Archive for Skin Disorders
Skin Disorders: Eczema
Posted by: | Comments
Image via Wikipedia
Persistent, painful itching; that's how many patients describe eczema, a skin condition with many causes. To make it easier to understand eczema and the various symptoms and related treatments, eczema goes by a number of different names. Regardless of the underlying cause however, eczema always affects the epidermis, and it can affect any individual, regardless of genetics, racial background or age.
Classified into two broad categories, eczema that has no apparent trigger or cause is considered endogenous eczema. When eczema is the result of external triggers such as allergens, the eczema is classified as eczematous dermatitis.
Much still is unknown about eczema and one puzzling fact is that the available treatments for the various types of eczema aren't always effective for every individual. Read More→
Skin Disorders: Psoriasis
Posted by: | Comments
Image via Wikipedia
Affecting approximately one out of every 50 adults, psoriasis is a physical condition that can cause significant psychological distress. One of the most interesting discoveries related to psoriasis is that its onset is rooted in the body's immune system.
The symptoms associated with a flare-up of psoriasis include skin that is salmon-colored, scaly, flaky and irritated. With plaque psoriasis, the most common form, affected areas develop round-, oval- or irregularly-shaped patches of red that are covered with skin that's scaly and silver-colored. There is no consistency in the size or shape of the patchy areas and in fact, several small patches can merge together and appear as one big irregular shape of irritated skin. These areas are unsightly and sometimes they crack and cause bleeding.
Affected skin can be extremely itchy and frequently has a burning sensation. Like the shape, there is no consistency in how long a flare-up will last. It can last 20 days or it can last 120 days or longer. What's worse for those affected is that it's a chronic condition so recurring flare-ups can happen any time. Read More→
Skin conditions: Rosacea
Posted by: | Comments
Image via Wikipedia
Skin flushing and redness when you're not embarrassed are symptoms associated with rosacea, a chronic skin disorder that affects millions of individuals, primarily women. The condition doesn't usually appear until women reach their 30's or even later. Rosacea is thought to result from the accumulation over time of excess acid in the body. This accumulation irritates the blood vessels and since the facial area has some of the highest concentrations of blood vessels, it's the area most affected by rosacea.
Symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea affects the face therefore its symptoms are difficult to miss. The main areas affected include cheeks and nose, but the forehead and areas around the mouth can also be involved. These areas have a large concentration of blood-carrying arteries which is why some people blame the cause of rosacea on excess acids.
Symptoms are characterized by patches of red, flush skin that may burn or sting or itch. In some cases, the skin will also become inflamed. There is no consistency among patients as to where on the face the patches will develop and whether they'll appear on one or both sides simultaneously. Skin type can be characterized by dry and flaky, or normal or oily. Read More→
