to exposure to acids, alkaline mixtures, detergents and various
other chemicals that acutely inflame the skin. Allergic contact eczema can become chronic with
repeated exposure. Allergic contact eczema is caused by exposure to an allergen that sensitizes
the skin leading to acute inflammation when re-exposure occurs. A crucial distinction between
the two is that prior exposure to the agent is necessary for allergic contact eczema to occur
whereas direct irritant contact eczema can occur at the first exposure. For example, most people
will develop eczema on first exposure to strong chemicals that are acid or alkaline in nature.
Allergic contact eczema is not as common as irritant contact eczema.
The three main differences between an allergic and irritant contact eczema are:
- An irritant will cause a reaction in everyone who comes in contact with it, while an allergen
will trouble only those people with the greatest susceptibility for developing allergic reactions.
- Allergic contact dermatitis always results in red vesicles that combine to form moist patches. An
irritant contact eczema seldom manifests itself as red vesicles, which combine to form moist patches.
- There will be no immediate effect from an allergen. An allergic reaction to an irritant takes time to
develop. When it does, itching is a prominent symptom. The skin effect from an irritant will be almost
immediate - from stinging or burning to caustic burns.
Allergic contact eczema is a red, itchy, weepy reaction where
the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as
poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions. For some reason, more women than men suffer
from allergic contact eczema. A rash may take a week or more appear after the first contact with whatever is
acting as the allergen. The rash first appears only at the site of skin contact with the allergen. Later it
often spreads and may involve skin well away from the contact site. This is because the immune cells become
activated and migrate out through the bloodstream to other areas of the body.
The cells of the immune system work in various ways in skin disease. The rash that occurs after being
stung by nettles happens within minutes of contact. It is due to the release of chemicals such as histamines
by immunity cells within the skin layers. This is known as immediate hypersensitivity. This is what happens
in irritant contact eczema.
Slower-acting forms of response by the immune system occur because the population of cells that react against
the invading substance or organism (allergen) needs to be built up from a small number of 'memory' cells that
recognize the allergen. Over two or three days these cells give rise to others that in turn switch on other
defense mechanisms such as the release of chemicals that attract the scavenger cells of the immune system.
Because of the lag between initial contact and subsequent reaction, this is called delayed hypersensitivity.
The skin reactions underlying allergic contact eczema are of this type.
It is not known why some substances are particularly prone to causing contact allergies, but some of the
common culprits include:
- Nickel: a white metal often used in jewelry, belt buckles, jean studs, metal watch straps, and bra fasteners.
Many other metals can also cause reactions.
- Perfumes: Balsam of Peru is one such component of fragrances, which can cause contact allergies.
- Rubber and Related Chemicals: used in shoes, tires and clothing
- Potassium Dichromate: used in cement, leather and matches
- Hairdressing Chemicals (paraphenylenediamine)
- Medications: used in lanolin, neomycin (antibiotic), fusidic acid (antibiotic), steroid creams and cetearyl
alcohol (used in emollient creams)
- Epoxy Resins: found in glues used in hobbies, woodworking, and glass fiber construction
- Colophony: a resin from spruce trees, used in sticking plaster adhesive
- Plants: both by direct contact and by contact with airborne particles
A wide variety of foods are known to potentially cause skin reactions. These include but are not limited to:
- Sugar
- Flour/dough
- Citrus fruits and their peels
- Other fruits and vegetables
- Spices, herbs, seasonings (e.g. horseradish, mustard, garlic)
- Fish and seafood
- Meat and poultry
Sometimes the cause and effect relationship is obvious, with a red scaly reaction around an earring or under a watchstrap. At other times, especially if a long time has passed since the initial exposure and sensitization, it may be impossible to distinguish contact allergic from other types of eczema.
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