If you have a skin condition such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis, you do not need to be told of the discomfort and concern that it causes. While many people have it in a relatively mild form, there are others who suffer extreme forms of these conditions and it can have a devastating effect on the lives of both young and old.

The very first thing you need to do is to identify what type of condition you actually have. For this, it is best to get a proper diagnosis by a doctor or skin specialist.

A lot of people confuse dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. The simple definition of dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. Many people think of dermatitis as synonymous with eczema but this is actually not true. Almost any rash can be thought of as dermatitis based on this definition - including psoriasis, skin cancer, and seborrhoea. However, we don't call every rash dermatitis.

Use the links on the left to find out more about each condition and see how the DermaNova® Active Care Range of products can help you regain normal appearance, function and sensation in any retarded and inflamed skin areas.

Psoriasis

With psoriasis, more skin cells than are required are generated by the body, which leads to a build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.



Psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person but can include dry, cracked skin that may bleed; thickened, pitted or ridged nails; swollen and stiff joints. Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas.

Psoriasis is a persistent, long-lasting (chronic) disease. There may be periods when the psoriasis symptoms improve or go into remission alternating with times when it worsens again.

Mild cases of psoriasis may be a nuisance. Severe cases can be painful, disfiguring and disabling, especially when associated with arthritis.

No cure exists, but psoriasis skin care products such as DermaNova® Active Care products offer significant relief. Lifestyle measures, such as exposing your skin to small amounts of natural sunlight, or using a cortisone cream, can also help improve psoriasis symptoms.

The cause of the disease is unknown however recent discoveries point to an abnormality in the function of key white cells in the blood, triggering inflammation in the skin. This is thought to have a genetic link.

Psoriasis can be triggered by external factors:

• Cuts, scratches, rubs or severe sunburns
• Infections, such as strep throat or thrush
• Stress
• Cold weather
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Certain medications — including lithium, which is prescribed for bipolar disorder; high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers; antimalarial drugs; and iodides

Flare-ups will often occur in the winter due to general dry skin and lack of sunlight.

Elbows, arms, palms, nails, legs, knees, foot soles, groin area, scalp, face and body folds are the areas most commonly affected by psoriasis.

The aim of treatments is to reduce the inflammation and to control the shedding of the skin. Moisturising creams such as DermaNova® Active Care loosen scales and can help control itching.

Doctors may prescribe medications to apply on the skin containing (cortisone-like compounds/steroids), Synthetic Vitamin-D or tar. These can be used in combination with natural sunlight or ultraviolet light.

The most severe forms of psoriasis require treatment with oral drugs related to those used in chemotherapy.

• It is estimated that 2-3% of the population suffers from psoriasis in moderate to severe form.
• The percentage of people with mild psoriasis is unknown because medical help is not usually sought, but it is estimated to lie in the region of 11-13%.

Skin care programmes such as DermaNova® Active Care can help with the discomforts associated with many cases of psoriasis but it is recommended that medical advice is sought if signs and symptoms worsen or they don't improve with treatment. It may be that a different medication or a combination of treatments is required to manage the psoriasis.

Several types of psoriasis exist. These include:

Plaque Psoriasis The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. The plaques itch or may be painful and can occur anywhere on the body, including the genitals and the soft tissue inside the mouth. It can cause a few plaques or many, and in severe cases, the skin around the joints may crack and bleed.DermaNova® Active Care products should yield excellent results.
Scalp Psoriasis Psoriasis on the scalp appears as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales. You may notice flakes of dead skin in your hair or on your shoulders, especially after scratching your scalp. Try DermaNova® Active Care Scalp Shampoo.
Guttate Psoriasis This primarily affects people younger than 30 and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It's signified by small, waterdrop-shape sores on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp. The sores are covered by a fine scale and aren't as thick as typical plaques are. There may be a single outbreak that goes away on its own, or there may be repeated episodes, especially with those with ongoing respiratory infections. For scalp problems, use DermaNova® Active Care Scalp Shampoo. Otherwise, use DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream.
Nail Psoriasis Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discolouration. Psoriatic nails may become loose and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
Inverse Psoriasis Mainly affecting the skin in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals, inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It's more common in overweight people and is worsened by friction and sweating.
Pustular Psoriasis This uncommon form of psoriasis can occur in widespread patches (generalised pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the hands, feet or fingertips. It generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after the skin becomes red and tender. The blisters dry within a day or two but may reappear every few days or weeks. Generalised pustular psoriasis can also cause fever, chills, severe itching and fatigue.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. It may be triggered by severe sunburn, by corticosteroids and other medications, or by another type of psoriasis that's poorly controlled.
Psoriatic Arthritis In addition to inflamed, scaly skin, psoriatic arthritis causes pitted, discoloured nails and the swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. It can also lead to inflammatory eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Although the disease usually isn't as crippling as other forms of arthritis, it can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that in the most serious cases may lead to permanent deformity.

Eczema

The term "eczema" is of Greek origin and literally means "to boil out". Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin. It's a long-lasting (chronic) condition that may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Eczema is most often seen in infants and children, but it can continue into adulthood or first appear later in life. The cause of eczema is unknown but, in all eczemas, the immune system is activated through antigenic stimulation. There is a hereditary part of eczema development, where some start in early age and others later in life, but always due to allergen exposure, either internally or externally.

Atopic Dermatitis

    

This form of dermatitis, which many people refer to as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. Itching may be severe, and scratching the rash can make it even itchier, leading to open wounds which become bacteria infected. This in turn then prolongs the healing time.

Most often, it occurs in the folds of the elbows, backs of the knees or the front of the neck. It can also affect the skin around your eyes, including the eyelids. Scratching can cause redness and swelling around the eyes. Sometimes, rubbing or scratching in this area causes patchy loss of eyebrow hair and eyelashes.

Atopic dermatitis tends to flare periodically and then subside for a time, even up to several years. The exact cause of this skin disorder is unknown, but it may result from a malfunction in the body's immune system.

Even mild cases of atopic dermatitis can be extremely itchy. Self-care measures, such as avoiding soaps or other irritants is recommended, and using DermaNova® Active Care will help relieve itching and the symptoms.

In Europe, 20-30% of all children have developed this type of eczema.

Factors that can worsen signs and symptoms of eczema include: Long, hot baths or showers; dry skin; stress; sweating; rapid changes in temperature; low humidity; solvents, cleaners, soaps or detergents; wool or man-made fabrics or clothing; dust or sand; cigarette smoke; certain foods, such as eggs, milk, fish, soy or wheat.

Infantile Eczema



In infants, infantile eczema usually appears as red, itchy patches that are associated with very dry skin. This condition can continue into childhood and adolescence.

Infantile eczema often involves an oozing, crusting rash, mainly on the face and scalp, but it can occur anywhere. After infancy, the rash becomes dryer and tends to be red to brown-grey in colour. In adolescence, the skin may be scaly or thickened and easily irritated. The intense itching may continue.

Trauma Iterative Eczema

This type of eczema has become more frequent over the last century due to the exposure of the skin to new chemical compounds. It starts as a local reaction to some kind of allergen, beginning as a red spot on the skin, reflecting the size of the exposed area. These spots are very itchy.

Nickel allergy is an example of trauma iterative eczema, which can develop from wearing jewellery made of nickel or from handling nickel coins.

Trauma interative eczema is a big problem since it can be caused from contact with chemicals. This kind of severe eczema could become chronic and should be regarded as a serious disease.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis — an inflammation of the skin — usually appears as swollen, red and itchy skin and may or may not have distinct margins. Its look depends on the amount of time it has been present. It has many causes and occurs in many forms, including contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (known as eczema). Dermatitis isn't life-threatening or contagious, but it can be uncomfortable or even painful.

Depending on the type, dermatitis may clear within a few weeks without treatment, or it may require medical attention and a long-term treatment program.

Dermatitis is best treated if the type is known. However, there are measures that can be taken to improve symptoms even if the exact dermatitis type is not known. For many cases, the DermaNova® Active Care Range of products should be tried.

• Keep skin as moisturised as possible, as dry skin causes cracks in the outer layer, which inhibits the barrier function of the skin.
• Reduce itching and scratching with topical medications such as DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream.
• Avoid irritating and drying substances such as perfumes or harsh detergents.
• Treat other rashes, especially fungal infections, even though they may not seem related.

Examples of specific types of dermatitis are:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis produces a red itchy rash, bumps and sometimes blisters. Common allergens include rubber, costume jewellery, perfume, cosmetics, hair dyes, weeds, such as poison ivy, and metals, such as nickel. If you can identify and avoid the offending agent, the inflammation resolves without treatment in two to three weeks.
Atopic Dermatitis (also known as eczema) This form of dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. Most often, it occurs in the folds of the elbows, backs of the knees or the front of the neck. It tends to flare periodically and then subside for a time, even up to several years. The exact cause of this skin disorder is unknown, but it may result from a malfunction in the body's immune system. Even mild cases of atopic dermatitis can be extremely itchy. Self-care measures, such as avoiding soaps or other irritants and applying a cream like DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream will help.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis Contact with an irritant causes this form of dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis produces red, dry itchy patches, which often resemble a burn. Frequently affecting the hands, fingers and face, irritant contact dermatitis usually occurs after repeated contact with the irritant. Common irritants include soap, detergents and skin-cleaning products. If you can identify and avoid the substance, the rash usually resolves without treatment in two to three weeks and can be hastened by using DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream. See your doctor if your symptoms continue beyond that time frame or if the rash is uncomfortable or painful.
Neurodermatitis Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, occurs because of repeated scratching. Chronic scratching can cause patches of thickened, brownish skin. These patches have definite margins that are thick and leather-like (lichenified). Typically, neurodermatitis occurs on the scalp, neck, wrist, upper forearm and ankle. Treatment of neurodermatitis is difficult. It takes many weeks to months for the skin to return to normal. Successful treatment includes identifying and eliminating factors that may be aggravating the problem. Treatment may also include prescription-strength corticosteroid creams. DermaNova® Active Care products may help.
Perioral Dermatitis Perioral dermatitis usually affects the area around the mouth, causing small red bumps, pus-filled bumps or mild peeling. Sometimes the areas around the nose, cheeks and eyes are affected, too. The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but makeup, moisturisers, topical corticosteroids or some dental products containing fluoride may play a role. For severe cases, treatment may include prescription-strength anti-acne medications. DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream can also help. Discontinuing the use of strong corticosteroid creams, irritating skin products and cosmetics may be beneficial.
Seborrheic Dermatitis (known as cradle cap in infants) Seborrheic dermatitis is characterised by greasy, scaly, itchy, red skin. It's often found on oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back. Seborrheic dermatitis can also appear on the scalp as stubborn, itchy dandruff. In infants, it's known as cradle cap. Self-care measures, such as using DermaNova® Active Care Scalp Shampoo or DermaNova® Active Care Skin Cream, and washing frequently, help lessen the problem.
Stasis Dermatitis Stasis dermatitis occurs when varicose veins or other circulatory conditions cause fluids to build up in the lower legs. The swelling produces pressure beneath the skin and prevents adequate blood and oxygen from reaching the skin. This causes the skin at your ankles and shins to become discoloured (red or brown), thick and itchy. Open sores or ulcers also may develop. Treatment of stasis dermatitis consists of correcting the condition that causes the fluid to accumulate in your lower legs. In the case of varicose veins, surgery or other therapies, such as vein sclerosis, may be recommended.