The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe - HTML preview

/ Home / Health / The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis

PLEASE NOTE: This is an HTML preview only and some elements such as links or page numbers may be incorrect.
Download the book in PDF, ePub, Kindle for a complete version.

50.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 51 of 104

B-6 (Pyridoxine) - Helps the body to fight against infections and

diseases. Recommended dosage is 100mg three times a day.

B-12 (Cyancobalamine) - This helps in cell division within the

body. It is compulsory for vegetarians and optional for non-

vegetarians.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - You can find it in citrus fruits, bell

peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens. Required daily.

Vitamin D - You can get this from sunlight.

Vitamin E (Alpha tocopherol) - It rehydrates the skin, protects

skin from any sort of damage, protects skin from drying and sun-

damage and does the job of antioxidant. It is found in vegetable

oils, nuts, olives and spinach.

Vitamin-K - Helps in the reducing under-eye circles and healing

bruises.

Hyaluronic acid - It has anti-aging properties. It is a good

moisturizer as well.

Essential fatty acid - Reduces irritation of skin. You can find them in vegetable oils, fish, and nuts.

Chromium - Reduces infection of the skin and fights against acne.

Zinc - It helps to promote healing process.

51.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 52 of 104

18. Treating Eczema with Traditional Chinese

Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine, called Zemaphyte, is used for

treatment of Eczema. Zemaphyte contains the following herbs:-

* Ledebouriella seseloides

* Potentilla chinensis

* Akebia clematidis

* Rehmannia glutinosa

* Paeonia lactiflora

* Lophatherum gracile

* Dictamnus dasycarpus

* Tribulus terrestris

* Glycyrrhiza uralensis

* Schizonepeta tenuifolia

Topical applications of chamomile also help in treating Eczema.

Topical Chinese preparations containing calendula, chickweed, or

oak bark45 have been helpful for some patients for treating Eczema

but results vary.

In the past, Burdock, sarsaparilla, red clover and wild oats were

used for treatment of Eczema.

52.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 53 of 104

Chinese medicines, in the form of a tea extracted from the plant

materials, are said by some to be very effective for treatment of

Eczema. These plants contain a mixture of chemicals that are

similar to biosynthetisers.

Extracts of these plants are said to have an anti-inflammatory effect

and some have a sedative effect. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) is a

Chinese product, which contains glycyrrhetinic acid that is believed

by its users to have the same effect on skin as hydrocortisone has.

There are tremendous clinics offering traditional Chinese medicine

now. Some Chinese medicines may contain toxic materials as well,

which are very detrimental for the liver. The traditional creams that

the patients get may contain steroids.

Some steroids can have a bad effect and cause infections in the

body.

The traditional Chinese medicine is claimed to be more beneficial

than Western treatments. However, this type of treatment should

be under strict medical supervision.

“Three Yellow Cleanser” is a typical traditional Chinese Medicine,

which is claimed to be very effective for treating Eczema. It is

applied externally to the skin. Acupuncture, plus traditional Chinese

medicine, and internal and external therapy may relieve you of the

symptoms of Eczema.

53.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 54 of 104

Part-VII: Coping with Eczema

19. The Impact of Eczema

Eczema has certain significant effects. A person having Eczema

may experience the following:

Itching-Although itching is one of the core symptoms of Eczema;

Eczema cannot be diagnosed just based on that. Research has

found that, during itching, scratching the area that is showing signs

of the eczema can cause the nerve signals to travel down the pain

fibers blocking you from experiencing the itch but the effect of the

scratching is to produce more itching and soreness after a short

time.

Redness-Redness of the skin testifies to increased blood flow.

When skin burns and blood vessels widen, the flow of blood

becomes red. When the deeper layers of the skin are infected, there

is increased redness.

Thickening- The skin areas affected with Eczema are much thicker

than the unaffected skin. Eczema usually affects the areas around

joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles

et al. You could see splits in the skin there.

Blisters- There is less adhesion between the skin cells. This leads

to scaling and that is how the bacteria enter the deeper layers. This

causes oozing of fluids that gather into collections of small blisters.

Large blisters may occur due to skin infection.

Crusts- The fluid that comes out of the inflamed skin dries. It

contains protein. When the fluid in the inflamed skin evaporates, the

54.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 55 of 104

protein left behind forms a crusty deposit. This is a typical effect of

Eczema.

According to surveys, Eczema can have a serious impact on

patient’s relationships. People can get into a clinical depression

because of Eczema. Children with Eczema are likely to underperform

at sports and school. Although it is not a fatal disease, it has all

these serious effects. Therefore, it is important that people get the

best information so that they do not delay treatment. Knowledge is

important.

55.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 56 of 104

20. Eczema and Diet

Diet plays an important role in Eczema. If anyone does not eat

foods that give them the right vitamins and minerals in adequate

amounts, the effects of this distressing disease can be much worse.

A balanced diet is necessary for treating Eczema.

Food allergy is an important aspect of Eczema. Food allergy is food

intolerance. It is an unpleasant reaction to certain food items and is

non-psychological.

Foods that may cause an allergic reaction include:

Tree nuts

Peanuts

Cows’ milk

Soya

Eggs

Fish and Shellfish

Cereals containing gluten (including wheat, rye, and barley)

Sesame seeds, etc.

It is very difficult to diagnose a food allergy. Your doctor can

diagnose food allergy by skin tests or by lab tests. You should

confirm the existence of the allergy by excluding the suspect food

from your diet. After that, perform a challenge test. Dermatologists

56.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 57 of 104

perform this test mostly in the absence of the patient or

investigator.

Once you have diagnosed and confirmed the specific food allergy,

you must eliminate the foods containing all the forms of what you

are allergic to but keep the diet healthy, enjoyable and well

balanced.

These tests require medical supervision because of the risk of

severe reaction (anaphylaxis). This severe reaction requires

treatment with adrenaline. If the dermatologist diagnoses food

allergy incorrectly, he might prescribe diets that can be very

harmful to the body.

Breast-feeding of your children is believed to help prevent allergies

from developing.

Allergies are inheritable.

Eczema has led increasing research into diet.

Environmental factors may make the skin even worse. Children with

atopic Eczema respond well when you remove the harmful food

items from their diet without making them aware of it. It is a

peculiar type of food intolerance. Food allergies can lead to

symptoms like runny nose, asthma, dilation of blood vessels,

flushing and obstruction while breathing.

Many people do not understand food allergies and many myths have

developed around them.

But, we know that Eczema and diet are interrelated and cannot be

isolated from each other.

57.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 58 of 104

Part-VIII: Introduction and Understanding Psoriasis

21. Psoriasis - An Overview

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which may be the result of

immune system disorder. It is hereditary, but not contagious. The

primary organ that is affected by psoriasis is the skin. But it also

affects the joints in a few cases.

Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age.

Types of Psoriasis

There are different kinds of Psoriasis:

Plaque Psoriasis: They are raised lesions with silvery scale and

inflamed skin beneath that appear on the knees, scalp, elbows, and

trunk. This form of psoriasis is the most common one.

Guttate Psoriasis: They are usually seen on the trunk, arms and

legs. These lesions appear as tiny red dots and may have scales. It

generally appears after a respiratory infection.

Inverse Psoriasis: These smooth, inflamed lesions mostly appear on

flexible surfaces like armpits, under the breast, groin and in skin

folds.

Pustular Psoriasis: This Psoriasis is generally spread over the

sufferer’s hand and feet and appears as little pimples filled with

pus.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This psoriasis is associated with

inflammation, pain and itching. It is often covered with fine scaling.

58.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 59 of 104

Scalp Psoriasis: They are erythematic lesions with silvery white

scales and appear on the scalp.

Nail Psoriasis: As the name suggests, they appear on your nails and

cause them to yellow and harden. They then crack and separate

from the nail beds.

Psoriatic arthritis: They affect people with some sort of skin

disorders. This arthritis is generally in the joints of hands and feet,

but it affects the larger joints at times too. It brings stiffness, acute

pain and subsequent damage to the bones.

Oral psoriasis: This psoriasis is generally seen as whitish lesions on

the mucous membrane, which gets more severe by the day.

Other Facts about Psoriasis:-

Psoriasis is widely found in lighter skinned people. 2% to 3% of the

U.S.A. population suffers from this disease.

Psoriasis may be hereditary and also has much to do with the

climatic condition of the area.

400 deaths every year in US are Psoriasis related, and

approximately 1.5 million people seek medical help every year in

the U.S.A. alone.

Psoriasis is more common in women.

Psoriasis mostly begins in children below the age of 10.

59.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 60 of 104

Psoriasis Grading

Psoriasis is graded as mild, moderate or severe. The Psoriasis

Area Severity Index is the most widely used measurement tool

for Psoriasis. It grades from 0 (no disease) to 72 (maximum).

Psoriasis Vs Quality of life

Psoriasis takes a toll on one’s life. It may lead to depression,

hypertension, congestive heart failure, type-2 diabetes or

myocardial infarction (heart attack). Sufferers tends to get self-

conscious about their looks.

60.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 61 of 104

22. What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which causes swelling with

scales. The cell turnover, a process where the skin cell grows deep

in the skin and slowly rises to the top, normally takes about a

month but, with psoriasis, it happens very fast (usually within in few

days). The cell rises and is stored on the surface.

Psoriasis mainly affects the skin and the joints and appears as

inflamed, scaly lesions.

There are several factors in the appearance of psoriasis, including

stress, alcoholism, some medicines, etc. Psoriasis can affect either

sex.

There is no cure for psoriasis. It continues through your life, and

may be subdued sometimes, but flares up again.

There are five types of psoriasis and each has some unique

symptoms. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis

and appears as a red raised patch.

Another is guttate psoriasis. This is red, drop-shaped and affects

mostly children and young adults.

The third is the pustular psoriasis, which is seen as white pus

formed lesions, surrounded by red skin.

There is also Inverse psoriasis, which is smooth and occurs in skin

folds.

61.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 62 of 104

The fifth is Erythrodermic psoriasis, which spreads over the entire

body.

Any kind of Psoriasis may be the cause of great discomfort to the

patient. The skin cracks, bleeds and itches. This causes pain and, in

severe cases, leads to hospitalization.

Treatment of psoriasis depends on the specific type.

A quick overview of psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a chronic, scaling skin disease with redness and

inflammation.

Psoriasis mostly appears as raised red patches of skin covered with

silver white scales.

Psoriasis is a hereditary, but not contagious disease.

Its exact cause is unknown.

Psoriasis is an acceleration of the usual replacement processes of

the skin’s cells.

About 10% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.

The five kinds of psoriasis are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and

erythrodermic.

The more severe forms of psoriasis may demand intensive medical

care and may be life threatening.

There is no cure for psoriasis but it can be controlled. It requires

lifelong therapy.

62.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 63 of 104

The reactions from other people because of the unpleasant

eruptions can bring seclusion from society and an inferiority

complex.

63.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 64 of 104

23. Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which has different forms. It is

essential for you to know the actual form of psoriasis you suffer

from as the different types of psoriasis need different treatments.

At times, one type of psoriasis appears and evolves into another.

The different types are:

Plaque Psoriasis

is a very common form of psoriasis. It shows as a raised red

inflamed area with scaly silvery patches. It varies in size and can

wax or wane. It is commonly found in areas such as the knees,

elbows, arms, legs, genital areas, chest, scalp, and lower back.

Initially, it is almost unnoticeable. However, the affected area

gradually enlarges and the silvery scaly flakes form. In its severe

stage, cracking of the skin, bleeding and lots of discomfort occur

which have an impact on everyday activities.

Guttate Psoriasis

Most people who get Psoriasis develop Guttate Psoriasis. It is found

in children and young adults with a history of streptococcal

infections. A mild case of Guttate Psoriasis may gradually vanish

from the body on its own and never appear again, but there is

always a chance that it may reappear. Sometimes, it flares up later

as Plaque Psoriasis. There are red, drop-sized dots on trunks, legs,

face, scalp and ears. They may appear after a cold, tonsillitis, and

skin injury or after a course involving certain medicines.

64.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 65 of 104

Pustular Psoriasis

Sunburns, infections or, possibly, reaction to certain medicines may

result in Pustular Psoriasis. This is divided into two categories;

localized and generalized. When it is confined to limited areas like

the hands and feet, it is referred to as Localized Psoriasis. They are

red drop-sized pus filled lesions that make using the hands or

walking very painful.

But, Generalized Pustular Psoriasis spreads widely.

It may be triggered by an infection, pregnancy or, possibly,

discontinuation of steroids or some medicine. This is a rare Psoriasis

that may even be life threatening. People with this form of Psoriasis

feel ill and exhausted.

These are not infectious, but the patient may have fever, anemia

and severe itching. They can lose their appetite.

Inverse Psoriasis

Is a smooth patch of inflamed skin. It is found mostly in skin folds

around the genitals, armpits or under the breasts. This psoriasis

appears white, as if soaked in water, and looks like a fungal

infection. It mostly affects overweight people. Friction and sweating

tend to make it worse

Inverse Psoriasis can also be very severe.

Erythrodermic or Exfoliative Psoriasis

This form of Psoriasis is one of the least common, can spread widely

over most body parts and may become life threatening. It makes

65.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 66 of 104

the skin lose its protective function and the body becomes prone to

all harmful bacterial and other external attacks.

Certain medicines, alcohol, emotional stress, or suddenly stopping

psoriasis medicine may lead to this form of Psoriasis.

It is associated with severe redness where the skin has a burned

look. The patient exhibits an increased heart rate, severe itching

and pain.

This psoriasis is mainly an aggravated form of plaque psoriasis and

may be linked to the discontinuation of the medication for the

plaque psoriasis.

This form may lead to body abnormalities and even be fatal by

complicating the functions of the heart and causing heart failure.

Seborrhoeic psoriasis

This mostly affects the sufferer’s scalp. A seborrhoeic-affected scalp

looks like it has severe dandruff, with patches of thick flaky skin

extending over the forehead and ears. Many people get the

seborrhoeic inflammation, or a form of dandruff eczema. The

dermatitis is characterized by crusted vesicles (crusted, small sacs

or cysts that ooze).

Nail psoriasis.

This attacks the patient’s nails, giving them a very ugly appearance.

It discolors and cracks them. The nails thicken and then come away

from the nail bed. A sign that may indicate this type of psoriasis is

the appearance of brown spots on the nail.

66.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 67 of 104

Psoriatic arthritis

This is a related condition. Its symptoms are inflammation and dry,

scaly, thick inflamed skin. Psoriatic arthritis attacks the joints; the

hands, feet, knees and ankles. They become stiff and cause a lot of

pain. This pain may even spread throughout the back, buttocks and

neck.

About one quarter of people suffering from psoriasis can develop

psoriatic arthritis.

67.

The Complete Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis by Robert Ashe

Page 68 of 104

24. What is the Real Cause of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is one of the most common diseases. It is a chronic skin

disease that affects 1% to 3% of world’s population. Red patches

occur on the body of the person suffering from Psoriasis.

The causes of Psoriasis are believed to include:

Genetic causes

Four genes are associated with Psoriasis where cause is believed to

be linked to malfunctioning of the immune system that usually

protects the body against infections and diseases.

Immune system causes

White blood cells regulate the immune system and produce

antibodies that help the body to fight against infections and

diseases. When a person is suffering from Psoriasis, the white blood

cells can start fighting against the normal tissues in the skin and

severely affect the patient’s joints.

The white blood cells contain chemicals that may be detrimental to

the skin.

Stress Triggers

Stress, unexpressed anger, and emotional disorders, like depression