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

How to prevent pimple scars

MANILA -- Acne may be easy to treat, but it becomes a bigger problem once scars develop on the skin, especially on the face.

In an interview on radio DZMM on Tuesday, Dr. Lia Nebrida-Idea, a dermatologist from St. Luke's Medical Center, advised listeners on how to prevent acne or pimples from causing scars.

Acne is a very common skin condition that affects almost everyone. It usually affects teenagers due to the increase in the production of sebum. It can also be caused by hormonal imbalance, or other conditions.

Nebrida-Idea noted that children as young as 10 years old, or even infants can get acne. Neo-natal acne affects infants, and is usually caused by the mother's hormones. It can also be considered an early sign that a person will have acne.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome can also suffer from acne breakouts due to hormonal imbalance.

According to Nebrida-Idea, the key to avoiding acne breakouts is to have clean skin.

"You have to wash your face at least twice a day, morning and evening. You don't have to use mga expensive na mga sabon, 'yung ordinary mild cleanser will do. Actually, if you keep on rubbing and scrubbing your face, kung minsan, mas nakakadamage 'to at nakakapagtrigger ng pimples," she added.

There are different ways to treat pimples, but treatment becomes more difficult once scars develop.

"We have to be honest, mahirap mawala ang scars. Sometimes to use incision, or dermabrasion, or laser to treat scars," Nebrida-Idea noted.

The dermatologist also reminded those suffering from acne that there is no "magic" solution for acne.

"Akala nila kapag nagpatingin ka sa derma, kaagad-agad, maganda na. Usually it takes two months, three months, up to six months, depending on the severity of the pimples," she explained.

She also advised those with acne to avoid buying facial cleansers with beads or granules, and just go for hypoallergenic, unscented ones.

Oil-free and water-based facial cleansers are also best for acne-prone skin, she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com