An improvement is reported by many people in warm climate or months or when exposed to sunlight. This medical condition is seen in both sexes of all races worldwide. While psoriasis is seen in population of all age, be it babies or senior citizens but most patients are usually diagnosed first, during their early adult years. Patients with more chronic psoriasis may face job stress, social embarrassment, emotional distress or other personal issues due to the look of their skin.

Causes of Psoriasis

The precise cause of this medical condition is unknown but there may be many combining factors which may include environmental factors and genetic inclination. It is common that psoriasis is found in the members of the same family. It is considered that the immune system plays an important role in this disease.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis usually looks like pink or red area of dry, thickened and raised skin. It typically affects the areas above the knees, elbows, and scalp. Fundamentally any are of the body may be affected. Majority of the time it tends to affect common in areas of strain, use, repeat rubbing or abrasions. Psoriasis has a lot of diverse appearances. It could be big flakes of dry skin or pink mildly dry skin that peels off, red patches, small flattened bumps or thick large plaques of raised skin. There many various types of psoriasis guttate psoriasis (drop like small spots), pustular psoriasis (small blisters like liquid-filled yellowish spots), inverse psoriasis (in the folds of the buttocks, navel and underarms) and the most common type of all psoriasis vulgaris. In addition to the above, palmoplantar psoriasis a separate entity that affects the soles and palms.
Many a times, tiny blood spot is caused on the skin, when a small dry white flake is pulled off. In the medical term it is referred to Auspitz sign a special diagnostic sign. Genital lesions, especially on the penis’s head are common. Psoriasis may look like red flat patches in moist areas of navel or the interlineal folds (area between the buttocks). These may be confused with other skin infections like fungal, or bacterial Staph infections, skin irritation or yeast infection. Nail psoriasis may look like a white spot or pinpoint depression (small pits) on the nails or large yellowish brown separations of nail bed which are called “oil spots”. This can be wrongly diagnosed or confused to a fungal infection. It’s difficult to distinguish between seborrhea (dandruff) or scalp psoriasis as psoriasis on the scalp looks like a severe dandruff with red areas of skin and dry flakes. Nevertheless, the treatment is a lot similar for both conditions.

Treatment Methods for Psoriasis

Psoriasis has many effective treatments to choice from. The best treatment is independently dogged by the physician who is treating and depends on the severity, the disease type, and the area of the body that is affected by it. If the disease is mild and only a small area is involved (not more than 10 percent of the skin) relevant (cream applied to the skin) creams, sprays and lotions may be safe and effect to use. Sporadically, a diminutive local injection of steroids given directly into the resistant or tough isolated psoriasis plaque can be of some help. When a large area of the body is involved (20 percent or more of the skin), relevant product may be ineffective or impractical to apply. Such cases usually require complete body treatments like light treatment, pills or injections. There is a possibility of high risk with strong medication. Complete medication which can prevent the progression of disease is required for psoriatic arthritis as topical therapies are ineffective.

With any kind of medical condition, it is important to understand that all medication pose certain side effect. No medication is 100 percent safe or effective for everybody. A thorough consideration and discussion with the physician is required in order to use the medication. For each type of psoriasis, the potential benefit and risk of the medication is ought to be considered as each individual patient differs. Few patients are not worried by the symptoms of their skin and may not want to go for any treatment. On the other hand there may be patients who are worried at even a tiny patch of psoriasis as they want to keep their skin clear. As every patient is different, the treatment choices depend on the wish and goals of the patient. “Rotational Therapy” also known as “Changing cycles of psoriasis treatments “is mainly an effective approach to psoriasis. A number of dermatologists recommend this practice to minimize the side effect of any one kind of therapy. For example, if a patient has been using oral methotrexate for three years, it may be practical to stop the usage of oral methotrexate and begin with a biologic injectable medication or light therapy for sometime. The collective damage to the liver is minimized by switching to a medication which doesn’t adversely affect the liver. In another case a patient who is using strong relevant steroids for two years, it may be beneficial for him to stop using the steroid for some time and switch to another therapy like  an injectable biologic, light therapy or calcipotriene (Dovonex).

In temperate climates, like Europe’s it is common only in babies and young children during the summer. In the tropics, both children and adults are affected, particularly during the hot season.

What causes heat rash?
The rash develops when the excessive amount of perspiration produced by overheated skin blocks the outlets of the sweat glands. Since most sweat glands are situated around the face, neck, shoulders and chest, heat rash mainly appears in these areas.

Heat rash is most common in babies since their sweat glands do not function as efficiently as those of older children or adults. In babies particularly, heat rash is caused by clothes and bedding that are too warm and not loose enough to allow air to circulate freely.

Young children may also suffer from heat rash if they are too hot in bed, have a fever due to infection or when they go on holiday to a hotter country. Adults mostly develop prickly heat in tropical climates, which are hot and humid.

Young children can easily get a heat rash.

How is heat rash diagnosed and treated?
Heat rash is identified by the development of a red rash of tiny spots which feels warm and prickly, intensely itchy, and that develops when the sufferer is in a hot environment. Treatment consists simply of cooling the skin, and soothing the itching.

Treatment is the same for babies, children and adults. Cool the skin by bathing it with cool water or taking frequent cold showers. Dry carefully afterwards. Apply an antiseptic dusting powder containing zinc oxide. An application of calamine lotion will also soothe the itching.

To treat and prevent heat rash, loose cotton clothes should be worn; nylon and other synthetics trap sweat and make matters worse.

Indoors, make sure that there is air circulating in the room. Open the windows and, in the tropics, use a fan. Outside, stay in the shade, in a cooling breeze if possible.

What can I do myself?
Heat rash is not a condition which normally requires a doctor’s assistance. Treat as above and the rash will subside.

When should I see my doctor?
It is not usually necessary. But if a heat rash recurs more than occasionally, it could be an allergic rash which is made worse but not caused by the heat. It might then be wise to see a doctor. These rashes include photosensitive dermatitis an itchy rash brought on by exposure to ultraviolet light and nettle rash which can be an allergic reaction to sweat.

There is a similar sort of rash to heat rash called intertrigo, which may require medical attention. It is a red, raw rash which develops in the creases of the skin, especially in the groin area. It is much more likely to occur among obese people.

None of these rashes looks like heat rash although they may feel the same to the sufferer.

What will the doctor do?
If it is a simple heat rash, the doctor will advise you on the treatment outlined above. If it is an allergy he will investigate the causes. If it is intertrigo, an antifungal drug will normally be prescribed in the form of a cream or an ointment as there is usually an underlying fungal infection with this condition. When the skin is severely inflamed a steroid ointment may be the appropriate treatment.

Is heat rash dangerous?
Not in itself, but in babies, who cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, it is important to respond promptly to prevent overheating.

SYMPTOMS
*A rash of tiny red spots, which feels extremely itchy and prickly. It is usually concentrated around the face, neck, shoulders, chest, waist, armpits and the sides of the elbows. If rash is very extensive, seek a doctor immediately.

NATURAL REMEDIES
*Rubbing the juice of a lemon over unbroken skin after bathing may help to prevent heat rash.
*If heat rash develops, an application of olive oil may help soothe the area.

What can I do to avoid heat rash?

• Avoid heat rash by keeping the skin cool and dry. Take special care when you go on holiday to a hot country.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot drinks which raise body temperature.
• Dress in suitably loose, light, cotton clothing. Don’t put nylon or synthetics next to a baby’s skin in hot weather. It is best to sleep in cotton sheets and nightclothes.
• Prevent young children from becoming too hot by discouraging very active games in hot weather.
• In tropical countries, always carry a jar of dusting powder containing zinc oxide, and apply it to your own skin and your children’s skin daily, after bathing.

WARNING
Though heat rash is very uncomfortable, it is not in itself serious. However, other heatrelated disorders such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke both require urgent medical attention. Heat stroke, in particular, can be fatal.

• Dry skin is a common cause of itching, and the dryness is often the result of excessive bathing, which removes natural skin oils.
• Itching is also quite common during pregnancy, although the reason for this is unknown. Most disease of the skin cause some itching to occur, as do certain other serious illnesses.
• An allergic reaction to some foods and medicines may cause an itchy rash. This can happen within minutes or up to an hour or two later and is due to the release of a substance in the skin called histamine. However, because the skin may take several days to build up a sensitivity to the allergic substance, it may not react immediately. Once a reaction has occurred, further exposure to the substance will make the skin itch.
• Make-up, sunscreen lotion, hair products and creams containing lanolin may all cause an itch in the area where they have been applied. Nickel, used in some jewellery or watch straps, can also cause itching. These reactions are usually due to a condition knows as contact dermatitis. Soap and detergents may also be irritants to sensitive skins, so clothes should be throughtly rinsed after washing. The patient’s medical history will help the doctor determine the cause of the allergic itch. If it is possible to identify the substance responsible for the allergy, avoiding it in future will often cure the problem.
• Itching has many other causes. Eczema, which usually starts as an itchy rash in the folds of the elbow and behind the knees, often runs in families. Infestation with a mite or worm is another potential cause of itching. This is usually accompanied by a rash, such as is been in ringworm or scabies. The bites of fleas and mosquitoes also cause itching, as do some warts.
• Kidney failture, leukaemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), and jaundice are often accompanied by a generalized itch, without any sign of a skin rash.

When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor about any itchy area that does not settle down after a short period of time. In condition, any itchy area that spreads rapidly over the body should be shown to your doctor as a matter of urgency, particularly if it is accompanied by a feeling of being generally unwell or if blisters also appear on the skin.

What will the doctor do?
Your doctor will ask when the itching started, and may want to take scrapings from the effected area to send to the laboratory for analysis. The doctor may also take a small biopsy a tiny area cut from the itchy lesion for analysis. A local anaesthetic will be given, so the procedure is painless. A blood sample and a urine specimen may be taken to exclude diabetes as a cause. If there is still any doubt, you may be referred to a skin specialist for further consultation.

Treatment from your doctor will vary according to the cause of the itch. Allergic itching can normally be controlled by antihistamine pills and creams. Eczema may need hydrocortisone creams of differing strengths. Antifungal ointments will be prescribed for ringworm, and special shampoos and lotions will be prescribed to treat lice and scabies.

What can I do myself?
Many of the pills, lotions, and creams used to treat itchy skin can be bought over the counter at the chemist. If you are sure of your diagnosis you may use them without going to the doctor, but if you have any doubt, if the treatment is not effective within a few days, or if your itch becomes worse, you should visit your doctor.

Use a moisturising cream if you have dry skin, and avoid perfumed soap and excessively hot water. Try to avoid scratching. It may give temporary relief but tends to make the itching worse in the long run. Suppress the desire to scratch by applying soothing lotions and ointments, and by taking antihistamines.

Is itching dangerous?
Itching is not dangerous, however, in most cases it can be very unpleasant. If a mole starts to itch, you should see your doctor, as it may be an early warning sign of cancer.

Natural Remedies

• A paste of bicarbonate of soda and water may be effective when dabbed on simple itchy spots.
• Vaseline or spirit aftershave or toilet water is soothing to insect bites.
• The itching caused by chickenpox can be soothed by applying callendula lotion to the affected parts.

Warning
It is possible to buy hydrocortisone cream over the counter, but it should be used with caution. It may make an infection worse, may damage facial skin, is dangerous to use around eyes, and should be used on a regular basis only under medical supervision.

Eczema often referred to as dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin which, though unsightly, is not contagious. It affects around 1 out of 12 people at some time in their lives.

There are many related forms of the disease. One of the most common is infantile atopic eczema, which is probably caused by an allergic reaction. It affects young babies between the ages of 2-18 months, covering the face, head, scalp, and spreading to the hands and limbs, particularly where the skin has folds or is rubbed by clothing. Most children grow out of the disease, although it can reappear in later life.

Another from of the disease is contact eczema, caused by an allergic reaction to a substance coming into contact with the skin. The allergic reaction can be quite violent, for example, after exposure to plants such as primula, Rhus tree, or poison ivy. Reaction to allergens can also be the cause of mild forms, for example, nickel in a metal watch strap.

Eczema on the hands often affects people such as nurses, hairdressers, industrial workers or housewives who continually handle strong chemicals such as solvents, and shampoos, or household detergents, often without wearing gloves.

Seborrhoeic eczema a rash affecting those with oily facial skin settles in the creases at the sides of the nose, or in men, it may spread to the beard or hairy parts of the body. In its mildest form, it occurs on the scalp as dandruff.

What causes eczema?

The causes of eczema are often not easy to pinpoint. Apart from contact with harsh chemicals, the most likely causes seem to be an allergy to a food or other substance. In infants, for example, it can sometimes be traced to a reaction to cow’s milk.

People affected by eczema often suffer from hayfever or asthma, or come from families prone to these allergies. Stress and tension may also be contributory factors.

How is eczema diagnosed and treated?

Eczema causes a red rash, accompanied by scaling and blisters. It is usually very itchy and if scratched, it may lead to weeping areas which can become infected. Mild cases do respond to simple home treatments, such as keeping the affected area clean, and well lubricated. Rubber gloves should be worn to protect the hands.

When should I see my doctor?
If the rash fails to respond to home treatment, or if it is very severe, you should consult your doctor.

What will the doctor do?

Your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream which should be applied strictly according to the instructions. Prolonged or inappropriate use of such creams can cause unpleasant side effects.

An antibiotic may be used to clear up any infection, and an antihistamine drug may be given to reduce itching.

A path test may be carried out. This involves applying the suspected allergic substance to a small area of skin to see if there is a reaction. If an allergy to a food or substance is suspected, the doctor may carry out tests which eliminate particular foods from the diet.

What can I do myself?

An emollient cream will keep the affected area supple-petroleum jelly, lanolin ointment or baby oil are good choices. Wear cotton next to the skin and use rubber gloves to protect the hands when using harsh chemicals or powerful household cleansers.

Try not to scratch the rash. For a baby, wearing cotton mittens day and night can prevent the child from aggravating the condition. If an allergy is suspected, try to avoid the food or substance which produces the reaction. Breastfed babies seem less prone to eczema than bottlefed babies.

What can I do to avoid eczema?

Avoid substances or foods which you suspect may produce an allergic reaction. Protect the skin from harsh chemicals. However, despite taking these precautions, eczema can often occur and recur for seemingly little or no reason.

Is eczema dangerous?

Treatment, even when the cause is not clearly understood, is usually effective. One severe from involves the whole body and requires hospital treatment. Eczema can be an irritating and distressing condition, but it is not contagious or in any way dangerous to health.

Natural Remedies for Eczema

A marigold infusion and/or ointment may be advised by herbalists to relieve, and prevent, itching, blisters and skin flaking- the typical symptoms of eczema.

An infusion can be made by steeping 30g 1oz of marigold petals in 600ml 1pt of boiling water for ten minutes. Drain the infusion and then drink, as required.

Eczema Symptoms

• A red, flaky rash.
• Scaling and blisters.
• Itching.
• Weeping sores which may become affected.

FURTHER  INFORMATION
Help and advice, as well as addresses of self-help groups in your state may be obtained by contacting:

Australia
Allergy Support Group
PO Box 468
Baulkham Hills
NSW 2153