Coping with Common Skin Problems like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea

Dealing with skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can be quite the confidence killer. Dealing with these common skin problems does not have to be a challenge. There are many ways to cope with these and ways to prevent them the best you can. In this blog, we will go in-depth with each skin problem and address the main concerns/ triggers and how to treat them accordingly.

Eczema

Studies have shown that eczema is primarily due to skin barrier dysfunction and is often genetically mediated. Affected areas may become cracked, discolored, blistered, crusty, or scaly and may weep clear fluids. Those with eczema are at increased risk of developing skin infections. Eczema can pop up in places where there are skin folds such as cheeks, backs of the hands, tops of the arms, and fronts of the legs.

Some triggers for eczema include temperature changes, dry skin, irritants (wool, dyes, cosmetics, perfumes, and soap), foods (eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, and dairy), stress, dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. When you have eczema, it is very important to keep your skin clean and well moisturized. Heat can trigger eczema therefore taking short, warm (not hot) showers is good to keep the skin from flaring up. Apply moisturizer to the entire body within 3 minutes of getting out of the shower to keep the skin’s barrier protected.

When skincare is not enough, topical steroids can improve redness and itching but not long term. Topical steroids should only be used for a short period of time due to how strong they can be on the skin. Topical immunomodulators like Elidel, Protopic, and Eucrisa can improve itching and redness. For moderate to severe cases of eczema that are not well managed with topical prescription treatments, Dupixent and Adbry which are biologic medications given by injection can help calm down symptoms.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that treats your skin like a foreign invader, attacking healthy cells and damaging them. This causes the body to produce new skin cells more quickly than usual, which leads to the buildup of extra skin cells on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis can develop at any age, even during childhood.

The most common form of psoriasis is called “plaque psoriasis,” in which areas of the skin become covered by thick, red patches, topped by a silvery-white scale. It can occur anywhere on the skin but is most commonly found around the elbows, knees, and scalp causing these areas to be itchy and tender.

Triggers for psoriasis include skin injuries, severely dry skin, stress, hormonal changes, excessive drinking/smoking, and taking medications that have lithium or an interferon. Topical treatments can help mild symptoms of psoriasis including steroid creams, vitamin A creams, Anthralin, Donovex, and Vtama. Exposure to ultraviolet light may also improve symptoms whether natural outdoor sunlight or a special lamp/light at a healthcare office. Severe psoriasis may require more powerful medications like Trexall, Sandimmune, Humira, Cosentyx, and Otezla.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that primarily occurs on the face and causes symptoms like severe blushing or flushing, hotness, redness, bumps, and swelling. It is more common among those who are 30-50 years old with fair skin, although rosacea can develop at any age or gender.

Rosacea triggers include temperature extremes/changes, sunburn, stress, menstruation, personal care products that contain alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications. There are a variety of topical treatments that can help rosacea such as antibiotics, anti-yeast creams, Finacea, Soolantra, and Epsolay. Laser treatments such as IPL or Vbeam are great for reducing redness or broken capillaries in the skin. Lastly, blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and Catapres are sometimes helpful in reducing the flushing that is associated with rosacea.

Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are common skin conditions with some shared and unique symptoms, triggers, and treatments. Going to a dermatologist at least once a year to get your skin checked is recommended to stay on top of any skin problems that may arise.

At The Art Of Anti-Aging we recommend treatments and modalities which focus on calming the skin and reducing inflammation such as medical-grade skincare, celluma LED therapy, and CBD Calming Facial to name a few. Using a moisturizer multiple times a day can help reduce itching and redness on the skin. Our skin is the largest organ on our body and protects us from external stressors, therefore we need to take care of it the best we can to prevent future damage. Book an appointment with our trusted providers today for a skincare consultation.