What
is Eczema? (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a superficial inflammatory skin condition marked by redness, itching,
weeping & crusting. Eczema is a common allergic reaction in children but it
also occurs in adults, usually in a more severe form. Severe eczema can be
complicated by skin infections.
Seborrhoeic eczema
Sometimes called cradle cap in babies.
It usually starts on the scalp and may spread to other areas.
Varicose eczema
Occuring on the lower legs. It is associated with varicose veins and poor
circulation.
Discoid eczema
It appears as round scaly patches. Usually
affecting the arms and legs.
Nummular eczema
Appears as coin-shaped lesions which are very itchy. Located on the arms
and legs and may also spread to the trunk.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Appears as small fluid filled blisters that develop on the fingers, palms
and the soles of the feet which cause intense itching.
Symptoms of Atopic Eczema
• Red, inflamed skin
• Itchy skin
• Dry, scaly skin
• Small watery blisters on the skin, particulary on hands and feet
• Weepy skin if there is an infection
• Usually affecting the backs of the knees, front of elbows, chest, face
and neck
Causes of Atopic Eczema
A genetic or inherited tendency may be the reason why some
people develop eczema, asthma or hayfever.
Triggers for flare ups include:
• Soaps, shampoos, detergents or chemicals
• Pollen or house dust mites
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Food allergies
• Dry skin
• Stress
What is PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic, recurrent skin disease marked by bright red
macules, papules or patches covered with lamellated silvery scales. It tends to
occur in families; about one third of sufferers are believed to be related to a
hereditary factor.
Plaque Psoriasis
80% of psoriasis sufferers have this form. It is the most common form of
Psoriasis. It appears as raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by silvery white
scales. Usually found on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
Guttate Psoriasis
Appearing as small, red, individual spots on the skin. Lesions usually
appear on the arms, legs and trunk.
Inverse Psoriasis
Usually found in the armpits, groin and in the folds of the skin. The
lesions are very red, smooth and shiny, without any scales.
Pustular Psoriasis
Appearing as white pustules (blisters and noninfectious pus) surrounded by
red, inflamed skin. The pus consists of white blood cells (it is not an
infection). Usually going in a cycle of red and inflamed skin followed by
pustules and scaling.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
A very inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body.
It appears as a fiery redness of the skin, accompanied by severe itching and
pain.
Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis
• Red and inflamed, raised lesions covered by silvery white scales
• Usually found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back
Causes of Psoriasis
Most researches agree that the immune system is mistakenly triggered which
speeds up the cycle of skin cells. Instead of normal skin cells falling off
after 28 to 30 days, the psoriasis skin cells mature within 3 to 4 days, then
pile up and form lesions.
Triggers of Psoriasis
• Stress
• Allergies
• Infections
• Diet
• Reactions to some types of medications/drugs
• Weather
Triggers will vary from person to person and what may cause one person with
psoriasis to flare up may produce no reaction in another person.
