Itchy skin? Common allergies during summer

MANILA -- Allergies start with a sneeze or sudden itchiness of the skin. They are not something you should overlook, according to an expert.

Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) president and allergist Carmela Kasala discussed common allergies during summer in an interview with DZMM.

According to Kasala, eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the common allergies during summer. Eczema is the inflammation of the skin characterized by itchy red rash.

"'Yan [eczema] dahil sa mainit medyo nagwo-worsen during this time, mas nangangati sila, mas nagkakaroon silang pamumula, nagkakamot sila ng todo-todo," Kasala said.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine medication are given to reduce itchiness and redness. The alkalinity and acidity of soap are also factors to look at since high alkaline in soap is also not good for the skin.

Another common allergy is allergic rhinitis which is caused by dust mites, pollen, and other things in the air.

The PSAAI president warned that when if allergic rhinitis is not treated, it may reach the lungs and lead to asthma.

Anti-histamine may also be used for medication of mild allergic rhinitis while nasal spray is given to those who have bad cases. She said hygiene and sanitation is an important against dust mites.

"Ang allergies ay hindi binabasta-basta lang. Baka akala niyo sipon-sipon lang, konting kati-kati 'yan, hindi po. So maaari pong simple lang ang inyong allergy pero minsan po makatsempo lang kayo ng masamang masamang klase ng allergy, pwedeng mahirapan kayong huminga at 'yung iba naman umaabot na po sa puntos ng kamatayan. So kailangan po natin magkonsulta kaagad kung mayron tayong sinususpetsa na allergy," Kasala said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Difference between psoriasis, eczema explained

MANILA - Psoriasis and eczema are similar skin conditions but with different symptoms.

In an interview on radio DZMM, Dr. Maria Deanna Santos-Ramiscal, a dermatologist, explained the difference between the two skin conditions.

Both psoriasis and eczema are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that are genetic. However, eczema is more common than psoriasis, which only has a prevalence of 2% in people with no relatives with the same condition.

Ramiscal also explained that both psoriasis and eczema are not contagious nor infectious, and are not viral, bacterial or fungal in origin.

Symptoms of psoriasis, which include dark red patches of skin, with thick, silvery white scales, often appear later in life, between the ages of 20 to 30.

Unlike psoriasis, eczema manifests itself early in life, with infants sometimes suffering from flaky, scaly skin.

Psoriasis often involve parts of the skin that are prone to trauma, like the scalp, elbows, knees and buttocks, while symptoms of eczema often appear on flexural areas, or parts of the bodies with skin folds.

Both skin conditions make the skin itchy, but Ramiscal warned against scratching the affected skin, as it can worsen the condition.

"We have this thing called Koebner phenomenon. The more you scratch, kunyari you scratch the area, so na-traumatize mo 'yung area na yun 'di ba, the area that is traumatized, new lesions may come out in that area," she said.

This phenomenon is common with people suffering with psoriasis, wherein small lesions appear on the affected skin.

To avoid itchiness, Ramiscal advised patients to keep their skin moisturized. The doctor also warned against too much use of topical steroids, as well as self-medication, can cause the skin to be thinner.

"Ang local side effect, ninipis 'yung balat. 'Siguro you've seen some chronic users of topical steroids, nakikita na 'yung ugat, parang may corned beef sa face, or sa hands," the doctor said.

Aside from using too much ointment on the skin, Ramiscal also warned against using home remedies, as these may contain certain chemicals that can make the skin condition worse.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com