Eczema and Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis and eczema are common skin diseases which affect people all over the world. The Psoriasis is a condition that affects the life cycle of the skin cells. Primarily, it triggers a rapid build up of cells on the skin surface, giving rise to bouts of symptoms. Also, it is a chronic skin disorder, which requires long-term treatment. Eczema is also a long-lasting condition. It is characterized by an itchy inflammation of the skin, and known to be more common in children.
Eczema and psoriasis are some of the most challenging skin conditions encountered by skin care professionals. Often, there will simply be a little red rash on the skin and you may be left scratching your own head trying to figure out how it came to be. Up to 20% of the world’s children suffer from eczema1, 2 and up to 3% of adults suffer from either eczema or psoriasis. Given that the world population just reached the 7 billion mark, that’s a lot of people. Eczema, along with asthma and allergies, are on the rise; in fact, eczema is much more common today than it was 30 years ago, especially in children. This rapid spike in apparent incidence is cause for concern, and may be due to many factors, such as inadequate diet, pollution and other environmental stressors. The truth is, it isn’t known exactly what causes eczema or psoriasis. The good news is, more and more is being learned about these inflammatory skin diseases and strategies are being developed to effectively manage their symptoms.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by red itchy patches on the skin. It is a non contagious diseases caused due to genetic as well as environmental factors. Sometimes, low immunity can also give rise to psoriasis.
Causes Of Psoriasis
There are these cells in the body known as T lymphocytes or T cells. They are assigned with the job of eliminating foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. Due to certain reasons these cells become overactive, and start attacking the healthy cells of the body. Now this malfunction triggers the immune system to go into an overdrive and produce new skin cells, and more T cells, and this goes on like a cycle. Usually, new skin cells take about a month to reach to the top of the epidermis. So as newer cells continue to move up, older cells die, and rise to the surface, and flake off after sometime. But in psoriasis, new skin cells move up to the surface within days, and this causes a build up of dead skin cells on the surface. Scientists are not sure of what causes the T cells to malfunction, but they have narrowed down a list of triggers. These may include:
• Sore throat
• Emotional stress
• Genetic factors
• Smoking tobacco
• Exposure to frost
• Injury to the skin
• Chronic immune disorders such as HIV
• Alcohol abuse
• Side effects of certain medications
Usually, psoriasis symptoms vary from person to person, but the common ones include:
• Formation of red patches on the skin, which are covered with silvery scales. Although these patches may appear anywhere, they commonly affect areas such as the knees, scalp, hands, elbows, feet or lower back
• Development of spots small in size, but scaly in appearance
• Affected areas of the skin may get dry, and even bleed
• The above symptoms may be accompanied by itchiness, burning sensation and soreness
• Nails may get thicker, and ridged
• Joints may swell, and become stiff
There are several options for treating the disorder. It involves the use of topical medications, therapy, oral and injected medications too. The goal of the treatment is to disturb the cycle that is causing the cells to grow in a rapid manner. And it also attempts to make the skin smoother, by getting rid of the scaled skin. If we talk about home remedies for psoriasis, then doctors advise to take a bath on daily basis, keeping the skin moisturized, keeping a cover for the affected areas at night while sleeping, and using medicated cream or ointment as directed. Also, it is important to get exposed to the sun, but only by small amounts, and avoid the triggering factors.
The following are home remedies and natural psoriasis cures that are easier to put into practice.
1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is found to be beneficial in treating several skin problems. It is also one of the most effective remedies for psoriasis. One can apply virgin coconut oil to the skin or even consume it through several products. One can even use organic soaps made of pure coconut oil and coconut extract to treat scalp psoriasis.
2. Olive Oil: Olive oil helps in softening skin and hence, is effective in getting rid of the flakes caused during psoriasis. One can heat olive oil to make it lukewarm and apply it to the affected area. Secondly, olive oil supplements can also be taken. Once the skin becomes soft, it is easier to treat psoriasis quickly. Along with olive oil, tea tree oil is also one of the best nail psoriasis home remedies.
3. Garlic: Garlic is one of the most efficient products used in natural treatments. Its blood purifying properties help in washing out the toxins form the body. One can eat 2-3 garlic cloves every morning to treat psoriasis.
4. Sea Salts: According to recent researches, it has been found that sea salts are very effective in reducing the red patches on the skin. Having a bath with sea salts mixed in water cures the itchiness to a great extent. On the other hand, having it regularly can also helps in preventing the recurrence of psoriasis.
5. Vitamins: It is essential to have sufficient intake of vitamin D and vitamin E to treat psoriasis. Doctors advise patients to have regular exposure to sunlight to get sufficient vitamin D. Vitamin E can be obtained from almond, spinach, sunflower seeds, etc.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin, and is characterized by very dry, red, and itchy patches on the skin in ears, on hands, or any other part of the body. Severe cases exhibit bleeding fissures, that sometimes are known to spread the infection. In most instance, eczema is chronic in nature, and tends to relapse at the slightest provocation. Given below is a list of various types of eczema.
Causes Of Eczema
No specific causes have yet come to light. Like it is in the case of psoriasis, even eczema is believed to be a result of malfunctioning immune system. Experts say that the symptoms that are caused in eczema, occur as a result of an overactive immune response to an irritant. Unlike what most people think, stressful factors do not cause this skin disorder, but they worsen it. Other triggers could include:
• Allergens such as house mites, pollen, and dander
• Foods such as eggs, cow's milk, soya products, wheat and nuts
• Cold weather
• Frequent washing
• Hormonal changes
Common signs and symptoms include:
• The person may experience itching, which may get intense at nights
• There would be gray colored patches on the skin. These may also be brownish in color
• The skin may become red, hot, dry, thicker, scaly and sensitive
Treatment
For a mild case, using nonprescription anti-itch creams, in conjunction with some self-care measures, is good enough to reduce inflammation, itching, and prevent future flare-ups. For severe cases, the doctor may recommend the use of other medications. This could be accompanied by light therapy. The self-care eczema home treatment measures include applying cool and wet compress on the affected area, and taking a warm bath with baking soda mixed in the water. Using a humidifier also helps as moisture in the air would keep the skin from getting dry and flaky. Identify and avoid triggers which seem to aggravate the condition, and wear light-cotton clothing.
Home Remedies for Eczema
Here are the best natural treatments for eczema for effective and permanent results.
• One of the best ways to cure eczema is to apply coconut oil on the affected region. This would prevent your skin from drying and make it soft.
• Using cold water on the affected area is also very helpful. Treating the skin with cold water soothes the skin.
• Take a few almond leaves and mash them in water and apply on the area, it provides great relief for eczema affected skin.
• Using Jojoba oil as an effective eczema lotion is great for your skin. It opens up your skin pores and can be used as an effective herbal medicine.
• Another effective remedy is making a paste of nutmeg and water and keeping it on the skin for an hour. • This cleans the skin and encourages the growth of healthy and fresh skin.
• A popular herbal remedy is to apply spearmint leaf juice on the affected area. This reduces the redness of the skin.
• Substituting aerated drinks and oily and processed foods with juices, water, and healthy fruits and vegetables detoxifies the blood and leaves you with healthy and glowing skin.
• Another effective remedy would be making a paste of turmeric powder and bitter Indian Lilac leaves. The leaves and turmeric powder make a great combination of eliminating the dead skin and laying foundation of a new healthy skin.
• Take 200gm of mustard oil and boil it in an iron vessel, and add 50gm of fresh clean Indian Lilac leaves to it. Boil the oil till the leaves turn black, stop the heating and allow the oil to cool, now sieve it. Apply this oil daily for a year if you never want eczema to appear again.
Myotcstore Related Products:
Neosporin Eczema essentials Anti-itch cream - 1 ozOxipor VHC Coal Tar solution Psoriasis Lotion - 1.9 oz
Forces Of Nature Eczema Control - 11 ml
Dermarest psoriasis medicated moisturizer - 4 oz
Denison Hydrolatum Dry Skin Cream, Soothing Relief - 2 Oz Tube
Boericke and Tafel Sulfur 6X tablets - 100 ea