Psoriasis (PsO) and Rosacea are chronic inflammatory skin (dermis) conditions that can cause a variety of skin (dermal) symptoms. While the two conditions have many similarities, they also have some key differences.
Psoriasis Functional Medicine Diet
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Psoriasis Functional Medicine Doctor Telemedicine with Dr. Shook
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder caused by the immune system attacking healthy dermal cells that can present with raised, reddish patches of skin covered in silvery scales. To address the root cause, you must address psoriasis’s immunological triggers and drivers. The science of the triggers and drivers of psoriasis has progressed significantly. Effective psoriasis treatment supports the underlying root causes of the autoimmune process (Level 1 Clinical Care) rather than starting with medications (Level 3 Clinical Care) with high side effects.
You can join the free Psoriasis Healing Challenge I created to teach people with Psoriasis the latest science on the drivers and triggers and root-cause approach to healing Psoriasis based on a new, immune-based model that takes a completely non-drug approach. The approach I teach is the Level 1 Clinical Care Model of Psoriasis everyone should be using. I detail the triggers of Psoriasis in the table below and go into the science of the currently known causes, including what can be done to support Psoriasis naturally in the Psoriasis Healing Challenge.
| Root Causes of Psoriasis: (Get the tests HERE) |
|---|
| – Autoimmunity (Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition) |
| – Broken immune barrier systems (Gut, Lung, Brain, Oral, Nasopharynx, Skin) |
| – Autoimmunity Drivers and Triggers (Foods, Chemicals, Pathogens) |
| – Food Triggers (There are many food triggers unique to the person, wheat is the most common) |
| – Pathogens (Candida and some GI bacteria create an inflammatory immune response) |
| – Chemicals (Many chemicals have the potential to bind to human tissue and drive autoimmunity) |
| – Immune System Dysfunction (Deficiency in vitamins and minerals can lead to immune problems) |
| – Chemicals (Chemicals can also cause immune cells to lose normal regulatory balance) |
| – Endotoxemia (Leaking of bacterial fragments into the bloodstream drives massive inflammation) |
| – Chronic Stress (Prolonged stress promotes stress hormones which suppress immune function) |
Rosacea Causes
Rosacea causes are linked to various gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases and a disrupted gut-skin axis (the connection between the gut and skin health). Bacteria like Bacillus oleronius on the skin surface, inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori infections, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), are all connected to Rosacea. The inflammatory bowel disease connection to Rosacea has some of the most robust levels of evidence.
Demodex Mites on the skin’s surface (epidermal area top, most superficial layer) are also shown to trigger an inflammatory cascade and autoimmune response. The dilated blood vessels with Rosacea can also be driven by histamine reactions, poor liver detoxification, and poor elimination (not pooping regularly), which drives intestinal hyperpermeability, “leaky gut,” allowing bacterial fragments (endotoxins) into the bloodstream. These endotoxins are strong drivers of systemic inflammation that likely contribute to the symptoms of persistent flushing or redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels associated with Rosacea.
Managing Rosacea with functional medicine should be the foundation of supporting and improving Rosacea (Level 1 Clinical Care), which addresses the root causes, not just symptom-based management that ultimately fails, resulting in relapse.
| Root Causes of Rosacea: |
|---|
| – Bacteria like Bacillus Oleronius on the skin surface |
| – Inflammatory bowel disease |
| – Helicobacter pylori infections |
| – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) |
| – Demodex Mites on the skin’s surface |
| – Environmental and food drivers of histamine reactions |
| – Poor liver detoxification (biotransformation) |
| – Poor elimination (not pooping regularly) |
| – Intestinal hyperpermeability, “leaky gut” |
| – Autoimmunity and immune triggers (Foods, Pathogens, Chemicals) |
Both conditions require medical diagnosis, and some medical treatments can help to reduce symptoms and appearance, but unless you are looking at and supporting the underlying cause, you are only covering up the symptoms.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Both Psoriasis and Rosacea should be considered autoimmune diseases that should be supported first (Level 1 Clinical Care) by addressing the internal factors driving the inflammatory processes using a science-based functional immunological approach. Otherwise, treatment results will be unsatisfactory because of frequent relapses associated with symptoms-based treatments alone that do not address the actual causes of the problem.
Diagnosis and Treatments for Psoriasis and Rosacea
Diagnosis for Psoriasis:
A dermatologist or other healthcare professional will typically diagnose psoriasis by examining a person’s skin. They may take a dermal sample from the area of inflammation to examine under a microscope or perform a blood test.
Treatment for Psoriasis:
Treatment for psoriasis depends on the severity of symptoms and the person’s overall health and lifestyle. Treatments include topical creams, phototherapy (light therapy), oral medications such as methotrexate, and biologics (medications created from proteins). Diet and lifestyle changes are essential to improve psoriasis, and quitting smoking and avoiding certain triggers –may help reduce flare episodes. Dr. Shook has lived with Psoriasis for over 21 years and has kept it in remission using a functional immunological approach that is drug-free. To learn about Dr. Shook’s approach and get the most current science on effective psoriasis treatments click here.
Functional Medicine for Psoriasis:
Functional medicine for Psoriasis is proving to be an effective strategy for many people. Functional medicine takes a detect, remove, and repair approach to identify foods, chronic infections, and chemicals that may be triggering the immune system and driving the immune response.
Once the immune triggers have been identified, the next step is to remove them and focus on repairing damage to the immune system barriers. Usually, the intestinal tract and intestinal lining need to be repaired, and in some cases, the blood-brain barrier must also be supported.
Before and after pictures of hand and foot psoriasis:
Here are some before and after pictures of where functional medicine was used with hand and foot psoriasis.
Diagnosis for Rosacea:
Diagnosing rosacea can be difficult because it may be confused with other dermal conditions, such as acne. A doctor will usually diagnose rosacea based on a physical examination of the skin’s surface and questions about how to ease symptoms.
Treatment for Rosacea:
Treatment for rosacea commonly includes topical creams that contain antibiotics or other medications, oral antibiotics, laser treatments, and in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes may also help reduce flares, such as wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding certain triggers.
Symptoms of Plaque Psoriasis and Rosacea
Although rosacea and psoriasis have similar symptoms, there are distinct differences between the two chronic conditions. Psoriasis is a dermal condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the body.
Common symptoms of psoriasis include flaky, itchy skin, redness and inflammation, and thickened plaques of epidermal tissue. In extreme cases, the patches can spread to other parts of the body, such as the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis), elbows and knees.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the face. Common symptoms include redness and swelling on the cheeks and nose, small blood vessels visible on the face (telangiectasia), acne-like bumps or pimples on the forehead and chin, dry eyes, burning sensations in inflamed areas, dermal thickening on the nose or chin and burning or stinging sensations when applying makeup or skincare products.
Other less common signs of rosacea include eye problems such as swollen eyelids and vision problems due to cornea damage from prolonged inflammation.
Rosacea, Psoriasis or Eczema: How Can I Tell the Difference?
Rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema (whicih can be a type of contact dermatitis) are all chronic conditions that can cause redness, itching, and discomfort.
Rosacea is a condition that primarily affects the face, typically causing redness and small bumps or pimples on the nose and cheeks.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
Eczema is a general term for a group of inflammatory conditions characterized by dry and itchy patches on the body.
The main difference between rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema is that rosacea tends to be limited to the face while psoriasis can affect many areas of the body. Eczema usually appears as dry patches on the inner arm creases or around the eyes and mouth.
All three conditions can cause itching, burning sensations, and discomfort in those affected by them. The severity of symptoms depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle habits, etc.
Treatment options vary depending upon the individual’s condition but may include topical creams or medications as well as natural remedies such as dietary changes or stress reduction techniques.
Another indicator that can factor in during diagnosis is the age of the affected person. Rosacea is more common in adults aged 30 to 50. Psoriasis affects people of all ages but it is most common in adults aged 15 to 35. Eczema usually affects children but can affect adults as well and usually appears between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old. All three conditions have similar symptoms such as redness, itchiness, irritation and discomfort but they differ in severity and treatment options.
Rosacea Triggers
Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and redness of the face and does not usually present throughout the entire body. Although the cause of rosacea is not known, there are certain triggers that can worsen its symptoms. Common rosacea triggers include sun exposure, alcohol consumption, stress, hot or cold weather, spicy foods, exercise and certain medications. Other potential triggers include windy climates, harsh soaps and skincare products, facial creams and cosmetics containing alcohol.
Sun exposure
Sun exposure is one of the most common triggers for rosacea flares due to its ability to damage the dermis protective layer. It’s important for those with rosacea to wear sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 protection when outdoors in order to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Additionally, avoiding direct sunlight for long periods of time can help minimize damage to the epidermis and reduce rosacea flares.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption may also trigger outbreaks of rosacea among some individuals as alcohol can dilate blood vessels which may lead to redness in the face. To minimize such reactions, it’s important for those with rosacea to avoid or limit their intake of alcoholic beverages.
Stress
Stress is another possible trigger for rosacea flares as it increases cortisol levels which can lead to inflammation in the body. Those with rosacea should try relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga or take steps towards reducing stress levels in order to keep their condition under control.
Hot or Cold Weather
Hot or cold weather can cause irritation on the surface of the skin leading to an outbreak of rosacea symptoms like redness on the face or burning sensations around other parts of your body such as your chest or scalp area. As such, it’s important for those with this condition to find ways to avoid sudden changes in temperature when outside in order to protect their skin from further damage.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods may also worsen symptoms associated with rosacea due to their ability to increase blood circulation throughout the body which can lead to increased redness and irritation on already inflamed surfaces. Therefore, it’s recommended that those dealing with this condition limit their consumption of spicy dishes in order minimize any potential flares caused by temperature changes throughout their bodies due to food consumption.
Rosacea flare-up Prevention
Rosacea flare-ups can be prevented by following a few simple steps. First, it is important to protect yourself from the sun and to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Additionally, you should seek shelter from the sun whenever possible and limit outdoor activities during peak hours when the sun is most intense.
Next, it is essential to keep your skin clean and dry in order to reduce potential irritants that could trigger rosacea flares. Facial cleansing should be done twice daily using a gentle cleanser followed by moisturizing afterward. Avoid using rough or abrasive soaps as these can be aggravating and potentially cause an episode of flare. It is also important to avoid harsh exfoliants or facial scrubs as these can agitate your skin even further.
It’s also important to watch what you eat, as certain triggers such as dairy products, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and hot beverages may lead to rosacea episodes of flare in some people. If you find that certain foods are causing inflammatory reactions, it may be best to avoid them altogether.
Finally, if you are experiencing any symptoms of rosacea please make sure to seek medical advice as soon as possible as early treatment can prevent future flares and complications.
Rosacea treatment options
Rosacea is a chronic condition that affects the face and can cause redness, pimples, and visible blood vessels. There are many treatment options available for those suffering from rosacea.
Topical Medications
Topical medications are often used to address the symptoms of rosacea. These may contain antibiotics or other ingredients to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. Many topical medications also contain topical retinoids which can help reduce breakouts on the face.
Phototherapy
The use of phototherapy may also be helpful for some people with rosacea. This procedure uses intense pulsed light to target areas affected in order to reduce inflammation and redness.
Functional Medicine
In addition to medications, lifestyle changes can also be beneficial for managing symptoms of rosacea. Functional Medicine for Rosacea may help improve symptoms by helping to remove potential food triggers, optimizing stress biochemistry, and identifying vitmain and mineral needs. In addition, a functional medicine practitioner for rosacea may be able to provide you with lifestyle stratagies to reduce stress and lower inflammation.
Protection from Sun Exposure
Protecting yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and hats is important as UV rays can worsen rosacea flares.
Avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks or hot baths is recommended. Reducing stress levels can also help reduce episodes as stress has been linked to the worsening of symptoms in those with rosacea.
If you have been diagnosed with rosacea, it’s important to find a treatment plan that works best for you. Working with your healthcare provider and a functional medicine practitioner familiar with rosacea is essential in developing an effective plan for managing your symptoms so you can feel more confident about your health.
Is Rosacea an autoimmune disease?
Researchers of ten describe rosacea as an autoimmune disease, though not everyone agrees. My personal opinion is that rosacea is best treated as an autoimmune disease. Rosacea is a chronic condition that typically appears on the face and is characterized by redness, flushing, bumps, and sometimes pustules.
It can affect both genders, but it is more common in women between 30 and 50 years old. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it may be related to genetics, environmental factors such as sun exposure or stress, or a combination of both. There are treatments available for rosacea, including topical creams or medications, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers like alcohol or hot beverages.
What Are The Different Types of Rosacea?
Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea is the most common type of rosacea and affects the eyes, causing redness, swelling, itching, stinging, and burning. It can also cause dry eyes or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). People with this type of rosacea may also experience sensitivity to light, blurred vision and/or recurrent styes.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a type of rosacea characterized by flushing and persistent facial redness. This form of rosacea can also cause blood vessels to be visible on the face, burning sensations, and increased sensitivity.
Papulopustular Rosacea
Papulopustular rosacea involves the appearance of pustules (red bumps filled with pus) as well as swelling and inflammation. Papulopustular rosacea is often accompanied by acne-like symptoms such as redness, flushing and general discomfort in the facial area.
Phymatous Rosacea
Phymatous Rosacea is an uncommon form of rosacea that usually occurs in people with fair skin. It causes thickening of the dermal layer on the nose, chin or forehead which results in a bumpy texture due to excess sebum production. In extreme cases it can lead to disfigurement if not treated properly.
Types of Psoriasis That Might Be Mistaken for Rosacea
Psoriasis and rosacea are two conditions that can be mistaken for one another. While they have some similarities, there are important differences that can help distinguish them from each other.
Psoriasis is a long-term, non-contagious disorder characterized by patches of red, scaly skin. Rosacea is a chronic condition marked by facial redness or flushing, along with bumps and pimples in the affected area.
Plaque Psoriasis:
Plaque Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis is characterized by raised, patches of redness (plaques) covered with silvery-white scales. The plaques can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, back, and/or stomach. Plaque psoriasis can easily be mistaken for rosacea because it also produces redness and bumps.
Guttate Psoriasis:
Guttate Psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis resulting in small red spots that often appear suddenly on the arms and legs. These spots do not have any scales like those found in plaque psoriasis; instead they are raised bumps or lesions that may look like rosacea.
Inverse Psoriasis:
Inverse Psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis presents differently than other types of psoriasis as it appears as smooth, bright-red splotches in certain parts of the body such as around the armpits or inside folds of skin. Due to its smoothness and bright color, this type of psoriasis may be mistaken for rosacea if not examined closely by a medical professional.
Pustular Psorisas:
Pustular Psorisas: Pustular psorisas is characterized by white pustules surrounded by reddened areas that can cause burning or itching sensations. It can sometimes resemble rosacea since these pustules are sometimes found around nose and cheeks where rosacea typically occurs.
The best way to differentiate between these two conditions is to seek proper medical care from a dermatologist who can diagnose them correctly based on their appearance and other symptoms associated with them.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. Common symptoms of psoriasis include raised, red patches on the skin covered with silvery scales known as plaques, sore or itchy skin, thick and cracked skin, burning or itching sensations on the affected area, and/or swollen joints as well as joint pain.
In some cases, psoriasis can also cause nails to become discolored and pitted. Other symptoms may include dryness of the scalp resulting in dandruff-like flakes, fatigue, depression, and irritation around body folds such as armpits and groin.
People with psoriasis are also more likely to suffer from other conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and diabetes. If you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it’s important to seek medical attention from your physician.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory condition caused by overactive immunity. The immune system produces too many skin cells, which then accumulate on the surface of the body and form raised patches called plaques.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet known, but it is believed to be related to genetic and environmental factors (food immune reactions, chronic pathogens, chemical immune reactions).
Genetic factors are thought to play a role in psoriasis as it can run in families, and identical twins have an increased likelihood of both developing psoriasis. Additionally, certain gene variations have been linked with an increased risk for psoriasis.
Environmental triggers may also be at play in some cases of psoriasis and include certain medications, skin infections or skin injuries, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and weather changes.
Not every trigger affects everyone with the condition and identifying individual triggers is important in helping to manage symptoms.
Psoriasis Triggers
Psoriasis is a common condition that causes red, scale-like patches to appear on the skin. In addition, psoriatic arthritis can also develop from a psoriatic flare.
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not known, certain triggers have been identified that can worsen the condition or cause an episode of flare. It’s important to be aware of these triggers in order to take steps to reduce their effects and manage your symptoms better.
Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, infection, changes in temperature, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Stress can cause physical reactions in the body which can trigger an attack of psoriasis. Infections such as strep throat or colds are other known triggers that can worsen symptoms of psoriasis.
Changes in temperature, both hot and cold weather, can also be a trigger for some people with psoriasis because it affects the epidermis’s ability to hold moisture properly. Smoking and drinking alcohol may make symptoms worse due to their effect on your overall health as well as their direct effect on the surface of the body.
It’s important to be aware of potential triggers and take steps to avoid them if possible. If you’re unable to avoid them altogether, it’s good practice to try and minimize their effects by taking preventative measures such as managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and avoiding excessive exposure to extreme temperatures.
In addition, quitting smoking and drinking should help improve your condition overall.
Psoriasis flare-up prevention
Psoriasis flares typically occur when the body’s natural immunity causes an overproduction of affected skin cells.
To prevent flare-ups, it’s important to manage triggers such as stress, infections, and certain medications.
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of psoriasis flare episodes :
1. Keep skin moisturized: Moisturizers help to restore the protective barrier of the epidermis and keep in moisture. This helps prevent dryness, itching, and flaking which can all trigger a psoriasis flare-up.
2. Avoid excessive sun exposure: Overexposure to sunlight can cause a psoriasis flare episode because it weakens the skin’s protective barrier. Limit sun exposure and always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you do venture into the sun.
3. Take care of your stress levels: Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flares so be sure to take time out for yourself, whether that means going on vacation or meditating daily.
4. Manage your diet: Eating foods that are rich in omega-3s (like salmon) and low in saturated fat can help reduce inflammation which is associated with psoriasis flare. Avoiding alcohol also helps reduce your risk of flares as it contributes to inflammation and weakens immunity overall.
5. Monitor any medications: Some medications, such as beta blockers, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs and corticosteroids have been known to trigger flares so talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking if you have concerns about their side effects on psoriasis symptoms.
By following these simple tips, you can dramatically reduce your risk of severe psoriasis episodes including psoriatic arthritis damage to the joints and get back living life with confidence.
Topical Treatments for Psoriasis
Topical treatments for psoriasis are usually the first line in treating psoriasis that is mild to moderate. These treatments can help reduce inflammation, itching, and flaking associated with psoriasis. Common topical solutions recommended by dermatologists include corticosteroids, salicylic acid, coal tar, and vitamin D analogs.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that reduce redness and swelling associated with psoriasis. They come in ointments, creams, lotions and gels and can be applied directly to affected areas. They are generally used for short periods of time due to their potentially harmful side effects.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid helps reduce skin symptoms of thick layers of plaque by removing excess flakes and softening hardened skin patches. It is available in over-the-counter shampoos, creams, soaps and gels which can be applied directly to affected areas twice a day. It may also be combined with other topical medicines.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is an ancient remedy still used today in some topical preparations for psoriasis symptoms. It works by slowing down the rapid growth of dermal cells caused by psoriasis as well as reducing itching and scaling. Coal tar comes in various concentrations from 0.5% to 25%. It should not be used on broken or sensitive skin due to potential irritation or staining of clothes or fabrics.
Vitamin D Analogs
Vitamin D analogs are synthetic forms of vitamin D which help slow down cell growth and reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis flareups when applied directly to the body through ointments or creams. Vitamin D analogs such as calcipotriol and calcitriol are often combined with other topical treatments such as corticosteroids for maximum efficacy.
Although topicals can provide relief from mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis, they may not be suitable for those with more severe cases which will require systemic medication, light therapy or biologic drugs prescribed by a physician specialist
It’s important to remember that all the treatments mentioned do not address the root cause of psoriasis and rosacea.
It is very important to understand that these conditions have unique triggers, and if you want the best chance at making true improvement, you must address immune system triggers.
Functional medicine for psoriasis should include advanced laboratory testing assessing immune system triggers to foods, pathogens, chemicals, and foundational blood testing.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are both skin conditions that can cause uncomfortable and irritating symptoms.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, scale-like patches of red skin to form. It often appears on the elbows, knees, face, and neck.
Common triggers for eczema include dry skin, stress, allergies, irritants in soaps or detergents, and certain fabrics.
Treatments for chronic eczema may include topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation and moisturizing lotions to keep the skin hydrated.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where plaques appear on the surface of the skin. These plaques are raised red or pink patches with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells on top of them. They can occur anywhere but are most common on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, infections such as strep throat or other viral infections like chickenpox or shingles, injury to the skin such as a cut or scrape and some medications such as lithium or beta blockers.
Treatment options for psoriasis may include topical ointments or creams containing corticosteroids or vitamin D derivatives to reduce inflammation; ultraviolet therapy; oral medications like methotrexate; immunosuppressive agents like cyclosporine; biologics such as etanercept; and phototherapy combined with topical ointments.
The main difference between eczema and psoriasis is that eczema is caused by an overactive immune response while psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake.
Additionally, treatments for both conditions vary depending upon their severity and which areas of the body they affect.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms of eczema include itching, redness, dry skin, cracked and scale-like patches on the skin, dark circles around the eyes, discoloration of the skin, and small bumps that may ooze fluid. In some cases, people with eczema may experience swelling and pain in affected areas or develop an infection due to excessive scratching or contact with irritants.
Some people with eczema are also more sensitive to extreme temperatures, such as hot and cold climates. Other less common symptoms of eczema can include thickened skin, changes in pigmentation, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Eczema Triggers
Eczema triggers are environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase the likelihood of an eczema outbreak.
Common triggers include dry air, stress, certain fabrics, temperature changes, soaps and detergents, dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens.
It is important to identify your own personal triggers in order to reduce their impact on your life.
Dry Air
Dry air can be a major trigger for eczema as it can lead to skin becoming dry and cracked which may cause further irritation. To help combat this problem you can use a humidifier in your home or office to keep the air moist.
Stressful Situations
Stressful situations can also be a trigger as it releases stress hormones which can worsen already present conditions such as eczema. To avoid these types of triggers it may be helpful to practice relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing exercises.
Certain Fabrics
Certain fabrics can also act as an irritant due to the chemical makeup or dye used during production.
Natural fibers
Natural fibers such as cotton are often best because they allow the skin to breathe and don’t contain any harsh chemicals which could exacerbate symptoms.
Temperature Changes
Temperature changes should also be taken into consideration when dealing with eczema outbreaks.
Staying away from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) is usually a good idea but it is important to know what works best for you as some people find colder temperatures helpful for reducing inflammation.
Soaps and Detergents
Soaps and detergents should also be avoided when possible as they may contain harsh chemicals that could further irritate existing skin conditions like eczema.
Opting for fragrance-free products that are designed specifically for sensitive skin can help reduce flare-ups caused by soaps and detergents.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, pet dander and pollen are all common allergens that can cause an outbreak of eczema in some individuals due to an allergic reaction occurring within the body. Taking measures such as vacuuming regularly or using special filters in your home may help reduce exposure to these triggers.
Identifying potential triggers is key when dealing with eczema outbreaks so make sure you take note of how different environmental factors affect your condition accordingly!
Eczema flare-up prevention
Eczema flare-ups can be prevented by taking certain measures to minimize the triggers of eczema.
This includes avoiding skin irritants such as soaps, detergents, and chemicals; wearing loose clothing made of natural fibers; avoiding extremes of hot and cold temperatures; and maintaining a healthy diet that is high in vitamins A, C, E and zinc.
In addition, keeping the skin properly hydrated can help reduce the risk of an eczema flare-up. Applying a moisturizer regularly will help keep the skin supple and ensure that it is able to retain moisture better.
Individuals who suffer from eczema should also avoid over-exposure to sunlight, as this can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin.
It’s important to recognize any early signs of an eczema flare-up so that you can take necessary steps to keep it from getting worse.
If your skin starts itching or becoming red or inflamed, apply moisturize or use a topical steroids or ointment prescribed by your doctor.
Taking these preventive measures should help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema flares.
Eczema Treatments
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin to form. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to help reduce the symptoms of eczema and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it.
The most common treatment for eczema is topical medications, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors.
These medications can reduce itching, redness, and inflammation. Antihistamines may also be used to relieve the itching associated with eczema.
During medical therapy doctor may also recommend moisturizers to help keep the skin hydrated and reduce itching.
Light therapy is another option for treating eczema. This involves exposing affected areas of skin to artificial light in order to reduce inflammation and improve healing. Phototherapy can be used in combination with topical medications or alone depending on the severity of symptoms.
For severe cases of eczema, oral medications may be prescribed by a doctor.
These medications can help reduce inflammation and control flares by suppressing the body’s immunity responses that trigger outbreaks.
However, these should only be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects such as liver damage or increased risk of infection.
Finally, lifestyle changes can also play a role in helping manage eczema flares and prevent them from occurring in the future.
Avoiding triggers such as certain fabrics, soaps, detergents, and extreme temperatures can greatly reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups. Additionally, keeping stress levels low and maintaining healthy habits like eating well and getting enough rest can also help lessen symptoms over time.
How skin conditions may impact mental health
Skin conditions can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. For starters, having a this type of condition may lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem which can affect one’s confidence in social situations.
Additionally, these conditions can cause physical discomfort that can make living with the condition more difficult to manage. This could lead to feelings of frustration and even depression.
Social Stigma
Social stigma associated with some skin conditions can also cause negative emotions such as embarrassment, shame, or feeling like an outcast, which could further decrease one’s mental well-being.
Furthermore, people with these conditions may feel isolated due to the fact that they cannot attend certain activities or places due to their condition. Lastly, depending on the severity of the condition, it might require frequent medical visits which could lead to increased stress levels.
Overall, skin conditions have the potential to greatly affect someone’s mental health in multiple ways. It is important for individuals who are struggling with their mental health due to a this type of condition to reach out for help and talk about how they’re feeling with friends and family members so that they don’t feel alone in dealing with their struggles.
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)
The NPF provides resources and support for people living with psoriasis. This includes educational information about the condition, treatments and medications for managing symptoms, tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle, and other helpful resources.
Additionally, they provide a national network of support groups to connect people with psoriasis so they can share experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
The foundation also advocates for research into finding a cure for psoriasis, so that one day this condition may be eradicated altogether.
The NPF offers many services to help people living with psoriasis. They offer financial assistance programs to help cover costs associated with treatment or other needs related to the condition.
Additionally, they provide grants to help fund research projects that focus on improving treatments or finding a cure for psoriasis.
They also have advocacy programs to raise awareness of psoriasis and work towards getting better access to care and treatment options for those living with this condition.
In short, the NPF is an invaluable resource for people living with psoriasis. By providing educational information about the condition as well as financial assistance programs and advocacy efforts, they are helping many individuals manage their condition and leading the fight against this skin disease until one day it is eradicated altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Differences Between Psoriasis, Rosacea and Eczema and How They Affect Skin Cells
Q. What is the difference between psoriasis, rosacea and eczema?
A. Psoriasis is a disease that causes red patches of skin with silvery scales that may be itchy or sore, while rosacea is a chronic condition characterized by redness of the face, enlarged blood vessels, pus-filled bumps and sometimes appears as thickened skin. Eczema is a general term for dermatitis or inflammation of the upper layers of epidermis that can cause itching, redness, dryness and scaling.
Q. What are systemic treatments for psoriasis?
A. Systemic treatments for psoriasis include oral medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine; biologic agents such as adalimumab or etanercept; immunomodulators such as ustekinumab; topical treatments such as corticosteroids; light therapy; and lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction techniques. We highly recommend considering functional medicine for psoriasis.
Q: Is there an organization to support rosacea patients?
A: Yes, the National Rosacea Society (NRS) provides information about the condition and offers resources to help patients manage their symptoms.
Q. What is the National Rosacea Society (NRS)?
A. The NRS is an independent nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of those affected by rosacea through educational programs and support services.
Q: Is there any organization to support people with psoriasis?
A: Yes, The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is dedicated to supporting those affected by psoriasis and advancing research to find a cure.
Q: Are there any systemic treatments for psoriasis or rosacea?
A: Yes, systemic options are available for both psoriasis and rosacea. They include topical medications such as corticosteroids, retinoids and immunomodulators; oral medications such as biologic drugs; phototherapy; and lifestyle modifications to reduce episodes of flare.
Q: Do people with rosacea usually experience pus filled bumps?
A: No, this symptom is more commonly associated with acne rather than rosacea. However, some people may experience pustules or papules associated with their rosacea.
Dr. Shook works with clients across the US via telemedicine to help people with psoriasis get testing to help identify many of the triggers that may activate the immune system and drive their symptoms. To learn more about working with Dr. Shook, please visit the application for care page here: Functional Medicine for Psoriasis
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