Eczema Vs Psoriasis

Although they are both skin conditions, by assessing the areas of the skin that are affected, it is possible to see what the differences between these two skin complaints are. They are both types of dermatitis, which simply means 'inflammatory conditions relating to the skin.'

Eczema is made up of very dry, scaly and itchy skin patches, that are also often red and inflamed. There may also be small blisters present in these areas, which can 'weep' and become infected. The areas most affected are the insides of the elbows, the hands, and neck and the inside of the knees, as well as other areas of the legs. Some people even have dry, itchy areas on their faces, including their eyes and scalp. Scratching the itchy skin makes the itch worse and can break the skin too, which can lead to infection.

This skin condition can be worsened by skin irritants, like certain washing powders, clothing, soaps, perfumes, animal fur and other household and industrial chemicals that the skin comes into contact with. Specific foods can also make the condition worse, and gluten and dairy are often the culprits.

The immune system of the person afflicted reacts to either the environmental triggers, or specific foods, or both, and the skin reacts by becoming inflamed, causing the symptoms of distress, which manifest as eczema. Stress can also worsen eczema.

However when the body is provided with specific nutrients, to heal the skin and enable it become healthy and retain moisture, then the skin becomes more resilient to external triggers. When the immune system is nourished, it becomes better able to cope with both internal and external triggers. Strengthening the digestive system also facilitates less food sensitivities. Addressing all these issues leads to healthier skin.

Psoriasis consists of raised areas of skin, often on the opposite area to where eczema usually appears, like the outside of the elbows, and the knees. The skin also has a rough, flaky, silvery appearance and can appear red too. When the condition gets severe the skin will also start to itch, and can even flake off, leaving bleeding skin underneath. This condition can accompany sore joints, and then the condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, and is caused by a the skin receiving a faulty signal that speeds up both the growth of new skin cells and the turnover of existing skin cells. This means that the skin builds up extra layers, leading to dry, hard and itchy patches on various parts of the skin.

There are certain environmental factors that can worsen this skin condition, such as stress, extremes of temperature, and infections. There may be a genetic predisposition to this affliction.

Once again, when the body is provided with specific nutrients, it is capable of addressing this problem. When the cells are given what they require to function optimally, the skin is one of the first areas that will reflect this improvement in cellular functioning.

These skin conditions are not contagious, but do cause untold misery for the sufferers, with many millions of people, all over the world, suffering from them.

Cortisone creams are often prescribed to help address the irritation and inflammation that accompany these skin conditions. Over time this form of treatment can make the skin more sensitive and doesn't solve the underlying cause of the condition.

(If you are still unsure of what your particular skin condition is, it is advisable to see a dermatologist to make the final assessment.)

Although prescription medicine and OTC (over the counter) compounds are used by millions of people, every day, in an attempt to solve these skin conditions, the underlying cause is very seldom addressed. Essential fats have an enormously important role to play in every single cell in your body. The skin needs these specific nutrients in large quantities, to remain healthy and robust, therefore it is the first issue in the diet that should be addressed. Removing specific foods, as well as environmental triggers is the next step, although the essential fats also play a role in modulating the immune system, so these triggers could become less irritating to the body and therefore the skin, when the immune system becomes healthier. Digestive enzymes may also be helpful as they help with protein digestion, which when hampered, often leads to food sensitivities.