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. However, dealing with these common skin problems does not have to be a challenge. In fact, there are many ways to cope with them, and many ways to prevent them as best you can. In this blog, we will go in depth with each skin problem. We will also address the main concerns, the triggers, and how to treat them accordingly.

Eczema

Studies have shown that eczema is primarily due to skin barrier dysfunction, and it is often genetically mediated. Affected areas may become cracked, discolored, blistered, crusty, or scaly, and they may weep clear fluids. In addition, those with eczema face an increased risk of skin infections. Eczema can also appear where there are skin folds, such as the cheeks, the backs of the hands, the tops of the arms, and the 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. Because heat can trigger eczema, short, warm (not hot) showers help keep the skin from flaring up. Then, 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. For that reason, you should use topical steroids only for a short period, because they can be very strong on the skin. Topical immunomodulators like Elidel, Protopic, and Eucrisa can also improve itching and redness. Finally, for moderate to severe cases that topical prescriptions do not manage well, biologic medications given by injection, such as Dupixent and Adbry, can help calm symptoms.

Psoriasis

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

The most common form is called “plaque psoriasis.” In this form, areas of skin become covered by thick, red patches topped by a silvery-white scale. It can occur anywhere on the skin. However, it most commonly appears around the elbows, knees, and scalp, which makes these areas itchy and tender.

Triggers for psoriasis include skin injuries, severely dry skin, stress, hormonal changes, excessive drinking or smoking, and taking medications that contain lithium or an interferon. For mild symptoms, topical treatments can help, including steroid creams, vitamin A creams, Anthralin, Donovex, and Vtama. In addition, exposure to ultraviolet light may improve symptoms, whether from natural outdoor sunlight or a special lamp or light at a healthcare office. Severe psoriasis, on the other hand, 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. It causes symptoms like severe blushing or flushing, hotness, redness, bumps, and swelling. It is more common among people aged 30-50 with fair skin, although rosacea can develop at any age and in any gender.

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

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

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