3 Key Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema, According to Skin Experts

From uk.style.yahoo.com

If you're constantly scratching dry, red patches of skin, you may be wondering if you have eczema. Depending on where that angry itch is, however, psoriasis could be your first guess. The two chronic skin conditions are distinctly different to doctors and experts who treat them, but can be very difficult to distinguish for people who are experiencing it first-hand.

“They are often confused,” Frank Wang, M.D., a dermatologist at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan, tells Good Housekeeping. “They can look very similar. They both present with red patches and plaques that are scaly and can be itchy, and they can affect similar areas of the body.”

With input from skin care professionals, we're helping you determine whether your skin ailment is eczema or psoriasis — and tips for getting started on treatment.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema isn't actually one condition all its own; the diagnosis refers to a group of skin conditions that cause itchiness, inflammation and rashes, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). Your bout of eczema may include one of seven common conditions that affect more than 30 million Americans, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and others.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, Dr. Wang says. It usually starts in early childhood and features itchy rashes, most routinely on the face and in the soft spot behind the knees, that come and go.

Itchiness is the most common symptom of all types of eczema. Though, it affects people in different ways. Some only have mild itchiness, while others are so itchy that they scratch until their skin bleeds.

Other symptoms, according to the NEA, include:

• Dry, sensitive skin

• Inflamed, red skin

• Rough, scaly patches

• Oozing or crusting

• Swelling

• Pain

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects about 7.55 million Americans, and like eczema, there are several types. The most common is called plaque psoriasis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), and symptoms include:

• Areas of thick, raised skin, which is referred to as "plaques"

• A dry layer covering the plaques that is silvery-white, called "scale"

• Itchiness

The plaques, which can be large or small, may appear anywhere on the body but are typically on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.

Psoriasis can affect other parts of the body, too, including the joints, causing the condition known as psoriatic arthritis. The amount of people with psoriasis who develop psoriatic arthritis ranges widely between 6 and 42 percent. According to AAD, symptoms include:

• Swollen, tender joints, usually in the fingers or toes

• Heel pain

• Swelling in the back of your legs

• Stiffness

What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

Eczema and psoriasis are different chronic conditions, though they both cause red, itchy skin rashes. But for doctors, these rashes have slight differences that the trained eye can usually detect.

“Atopic dermatitis tends to have less well-defined borders, doesn't have as much thick scale as psoriasis and tends to be just a little bit more crusty,” Dr. Wang explains. “Overall, atopic dermatitis tends to be itchier. Both are itchy conditions, but atopic dermatitis is probably more itchy.”

Neither condition is contagious, and eczema and psoriasis can’t be prevented.

What causes eczema and psoriasis?

Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes eczema, but it’s likely genetic and triggered by allergic reactions to items like soap or fragrance, or could be onset by dry skin, Dr. Wang says. Environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, pollution and stress, could also trigger eczema, per AAD experts.

Research suggests that the immune systems in people with eczema likely overreact, causing inflammation when they come in contact with certain triggers, which makes the skin red and itchy.

Like eczema, there’s no exact known cause for psoriasis, but it too has an immune system link. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that revs up the production of new skin cells. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, skin cells typically grow and fall off within a month, but in people with psoriasis, skin cells go through this process in just a few days. Instead of falling off, the cells pile up on the skin, creating thick, scaly patches, which experts call plaques.

Can eczema become psoriasis?

Eczema and psoriasis are completely different conditions. So, eczema can’t turn into psoriasis, and vice versa. But, since the conditions can look so similar, it can be tough to tell the difference even in a clinical setting, especially in children. According to AAD, in these instances, a dermatologist may diagnose the skin condition as “psoriasiform dermatitis.”

There’s some overlap, too. It’s not common, but you can technically get both psoriasis and eczema at the same time, which can be extra confusing. Your dermatologist will usually be able to distinguish between the two.

How can I get started on treatment?

Eczema and psoriasis aren’t entirely curable. But, Dr. Wang says they can be treated and managed to reduce pain, control itching and minimize flare-ups of patches and plaques. Whether you're dealing with one condition or the other (or, both!), managing eczema and psoriasis starts with a skincare specialist best identifying your triggers. You'll work to avoid these irritating events, and you'll also treat any sustained skin injuries that may add to pain or irritation. Mostly, you'll work to stay out of the sun and use solutions to help avoid scratching your skin.

Mild cases of both conditions can be treated at home. Dr. Wang suggests using a mild soap, over-the-counter hydrocortisone and emollients, which are therapeutic moisturizers. There are also lotions and creams for both eczema and psoriasis available to consumers.

If your skin doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, or the eczema or psoriasis exhibit more aggressive symptoms than ever before, it’s time to visit the dermatologist. Always discuss long-term treatment with your care provider when resorting to over-the-counter products.

Treatments will vary based on how severe the condition is and patient preference, Dr. Wang explains, but usually include topical steroids, light therapy and prescription drugs for the inflammation. For severe psoriasis, when patients have 10% to 30% of their body covered in plaques, injectable medications, called biologics, are used.

Since there’s no cure, treatment and management of eczema and psoriasis will often be lifelong, Dr. Wang says. This can impact quality of life, interfere with sleep and even cause anxiety and depression; all issues that you should discuss with your primary care provider, who may refer you to additional specialists for those issues. “Having a skin disorder such as eczema and psoriasis can be very emotionally and physically disabling,” he says. “People can feel extremely self-conscious. It can really hinder their self-confidence, and it can be very stigmatizing.”

But know you're not alone, and that there are treatments that can help you.

https://uk.style.yahoo.com/3-key-differences-between-psoriasis-204700915.html 

High Prevalence of Arthritis Symptoms Found in Psoriasis Patients: Study

From belmarrahealth.com

An international study has revealed significant findings regarding the risk of arthritis in individuals with psoriasis. So far, the study has included 712 patients, which is 25% of the total studied and has shown a substantial number of them experiencing joint problems.

This research, conducted by experts from Oxford University, University College Dublin, and supported by The University of Manchester, has already recruited nearly 3,000 participants. However, the team is still looking for 2,000 more psoriasis participants. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by flaky patches with white scales and affects around 3% of people in the UK and Europe.

The fact that 25% of the participants have joint issues confirms what scientists already knew: up to a third of people with psoriasis are likely to develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This form of arthritis leads to inflammation and pain in the joints and tendons.

The study is led by Professor Laura Cotes from Oxford University. She explained that, currently, there is no way to determine which psoriasis patients will develop arthritis. This research aims to create methods to prevent arthritis in these patients through possible drug treatments or lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management.

The study is an online study called HIPPOCRATES Prospective Observational Study. This online study, short form HPOS, monitors individuals with psoriasis for three years to identify who develops psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Participants complete online surveys and send small blood samples via mail. The study started in the UK in July 2023 and expanded to Ireland in August 2023, Greece in February 2024, and Portugal in April 2024. The research team in Oxford plans to include another 12 European countries, aiming to recruit 25,000 psoriasis patients in total.

Professor Cotes mentioned that researchers from across Europe will gather in Manchester on June 19 and 20 to discuss the study’s progress. So far, they have collected initial data from 2,841 patients, with 1,761 from Ireland and 1,067 from the UK.

Professor Ann Barton from The University of Manchester analyses the genetic samples collected in the study. She stated that some psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis. If they can identify which patients are at a higher risk, these individuals could receive preventative treatments in the future.

Manchester is focusing on finding genetic changes that might predict who is more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis. The HPOS study will help collect the necessary samples to advance this work.

Russ Cowper, a Manchester resident who has lived with PsA for many years, shared that diagnosing PsA is challenging and can be confusing for patients. He noted that general practitioners might not always recognize the symptoms, which can vary widely. Once diagnosed, patients can better plan for their future, knowing they have a chronic condition.

He described PsA as a debilitating condition with unpredictable flare-ups, affecting nearly all his joints except his elbows. He explained that the pain can be exhausting, leading to poor sleep and making daily tasks difficult.

The study is part of the broader HIPPOCRATES project, which is a large research collaboration involving over 25 groups across Europe. Under the leadership of Professor Oliver FitzGerald in Dublin, the project seeks to address critical questions about psoriasis, such as its diagnosis, predicting arthritis development, responses to treatments, and identifying which patients may suffer joint damage.

Professor FitzGerald mentioned that people with psoriasis have been involved in all aspects of the study. He expects the results to identify risk factors for developing psoriatic arthritis and hopes for strong public interest, which could lead to new treatments to prevent the condition.

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/arthritis-prevalence-in-psoriasis-patients/ 

The six surprising ways to end skin itchiness

From msn.com 

Itching is by far the commonest of skin complaints. Besides the itchy conditions eczema, psoriasis and others, itchy fungal infections of the feet and genitals, I have over the years encountered patients who itch after a glass of red wine, going for a run, having a hot bath, wearing elasticated knickers and similarly unlikely circumstances. 

And yet for all its ubiquity, the mechanisms – and purpose – of itching remains obscure. The instinctive response is to scratch, but to what purpose? The transient relief (indeed pleasure) this affords is more than offset by its prompt resurgence more intensely than before.

The further conundrum posed by itching is that not infrequently there is no obvious explanation – no characteristic rash, no itching-inducing medicines to blame, no signs of jaundice or kidney failure. This is the phenomenon of generalised pruritus (as it is known), the subject of a set of recommendations from the British Association of Dermatologists. 

The medical term for a skin itch is 'generalised pruritus' - Getty© Provided by The Telegraph

Top of the list is the thin, dry, intensely itchy ageing skin of later years – dubbed (if unfortunately) “senile pruritus”. This calls for the generous application of a moisturising emollient together with other measures to prevent evaporation from the surface of the skin – turning down the central heating, a humidifier in the home and regular, short cool showers.

It is necessary too to consider the possibility of a “hidden” cause – iron deficiency anaemia and other blood disorders, an over- (or under-) active thyroid and diabetes. But once these are excluded we are left with Generalised Pruritus of Unknown Origin (GPUO) for which by definition there is no specific remedy. 

Here “the treatment of choice” is an eight-day course of the compound doxepin applied topically. A diverse range of drugs can include antihistamines (cetirizine) or antidepressants such as Prozac – some evidence suggests these can block the effect of histamine. Finally, “expert opinion” favours exposing the skin to bright ultraviolet light (phototherapy) as both safe and effective.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/the-six-surprising-ways-to-end-skin-itchiness/ar-AA1jt7Vv?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a/

How to Make the Most of Your Psoriasis Checkups

From everydayhealth.com

Your doctor’s time is precious — and so is yours. Take these steps to speak confidently with your dermatologist and better manage your psoriasis 

If you feel like doctor’s appointments are short, it’s not your imagination. Research shows the average length of a primary care visit is around 18 minutes — hardly enough time to address your health concerns in depth.

But when you’re managing a chronic condition like psoriasis, every minute counts. You want to make sure you have time to share and get all your questions answered. 

Unfortunately, people with psoriasis don’t always get equal face time with their doctors. Research shows that the amount of time dermatologists spend with psoriasis patients may fluctuate based on the individual’s racial and ethnic background. And the findings suggest Asian people with psoriasis receive significantly less time with dermatologists.

Howard Chang, a psoriasis patient advocate and long-time Everyday Health blogger based in California, isn’t surprised by these findings. The son of Chinese immigrants, Chang recalls when both of his parents were diagnosed with psoriasis in 2014. When seeing a dermatologist, “They wouldn't really engage too much,” he notes. “It’s a very cultural thing. Just listen to the doctor, and the doctor is the authority.” 

Language barriers may also be a factor if someone isn’t comfortable speaking English, Chang adds. A lack of communication can lead to worse health outcomes if your doctor doesn’t know how you really feel or how closely you’re following your prescribed treatment regimen. 

That’s why it’s important to take steps to make the most out of every minute you get with your dermatologist.

What to Expect at a Psoriasis Checkup

To maximize each psoriasis check-up, you need to know what to expect.

During each visit, your dermatologist will ask how much of an impact psoriasis has on your day-to-day quality of life. They’ll also ask whether you have any new or worsening symptoms, including joint pain, which can be due to psoriatic arthritis. 

Your dermatologist will likely examine all of your skin. “We’re looking at the psoriasis — not just at the distribution or how much is involved, but also how thick the individual plaques are,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. 

What’s also important is a head-to-toe exam to check for skin cancer, which you may be at higher risk for if you’ve undergone phototherapy for psoriasis. 

If you have ongoing psoriasis symptoms, you’ll also discuss whether you may benefit from a change in treatment. You may even get in-office treatments, such as cortisone injections, to help calm any active psoriasis flares. 

          Developing a good relationship with your dermatologist can help you stay on top of the condition. Adobe Stock

Strategies to Try at Your Next Psoriasis Checkup

Now that you know what to expect, use these steps to get the most out of your next doctor’s appointment for psoriasis:

1. Check in online. Many healthcare systems now offer an online check-in process that you can fill out a day or so before your appointment. This gives you the chance to make any necessary updates to your contact info, pharmacy details, and insurance information. You’ll also be able to review any copays or balances owed to your dermatologist. Filling out this information before your visit can help make your life easier once you get to the appointment. “That way, there are no surprises when you check in,” says Chang.
2. Write down what you want to get out of the visit. This might include asking for medication refills, going over new symptoms, or talking about new treatment options. Chang uses a checklist in the Notes app on his iPhone to keep a running list of questions and answers from his dermatologist visits. “As I go through the appointment, I’ll check things off,” he says. “And the doctor, she knows now about my list, so she’ll point at my phone and say, ‘Anything else?’” 
3. Bring a friend or family member. An extra set of eyes and ears can be a big help. Your loved one can help remember what questions you wanted to ask and what the doctor says, Dr. Garshick notes. If there’s a language barrier, it can be especially helpful to bring along someone who is fluent in English — or ask for an interpreter — to make sure you understand all of the information, she adds.
4. Arrive early. Even if you’ve completed the check-in process online, it can still be helpful to arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Having downtime beforehand can be extra beneficial if doctor’s visits tend to stress you out. “If they’re going to do a blood pressure check, it’s nice to get there a little early, so you’re calm by the time they take the measurement,” Chang says.
5. Tell your doctor about every medication you’re taking. That includes any that aren’t for psoriasis, as some treatments for other conditions can actually worsen psoriasis. “Beta-blockers (which are sometimes used for blood pressure or heart rate), some antimalarial medications, and coming off of steroids can all trigger psoriasis,” says Garshick. Also, tell your dermatologist if you’ve just had an infection or were recently on antibiotics, which can contribute to psoriasis.
6. Be honest about how you’re feeling. Your dermatologist can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on — even if it doesn’t seem related to your skin. “Reflect on anything that feels new or different for you,” says Garshick. That includes whole-body symptoms, such as fatigue, or joint pain. “Your dermatologist may not be able to address all your symptoms, but they might be able to guide you on whether or not certain things are connected to psoriasis or not,” she notes.
7. Speak up if something isn’t working for you. “I used to be ashamed if I wasn’t following the doctor’s orders perfectly,” says Chang. “Let’s say I was supposed to apply an ointment twice a day, and I was doing it every other day instead. I didn’t want the dermatologist to be upset with me, so I might not tell her. But in the end, it’s your health. If you’re not able to follow instructions, there may be something else you can do.” So, speak up and be honest with your doctor. 
8. Get your to-dos in writing. Ask for a written summary of the visit, so you can confirm exactly what you’re supposed to do, including your treatment plan and when to schedule your next visit. “If you’re just learning about psoriasis medicines, ask for brochures,” Garshick says. You can also research medication options on the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) website, she adds.
9. Take advantage of the patient portal between visits. If you need time to process what your dermatologist says or to ask questions after the visit, you can often do so through your healthcare system’s online patient portal. “Sometimes, in the moment, you forget something you want to ask, or you feel like it’s hard to say something,” says Chang. Sending your doctor a message through the patient portal is a good way to follow up.
10. Follow your treatment plan. Chang has found that following his psoriasis treatment plan exactly as prescribed allows him to see if a specific treatment really works for him. It’s also helped strengthen his relationship with his dermatologist. “If something’s not working out, I can say, ‘Hey, I did this, and I’m thinking of trying that now,’” he says. “Your doctor is likely more willing to consider what you want when you’ve already built trust by doing what you’ve agreed to do before.”
11. Take time after your visit to think about what feels best to you. “Remember that psoriasis is a chronic condition. So find a doctor that you feel comfortable with, so you can establish a long-term relationship,” says Garshick. If you aren’t seeing results or you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, don’t be afraid to try someone else. “Not all dermatologists are specialized in certain kinds of psoriasis or are up on the latest medications,” says Chang. “If you can’t work with your doctor, or they don’t have the expertise you need, then you might need to make a change.” The NPF has a directory of doctors who specialize in treating psoriasis. 

For more tips on how to make the most of your check-up, download the NPF Appointment Prep Kit.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-psoriasis-checkups/

Wafer-thin patch loaded with living bacteria to treat psoriasis patients

From interestingengineering.com

The wafer-thin circular patch contains electronic chips, bacterial cells and a gel made from starch and gelatine 

Scientists have successfully developed a living bioelectronic device that combines living bacteria with sensors to improve skin regeneration. The innovative patch has potential to transform the treatment of people with skin psoriasis.

It also paves the way for treatments of medical needs as diverse as wounds and, potentially, multiple skin cancers.

The wafer-thin circular patch, which is about 1 inch in diameter, contains electronic chips, bacterial cells and a gel made from starch and gelatine. During the tests in mice prone to psoriasis-like skin conditions, there was a significant reduction in symptoms, without irritating skin.

                                         The living bioelectronic device developed by researchers.     University of Chicago/Jiuyun, Bozhi

Patch incorporates living cells

“We were looking for a new type of device that combines sensing and treatment for managing skin inflammation diseases like psoriasis,” said Simiao Niu, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Rutgers-New Brunswick.

“We found that by combining living bacteria, flexible electronics and adhesive skin interface materials, we were able to create a new type of device.”

Niu and collaborators, including scientists at the University of Chicago led by Bozhi Tian and Columbia University, developed the patch.

Calling it a “living drug”,  Niu maintained that the patch incorporates living cells as part of its therapy.

Flexible printed circuit forms the skeleton of the device

Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), which lives on human skin and has been shown to reduce inflammation, is incorporated into the device’s gel casing. Niu stated that a thin, flexible printed circuit forms the skeleton of the device.

When the device is placed on skin, the bacteria secrete compounds that reduce inflammation, while sensors in the flexible circuits monitor the skin for signals indicating healing, such as skin impedance, temperature and humidity, according to researchers.

Data is beamed wirelessly to a computer

The data collected by the circuits is beamed wirelessly to a computer or a cell phone, a process that would allow patients to monitor their healing process, according to School of Engineering at Rutgers-New Brunswick.

When you produce the kinds of things that positively affect people’s lives, you feel very proud. That is something that inspires me a lot and motivates me to do my current research,” said Niu.

He maintained that clinical trials to test the device on human patients must come next, as the first step toward commercialization.

Niu stressed that once there is evidence of positive results with minimum side effects, the inventors would apply for FDA approval in order to bring the device to market.

Their initial tests ran for a week, but the researchers hope the system—which they term the ABLE platform, for Active Biointegrated Living Electronics—could be used for a half-year or more. To make the treatment more convenient, the device can be freeze-dried for storage and easily rehydrated when needed, according to researchers.

Scientists also hope to extend the approach to other tissue types and cell types. “For example, could you create an insulin-producing device, or a device that interfaces with neurons?” said Tian. “There are many potential applications.”

https://interestingengineering.com/health/living-bioelectronic-patch-to-treat-skin-psoriasis

An overactive immune system can cause psoriasis

From newindianexpress.com

Psoriasis is an inflammation of the skin that results in a rash with itchy and scaly patches. It is a benign, chronic, non-infectious disease. Psoriasis is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system that triggers inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. However, the exact cause is still not fully understood.

Genetics also play a role, as psoriasis tends to run in families. The disease primarily affects the skin and also joints in some individuals. The common sites of skin involvement are the scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and soles; however, any area can be affected.

“Nail changes are common, often seen as pits and separation of the nail from the distal part of the nail bed. The lesions appear as reddish, scaly, thickened areas usually on the sites of predilection,” said Dr Rema Devi T J, consultant, department of dermatology and cosmetology, KIMSHEALTH. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and dermoscopy, and can be confirmed by biopsy and pathology.

While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Psoriasis is a disease that can be well-controlled by topical and systemic medications. Topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, biologicals and lifestyle modifications play very important roles in the management of psoriasis. It is associated with several complications, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety and other autoimmune diseases.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/xplore/2024/Jun/11/an-overactive-immunesystem-can-cause-psoriasis 

How Does High Temperature Affect Skin Infections, Allergies, And Inflammation? A Review By Doctors

From msn.com/en-au/health 

1)  Expert opinion from Dr. Anuvitha Kamath

MBBS · 3 years of experience · India

High temperature leads to excess sweating and can aggravate skin allergies, irritation, and inflammation. It leads to heat rashes. Skin irritation or heat rash is a group of tiny blisters formed on the skin due to excess heat and sweating. Some of the remedies to cope with skin irritation are keeping the body cool and dry by taking a cool shower, using fans and air conditioners, application of calamine lotion for a soothing effect from friction, wearing cotton clothing, wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction, drinking excess fluids to avoid dehydration, and taking anti-itch medicines in cases of severe irritation.

2)  Expert opinion from Dr. Alan Thomas Charly

MBBS · 1 years of experience · India

Heat can aggravate skin infections, allergies, and inflammation. Heat and humidity provide an environment where bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can grow, raising the risk of skin diseases. Sweating in hot temperatures can also cause skin irritation, particularly in allergy sufferers. Increased perspiration and heat exposure can aggravate inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. To reduce these effects, maintain good personal cleanliness, keep the skin dry, and use appropriate skincare products, such as sunscreen and moisturisers, to protect against UV radiation and maintain skin health in hot weather.

3)  Expert opinion from Dr. Himabindu Sreenivasulu

MBBS · 1 years of experience · India

High temperatures can exacerbate skin infections, allergies, and inflammation. Heat and humidity can create favourable conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to skin infections like athlete's foot or fungal rashes. Additionally, sweat can irritate the skin, aggravating conditions like eczema and causing flare-ups of allergic reactions. Inflammation can increase in response to heat and sun exposure, potentially worsening conditions like psoriasis. To mitigate these effects, maintain good hygiene, use sunscreen, wear breathable clothing, and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatments if needed.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across region. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional. 

https://www.msn.com/en-au/health/wellness/how-does-high-temperature-affect-skin-infections-allergies-and-inflammation-a-review-by-doctors/ar-BB1mbKZP?item=personalization_enabled%3Afalse&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1