i have psoriasis and i was watching a video this morning about AIDS and it said that blotchy spots on your skin may be a cause of AIDS. is psoriasis the same?

No. Psoriasis is a completely separate skin condition. it does NOT mean you have AIDS.

NOOOO the only way to get AID's is top get HIV first, nothing else.

Psoriasis is an overactive immune system, AIDS = no immune system.

People shed skin cells all the time, and most of the time there are no issues. Scrubbing will often remove all the dead cells that are still present on the skin. Those people that are blessed with glowing skin all over the body have healthy skin cells that continue to grow and develop normally.

There are many theories on why psoriasis occurs, but the prevailing theory tells us that psoriatic skin is the result of too fast skin cell development. in psoriatic individuals, the skin cells become so stacked that the outer layers cannot keep up with the rapid development of new ones. what happens is that the skin looks inflamed and thick. the inner cells push the outer cells, creating small cracks that visibly look like scales. the outer skin cells may also show flaking. Psoriasis should not be confused with Melasma.

This skin disease may be non-contagious, but people who look at the skin condition on someone else tend to be repulsed. People with psoriasis can often feel embarrassed when on the beach because they cannot show off their bodies.

If you have psoriasis, here are some home remedies for Psoriasis:

1. Creams and Lotions

Early detection of psoriasis can lead to better treatment options like lotions and creams. Early stage psoriasis or mild psoriasis can be treated by topical application of creams and lotions containing the active ingredient that can reduce the swelling of skin cells. Mild psoriasis symptoms are still treatable with creams.

2. Steroidal Injections

When we say mild, we mean the patches are few and can be found on one spot. if you feel like the skin patch is no longer absorbing the creams you apply, then the skin cells probably became too tough and inelastic to accept topical application of lotions. Injections are especially useful if the outer skin layer has become too thick that creams cannot be absorbed by the skin anymore.

But you shouldn’t give up trying to make the affected skin area more elastic by applying moisturizers. Remember, when psoriasis starts, it may spread to neighboring areas.

3. more Advanced Treatment

Some individuals may show extensive symptoms of psoriasis. the patches of dried or leathery skin may have spread toward the appendages and even the person’s face. Advanced treatments include pills, a series of injections and laser. These treatments are available in dermatology clinics, and there may be some treatments that are only available in a big skin disease specialized hospital.

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Guttate psoriasis, sometimes known as teardrop or raindrop psoriasis, is most commonly found in children and younger adults. It is a type of psoriasis which can often follow about a week after the diagnosis of a condition commonly referred to ‘Strep Throat’ or Streptococcal infection, caused by the streptococcus bacteria, and although most commonly thought of as strictly a throat infection it is more accurately described as an upper respiratory infection.

The main symptoms are an outbreak of very small, 1cm or less, teardrop shaped, scale covered, lesions or spots on the skin, which can concentrate on specific areas of the body, or they can affect all body areas, although they are most commonly found on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp.

Although a widespread skin condition, if treatment by means of antibiotics is started quickly the majority of patients can make a full recovery. in a large minority of patients however the condition can recur if triggered by a subsequent streptococcal infection, making it important that you see a doctor as soon as possible as you will be at a higher risk of redeveloping Guttate psoriasis. Left untreated there is a high risk of guttate psoriasis developing into one of the other types of psoriasis such as Plaque psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis or scalp psoriasis. in addition to antibiotics Guttate psoriasis is treated in the same way as most other forms of psoriasis.

Treatment of Guttate Psoriasis

The most common form of psoriasis treatment is by the use of emollients. these are moisturizing and soothing creams applied to the affected areas, often used in conjunction with a vitamin D supplement. other common prescription medicines given to treat the these skin conditions are mild, and often more powerful, steroids depending on the severity of the case. these should only be used under strict medical supervision owing to their potentially harmful side effects.

If these treatments have limited effect you may be referred for phototherapy treatment. here ultra violet light is used, strictly under the control of a dermatologist to avoid any risk of over exposure for your skin type and to avoid any risk of sunburn symptoms. you will attend 2 to 3 days a week for a course lasting 6 to 8 weeks at a time. The amount of light will be carefully calculated and administered by the dermatologist and will be of a different wavelength to that found in commercial sunbeds to give you the maximum benefit with the minimum exposure.

Even without medical intervention a large percentage of Guttate psoriasis patients can make a full recovery, but with early diagnosis and treatment Guttate psoriasis is one of the more controllable forms of this skin disease.

We all know that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.  we also know that certain foods can trigger worse psoriasis symptoms than others.  but certain foods that are perfectly fine for some people to eat can cause serious outbreaks and increased inflammation in others.  So, like most things in life, there is no simple answer.

How do you know what foods are best for you to eat?  Keep a food journal.  This sounds like such a simple thing, and it is, but not everyone actually knows how to go about doing it.  here are some simple tips:

1. Keep track of EVERYTHING you eat and drink.  From breakfast to midnight snack, write it down!
2. Note your skin condition, your mood, if you are stressed, and if you have taken or applied any medications since you last ate.  Update this information for each time you eat.
3. Make your journal entry IMMEDIATELY after you eat, or even during if you like.  Don’t put it off.  You will forget, or possibly enter incorrect information about your mood or stress later on.  Do it in a timely manner.
4. Do you want to track the amount of food you eat?  does it vary significantly?  if so, track the amount, but don’t go overboard.  This isn’t a weight loss food journal, keep it simple.  if the journal isn’t easy, you won’t be as likely to keep doing it.  Just have a box for “portion Size” and enter “small, medium, large” for the amount of food in the meal.
5. Keep a journal for each day.  Do this for at least 6 to 8 weeks.  I know that’s a long time, but you will need at least that long to notice any trends.  Once you have that many entries, look for patterns where your skin is inflamed or your symptoms are more severe.  look for increases in stress, mood swings, increased portion size, or food types that may be the culprit.  Write these down in a notebook and try to avoid or reduce them in the future.

I’ve attached a simple food journal as a Microsoft Word document.  Please feel free to edit it to suit your needs.  Good luck!

Download the journal document here: Psoriasis Food Journal

Another good food journal, but not really specific to psoriasis, is at personal-nutrition-guide.com/support-files/food_mood_journal.pdf

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. it occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that pace up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious.there are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic.The most ordinary form, plaque psoriasis, is commonly seen as red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the top first layer of the epidermis (skin). Some patients, though, have no dermatological symptoms.

Read more on Psoriasis Herbal Treatment for Skin Disease and Herbal Cure for Psoriasis and Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a noncontagious ordinary skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickens skin.The dry flakes and skin scales are consideration to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells.Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder. Plaque psoriasis is the most frequent type of psoriasis and is characterized by red skin enclosed with silvery scales and inflammation.Patches of circular to oval shaped red plaque that itch or burn are typical of plaque psoriasis. The patches are regularly found on the arms, legs, trunk, or scalp but may be found on any part of the skin.Causes of Psoriasis1. Due to abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grow and replaces itself2. Abnormality with the metabolism of amino acids3. Use of certain medicines4. Due to infections5. Heredity factors are also responsible6. Physical and emotional stressPsoriasis TreatmentCurrently, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many treatment options that can clear psoriasis for a period of time.Each treatment has compensation and disadvantages, and what works for one patient may not be effective for another.Board-certified dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to determine the most appropriate treatments for each patient.1.  Topical (applied to the skin) – Mild to reasonable psoriasis2.  Phototherapy (light, usually ultraviolet, applied to the skin) – Moderate to severe psoriasis3.  Systemic (taken orally or by injection or infusion) – Moderate, severe or disabling psoriasisHome Remedies for PsoriasisThe hot Epsom salts bath has been proven valuable in the treatment of psoriasis. Application of olive oil after the Epsom salt bath is also effectual and also one of the effective home remedies for psoriasis.Regular seawater baths and application of seawater over the exaggerated parts once a day is highly beneficial. This is one of the best psoriasis remedy.Bitter gourd is a valuable home remedy for psoriasis. Take a cup of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of limejuice on a vacant stomach daily for four to six months. This is a good diet for psoriasis.The use of mudpacks is also beneficial for the psoriasis. they absorb and remove the toxins from the affected areas.Cabbage leaves can be used in the form of compresses. they can be applied on the affected area after removing the thick veins and wash them thoroughly. This is also one of the effective home remedies for psoriasis.Sunlight is the best and natural medicine for psoriasis.Vitamin E therapy has been found effective in the psoriasis treatment. A daily dose of 200-800 I.U is recommended as they diminish itching of the area.

Psoriasis is a noncontagious ordinary skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduct

ion resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin.

The dry flakes and skin scales are contemplation to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells.

Psoriasis (sore-EYE-ah-sis) is a medical form that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly. Faulty signals in the immune system cause new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks.

herbalcureindia.com/psoriasis.html

The body does not shed these excess skin cells, so the cells pile up on the surface of the skin and lesions form.

What is psoriasis and how it can be controlled are just some of the questions explored on this web site.

Is there a cure? NO. But you can efficiently keep the itching skin, scaling, and red lesions of psoriasis at bay without injections, caustic pharmaceuticals, or cancer causing therapies. Natural approaches to psoriasis do work.

Most people with psoriasis report that no exacting event or illness preceded or brought about their condition, but several well-known triggers include stress, strep infection, and some medications.

Although the likelihood for familial transmission may not seem significant, there is a definite genetic predisposition for psoriasis. Etiological factors of this disease are unclear.

Known precipitating factors include trauma infection (haemolytic streptococcal infection) and endocrine changes.

Although psoriasis may be almost unnoticeable in its early stages, patients often report an itching and/or burning sensation as the sickness progresses.

This photo on the left shows itching (skin after itching) and bleeding spots thereafter, on psoriasis lesions. In this photo, the patient has scratched it profoundly to an extent that there are bleeding spots. (Click photo to enlarge.)

There are many variants and types of psoriasis. But usually the course follows like this: It starts with red small bumps on the skin that development to bigger scaly patches.

Treatment of Psoriasis

1.    The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities.

2.    Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying etc.

3.    Avoid taking spicy food and consume only easily digestible food.

4.    Do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods

5.    Avoid consuming opposite foods

6.    Include more fruits, vegetable, fruit juices in your diet. Bitter gourd, curd, boiled vegetables, pumpkin etc… are good psoriasis diet.

Home Remedies for Psoriasis

1. Take cod liver oil, lecithin, linseed oil, vitamin E, and zinc to fasten the healing process.

2. Cabbage leaves have been productively used in the form of compresses in the treatment of psoriasis. they should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel.

The leaves should be flattened, softened and curved out by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins.

They should be warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over them. then secure it with an elastic bandage.

3. The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk compresses over the affected parts will also be helpful in treating this form.

4. The oil of avocado has been found beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. It should be applied gently to the affected parts. This is an effective home remedy for psoriasis.

Read more information Psoriasis Herbal Treatment and Psoriasis Medicine and Home Remedies For Psoriasis

Eczema is the most common skin condition in the UK. although it is most common in children, it can present in adults and has a wide range of causes. This article looks at the types of eczema and their presentation.

60-second summary

Why read this article?Eczema is the most common skin condition in the UK. although it is most common in children, it can present in adults and has a wide range of causes. This article looks at the types of eczema and their presentation.What is the differential diagnosis?Conditions that can present in a similar way to eczema include psoriasis, scabies and urticaria, rosacea and certain fungal skin infections. these may be differentiated by signs, symptoms, and location on the body. Patients who have not previously been diagnosed or with severe symptoms should be referred.What complications can occur?Eczematous skin can become infected with bacteria or viral infections. Patients with signs of an infection caused by herpes simplex require urgent medical referral as the condition can be life-threatening. Typical signs of eczema herpeticum include grouped blisters and punched-out erosions (which are circular depressed ulcerated lesions and usually have a diameter of 1-3mm), fever, lethargy and worsening, painful eczema.

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Eczema, a form of dermatitis, is the most common skin condition in the UK and affects 15-20 per cent of school children and 2-10 per cent of adults.1 there are various forms of the condition, the most common being atopic eczema. Nice has issued guidance for the management of eczema in children up to 12 years.2 However, these recommendations may be extrapolated to management in older children and adults, as the pathology of the condition is the same.Most types of eczema have an unknown aetiology. However, a major causative factor is an impaired barrier function of the epidermis, which results in increased water loss causing dry cracked skin, and the entrance of irritants and allergens. ClassificationThe classification of eczema tends to be unsystematic, with many synonyms to describe particular types. in addition, eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably.Atopic eczema is the most common form of the condition. The term ‘atopic’ refers to a personal or family tendency to develop certain allergies and, consequently, an increased chance of developing other atopic conditions such as asthma and hayfever. 1. Atopic eczema is classed as endogenous as it is due to internal factors. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetics, environmental triggers, defects in the epidermal skin barrier and immunological responses may be involved. Common trigger factors include the house dust mite (due to a sensitivity to a protein in the faeces of the mite), extremes of temperature and humidity, stress, grass pollens and cows’ milk. See table 1, above right, for a full list of trigger factors. Atopic eczema is typically characterised by pruritic, excoriated, inflamed dry skin, which may be accompanied by exudation. It tends to be chronic and inflammatory, with episodes of flares and remissions, although it may be continuous in very severe cases. The initial acute phase comprises intensely itchy erythematous lesions, which is often accompanied by tiny exudating vesicles that crust. as the skin is infiltrated with inflammatory cells, it can be painful. The subsequent chronic phase may have all of the acute phase features but also exhibit scaling and skin thickening (lichenification). as a rule, inflamed areas of skin tend to flare up from time to time and then settle down. The severity and duration of flares varies between different patients, and from time to time in the same individual. in mild cases, a flare-up may cause just one or two small, mild patches of inflammation, often located behind the knees or in front of elbows or wrists. in severe cases, the flare-ups can last several weeks or more and cover many areas of skin.Most patients present with eczema in early infancy, where it is commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead and external surfaces of the limbs. Around 15 per cent of children develop the condition within the first six months. as the child gets older, facial lesions generally improve and symptoms are more commonly seen on the inner flexures. By adulthood, lesions tend to be more widespread. Around 75 per cent of patients will have a spontaneous remission of the condition by age 15, but may continue to experience dry skin throughout life. 2. Irritant contact dermatitis is an exogenous eczema (caused by external contact factors) and involves a non-immunological response. It is caused by skin contact with irritants (such as household detergents) and results from a direct reaction to the irritant. It is characterised by itchy, erythematous skin, which is dry because the irritant depletes fats and oils from the skin. It is most commonly seen on adult hands but may be misdiagnosed as atopic eczema.3. Allergic contact dermatitis is an exogenous eczema resulting from regular contact with a substance such as nickel jewellery, rubber gloves, perfumes and preservatives. its symptoms are similar to those of irritant contact dermatitis, and it is not possible to distinguish between the two conditions by observation, although allergic contact dermatitis is less common. Allergic contact dermatitis generally develops over a long period of time due to a delayed reaction to an allergen. If the cause is not identifiable, patch and/or prick testing may be performed to aid diagnosis.4. Seborrhoeic eczema is an endogenous eczema, and in adults is commonly associated with overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. It typically affects the scalp but may also affect ears, eyebrows, face, body, limbs and skin folds. The symptoms of seborrhoeic eczema vary depending on the part of the body affected. If the scalp is affected, crusty scales are typically seen, which is called cradle cap in infants (although this may have a different cause). If the face and eyelids are affected, the skin is dry, itchy and inflamed.5. Varicose eczema is also known as gravitational, stasis or venous eczema. It mainly occurs in older women due to poor circulation, and may be associated with varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. Typically, it is characterised by erythematous inflammation, scaling and crusting on the lower leg. The foot may appear oedematous and the leg veins may be blue and swollen. Varicose eczema is often misdiagnosed as cellulitis or a venous leg ulcer.6. Discoid (nummular) eczema is an endogenous eczema. It appears as coin-shaped, very itchy, red, scaly patches, and is frequently found on the limbs. The cause is unknown but it mainly affects adults, often in later life.7. Pompholyx (also known as dyshidrosis or vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis) appears on the palms, soles, fingers and toes. It is characterised by recurrent vesicles or large blisters, which appear worse in warm weather.8. Asteatotic eczema (also known as eczema craquele or xerotic eczema) is typically seen on the limbs of elderly patients. It is characterised by dry, cracked, itchy skin, which resembles crazy paving. This type of eczema is commonly caused by conditions that make the skin more susceptible to drying. these include central heating, dry winter weather, hypothyroidism and excessive washing.9. Lichen simplex chronicus (or neurodermatitis) typically presents as a thickened patch of itchy skin. It is caused by continued scratching and rubbing and may be stress-related.DiagnosisPatients who have not been previously diagnosed with atopic eczema or those with widespread or severe symptoms should be referred to their GP (see table 2, right). several other dermatological conditions can be misdiagnosed as eczema:

• Psoriasis can sometimes look like eczema. However, psoriatic plaques are less itchy, with silvery scales and tend to be found on the extensor (outer) surfaces of limbs, whereas eczema commonly affects the flexor (inner) surfaces of limbs.
• Scabies and urticaria can sometimes be confused with eczema as they cause intensely itchy skin. However, scabies typically affects palm creases and finger webs, and other family members may be infected at the same time. Scabies and head lice infestation can also lead to eczematous skin.
• Rosacea is a condition where the skin of the face exhibits papular and/or pustular erythema. It is commonly associated with dilated blood capillaries (telangiectasia).
• Fungal skin infections may be confused with eczema but are often unilateral, whereas eczema tends to be bilateral.

ComplicationsEczematous skin can become infected with staphylococcal and occasionally streptococcal bacteria. Signs of infection include weeping, crusting, severe inflammation, worsening of eczema and lack of response to treatment. Occasionally, a viral infection may occur in the eczematous skin, causing a wart. Patients with signs of an infection caused by herpes simplex (eczema herpeticum) require urgent medical referral as the condition can be life-threatening. Typical signs of eczema herpeticum include grouped blisters and punched-out erosions (which are circular depressed ulcerated lesions and usually have a diameter of 1-3mm), fever, lethargy and worsening painful eczema.Eczema can have considerable impact on the quality of life of patients and parents/carers. Sleep disturbance is common due to the intense itching, especially during flares. in children this can lead to irritability, restlessness and poor concentration in class, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD.3 Eczema patients are also restricted in their choice of leisure activities and careers.Chinjal Patel MRPharmS PGDip is a community pharmacist in Oadby, Leicester.References

1. CKS. Eczema-atopic. Clinical Knowledge Summaries 2010; cks.nhs.uk/eczema_atopic
2. Nice. Atopic eczema in children. Management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of 12 years. Nice clinical guideline 57. Dec 2007.
3. CKS. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clinical Knowledge Summaries 2010; cks.nhs.uk/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_ disorder.

Table 1: Trigger factors for atopic eczema

• House dust mites.
• Grass pollens.
• Pet dander and moulds.
• Extremes of temperature and humidity.
• Dietary factors such as dairy products (especially cows’ milk), eggs, fish, soya, nuts, wheat, gluten, tomatoes and citrus fruits.
• Irritants such as detergents, soaps, bubble baths, shampoos, chemicals, perfumes, preservatives and alcohols.
• Stress and hormonal factors.
• Irritating fabrics such as wool and polyester.

Table 2: Diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema 1,2

Atopic eczema is diagnosed when there is itchy skin (or parental report of scratching) plus three or more of the following:

• Visible flexural dermatitis involving the skin creases (eg inner elbow creases or behind the knees) or visible dermatitis on the cheeks and/or extensor areas in children aged 18 months or under.
• A personal history of flexural dermatitis (or dermatitis on the cheeks and/or extensor areas) in children 18 months and under.
• A personal history of dry skin in the previous 12 months.
• A personal history of atopy in a first-degree relative of children under four years.
• The onset of signs and symptoms under the age of two years.

ReflectWho is most likely to suffer from eczema lesions on the face? what are the diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema? how would you recognise a patient with eczema herpeticum?PlanThis article describes the clinical features of the main types of eczema including atopic eczema, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis and seborrhoeic, varicose and discoid eczema. It also discusses trigger factors, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and complications. Act• Find out more information about atopic eczema from the Patient UK website.• Read more about irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on the Patient UK website. • The Patient UK website also has useful articles with more detailed information about seborrhoeic, varicose and discoid eczema at tinyurl.com/eczema03, tinyurl.com/eczema04 and tinyurl.com/eczema05.• Find out more about eczema and infection from the National Eczema Society factsheet.EvaluateAre you now confident in your knowledge of the different types of eczema and their clinical features? are you familiar with the trigger factors and diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema? Could you advise patients about complications that could occur?