Skin Care Talks » Skin Disorder

Children and Rosacea

skeenz — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:30:02 +0000

Adults are usually the ones that suffer from the problem of rosacea. In fact, middle-aged women are more likely to develop rosacea than anyone else. Men can also suffer from this skin condition, but the instances are fewer. However, men with rosacea often suffer from more serious outbreaks. While adults do have rosacea more often, children can also develop this skin condition. If you are a parent and your child is suffering from rosacea, here are some facts you should know.

It is true that most children do not suffer from rosacea, but it can certainly happen. This can affect children of all ages, including the very young and teenagers. What is worse is that rosacea will never really go away and children must learn to live with the skin condition. Parents may first notice that the child flushes or blushes very easily or that the flushing does not seem to go away. Other normal signs that would indicate rosacea in children is the redness coupled with swelling, or itching or burning and pimple-like pustules. If you notice an acne-looking condition on your child and your child is not quite old enough to suffer from acne, this should be a warning sign to you.

Once your child has been diagnosed with rosacea, there are several treatment options. Some parents may want to look at alternative or natural healing methods. This can include changing the diet and using alternative remedies such as herbal lotions and creams. Many of these treatments work quite well, but there are other options that you have as well. First off, you should discontinue using irritating soaps and lotions on your child. This can only make the problem worse. Even products designed to help fight acne can cause rosacea flare ups. Sun can also exacerbate rosacea, so you will want to keep your child out of the sun, or make sure your child wears a good hypoallergenic sun block and hat. In severe cases of child rosacea, steroids may be an option. This, however, should only be used after all other methods and been tried and have failed.

It is also important to note that children that suffer from rosacea may have this disease in the family. Often, rosacea is hereditary. If your child suffers from this problem, find out if anyone else in your family also suffers. In addition, it is important to remember that rosacea is what is called a progressive disorder. This means that it never really goes away and it could actually get worse over time. This is why it is important that you find a treatment that works for your child and pinpoint exactly what causes the flushing outbreaks. It could be that there are certain triggers such as foods, embarrassment or even the sun.

It is possible that your child’s rosy red cheeks could be something more serious. If your child is plagued with red, inflamed skin, see your doctor and find a treatment that works for your child. Your child is counting on you.

Your Lifestyle and Psoriasis

skeenz — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 04:45:02 +0000

Like most chronic (long-term) diseases, psoriasis will enter every corner of your life. Your lifestyle past and present will help determine what lifestyle changes may occur following the diagnosis of psoriasis. Treatment options are determined by the severity of the disease and by your lifestyle and finances. Everywhere you look nowadays there is some miracle product that addresses the concerns of those with psoriasis. Determining how you will live your life and care for your skin becomes part of your treatment plan.

There are many health, wellness and personal grooming options to explore using advise from your dermatologist, and resources found online and in your library or bookstore. This article can lead you to some resources and tips for designing a treatment plan for your psoriasis that will fit your lifestyle.

The skincare regimen you follow daily will depend on the climate, your time available, and your cash flow. Your dermatologist can guide you in selecting the products right for your skin. The most important product other than any topical ointments prescribed by your doctor, is your moisturizer. Make sure your moisturizer contains the right combination of emollients and water-binding agents. They should also include a sunscreen, anti-irritants, and antioxidants. Moisturizers can be applied after any topical medication has dried.

Creams are usually the best because they keep the moisture close to your skin longer than ointments or lotions. Ointments usually contain more essential therapeutic ingredients and less water, and lotions are non-greasy and lightweight and more easily absorbed by the skin. Ointments can stain your clothes. Always avoid lotions that contain alcohol, as that will dry your skin, which is the opposite of what you want.

Ask your dermatologist for skin cleanser recommendations, especially before buying over-the-counter preparations. Always read labels and avoid those with irritants like scents, and alcohol.

Individuals with psoriasis report living a happier lifestyle when they take the focus off their skin and onto living the style of life that makes them happy. They do not let psoriasis control them; they control the disease as much as possible by understanding it, and the things that trigger flare-ups. They learn how to put others at ease around them when they notice the psoriasis. They learn to make use of resources to further understand how to cope with situations that arise such as dating, or facing a room full of clients all while controlling a psoriasis flare-up.

Having a chronic disease such as psoriasis does not have to define who you are, nor should it alter your lifestyle. Diseases, even incurable ones like this one, can be treated in a manner so as to be able to continue the lifestyle you are used to. You may need to make adjustments, make room for appointments and treatments; but the bottom line is that when life throws you a bowl of lemons, you make the best darn lemonade you can with them.

Resources:

Books

Psoriasis: The Struggle and the Triumph: A Healthy Transformation for Everyone Living with Psoriasis by Elliott Douglas Derzaph

Psoriasis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) by Richard G.B. Langley

Website

The National Psoriasis Foundation

www.psoriasis.org/

How Does Rosacea Affect Your Body?

skeenz — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:30:02 +0000

Rosacea usually affects your facial skin but can appear on your neck and chest areas. The facial structures that are most affected by rosacea are the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose and eyes. Untreated rosacea can lead to nose disfigurement.

Rhinophyma:

This is the complication from rosacea that affects the nose area. It is a growth of thickened skin that occurs in the later years of rosacea and is usually from letting rosacea go untreated. The thick bumps usually appear on the lower half of the nose and possibly the nearby cheek areas. This complication usually happens to males. Treatment usually requires surgical or laser repair.

Rosacea Ocular:

This is a complication from rosacea that affects the eyes and appears much like conjunctivitis. Damage to the cornea can result if left untreated. If damage occurs to the cornea, it is called rosacea keratitis. This condition can impair the individual’s vision.

Rosacea Facts:

The cause of rosacea is unknown. The early stage of rosacea usually only involves a blush or flush that is prolonged in nature, resulting in reddened skin. Emotional factors can trigger the blush such as anger, fear, anxiety even stress.

Environmental factors can also trigger rosacea such as harsh winds, extreme cold or hot temperatures. Changes in humidity can also trigger rosacea. Extreme heat exposure from the sun can aggravate rosacea.

Rosacea is not acne. Medication used to treat acne is not appropriate to treat rocacea. It can in fact irritate the skin if you use acne medications on your skin when what you have is rocacea. Irritating your skin will worsen your rosacea.

Proper treatment for rosacea consists of both oral antibiotics and a topical anti-inflammatory/antibiotic such as metrocream. The topical cream is used to treat the redness and the inflammation. Other topical antibiotic creams used to treat rosacea are: erythomycin and clindamycin (cleocin). Some short-term usage of steroid – topical cortisone preparations have been used to reduce the inflammation. Doctors have been experimenting with other topical treatments such as Retin-A, or Accutane.

What You Should Avoid If You Have Rosacea:

Try to avoid touching your face as doing so can irritate the skin and worsen your condition.

Certain cosmetics, hair sprays, toners and astringents can irritate the skin.

Avoid harsh soaps, facial cleansers that are drying or contain alcohol.

Avoid applying moisturizers until after your topical medication has dried.

Avoid extreme heat as that can lead to overheating and flushing of the face.

Avoid all foods and drinks that are very hot or food that is spicy

In Summary:

The physical ways that rosacea affects your body can play havoc with your mental and emotional responses to how people look at you. Embarrassment over the state of your complexion can lead to more stress and blushing which further aggravates your rosacea.

Seeking medical intervention is the best thing you can do because without treatment rosacea worsens.

There is no cause yet to be determined for rosacea, and the condition is long-term. There is hope though as individuals who have rosacea can learn how to avoid triggers and use facial cleansers, moisturizers and sun block that does not contain any skin irritations. Dermatologists can prescribe both oral and topical medications that can bring relief from the symptoms of rosacea.

What Causes Psoriasis?

skeenz — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:45:02 +0000

There are several types of psoriasis, each type unique in its own way. Doctors look for signs during a physical exam so they are better able to distinguish one type of psoriasis from another. Signs of psoriasis include descriptions of the location and shape of the lesions. Typical symptoms of psoriasis include itching, pain, and increased sensitivity of the affected skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and is named for the lesions that are characteristic of this type of psoriasis. Plaques tend to grow slower and are more stable as they may remain unchanged for long periods of time.

Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million people in the United States alone. Research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, but recent studies have indicated that it may be an immune mediated disorder. Psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells and may change from one type to another within a matter of days. It may improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return at a later date. When alternative treatments are used in conjunction with other treatments the patient is given a feeling of control over the negative mental aspects associated with psoriasis. Weather is another strong factor in triggering psoriasis. Exposure to direct sunlight tends to help improve psoriasis, but cold and shorter days, as seen in the winter months, can trigger the rash to worsen.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition where the skin develops areas which become thick and covered with silvery scales. A common problem in the United States, the course of psoriasis varies greatly, but in most sufferers it is a chronic problem which continues for many years. The presence of psoriasis can cause emotional distress in most sufferers. Considered a skin disorder, psoriasis is actually the result of a disordered immune system. The T-cells are a type of white blood cell and become over stimulated. The cells then direct the skin to attempt to heal a non-existent injury. The skin reacts in the same way it does when there is a fungus infection present. It then grows very quickly, trying to grow the infection off of the skin. These areas then become the reddened and inflamed patches with white scale on them.

There are several ways in which psoriasis may start. In most sufferers, psoriasis is inherited, typically through multiple genes. It is not always clear from whom one inherits it as inherited psoriasis usually starts in older childhood or as a young adult. In some cases, children may be stricken with psoriasis due to a virus or strep throat which triggers a brief attack of tiny spots of psoriasis. Psoriasis flare ups are often triggered by changes in climate, stress, infections, excess alcohol, or a drug related rash and dry skin. Medications may trigger a flare up weeks to months after starting them and may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All treatments used for widespread, severe psoriasis have side effects when used for a long period of time. In this case the treating physician will switch to another treatment.

Types of Psoriasis

skeenz — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:00:02 +0000

Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin which affects over 5 million people in the United States. Typical characteristics of psoriasis include dry, red patches of skin and inflammation. Psoriasis is not contagious and may be inherited. There are several types of psoriasis, each similar to the others in many respects. The most common type of is plaque psoriasis which affects approximately nine out of ten people with psoriasis. Skin affected by plaque psoriasis is red and covered with silvery scales. Circular or oval shaped red plaques which may itch or burn are typical of plaque psoriasis and the patches are usually found on the elbows, knees, trunk, or scalp, but may be found on any part of the skin. Plaque psoriasis patches are very persistent and may not go away.

Nail psoriasis affects the fingernails and toenails and is another type of psoriasis. Most people who suffer from psoriasis of the nails also have skin psoriasis which is also called coetaneous psoriasis. Psoriasis of the nails occurs in fewer than 5% of people who do not have skin psoriasis. Psoriasis of the nails involves any of a number of changes to the nail area. Clear yellow-red nail discoloring that looks like a drop of blood under the nail plate may occur. Little pits may form in the nails. These pits develop when cells are lost from the nail’s surface. Lines may form across the nails and areas of white on the nail plate may also be present.

Inverse psoriasis involves bright red and smooth patches which are found in the folds of the skin, most commonly under the breasts, in the armpits, near genitals, and under the buttocks. The inflamed areas are aggravated by sweat and skin rubbing together in the folds of skin. Yeast overgrowth may trigger the skin lesions of psoriasis. Several topical creams and ointments are available to treat inverse psoriasis. Corticosteroids, derivatives of vitamin D3, retinoids, coal tar, or anthralin are typically used to relieve itching and redness. Another issue for psoriasis sufferers is that these moist irritated areas can be prime areas for yeast and other fungal infections.

The least common type of psoriasis is called erythrodermic psoriasis and can be quite serious. Very large areas of the body are bright red and inflamed and may appear to be covered in a red and peeling rash. The rash usually itches or burns and the increased blood flow can put a large strain on the heart. Both topical and systemic medications can be used to treat erythrodermic psoriasis and combination therapies of medications may also be used. Antibiotics may also be used to prevent or stop the infection. People with this type of psoriasis become prone to dehydration, infection, and fever requiring hospitalization. Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. People with this type of psoriasis have clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pustules. The skin under and around the bumps is reddish and may cause large portions of the skin to redden and change.

Exploring the Facts About Rosacea

skeenz — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:30:03 +0000

Many people have never heard of rosacea. Some learn of it for the first time while sitting in a doctor’s office, and still others may see pictures of it from the glossy pages of a magazine advertising some skin cream. Rosacea is a skin disease that appears to be similar to acne but with a reddened appearance to the skin that resembles a flush. The usual areas of the face that are affected by rosacea are the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose – generally the middle third of the face (if the face was divided into thirds horizontally).

Males and females can get rosacea usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Even though it tends to happen to women more often than men, when males do get rosacea it tends to be more severe for them.

It is really not known what causes rosacea although certain facts concerning the skin condition are known. Facts, such as that people who have rosacea tend to blush easily, and that there are emotional, weather and chemical triggers for the condition. The emotional factors include anxiety, fear, embarrassment, and stress. Weather changes can be extreme cold or heat and also harsh winds or changes in humidity levels. The condition can be aggrevated by exposure to the sun’s rays. There is a theory that a mite found in hair follicles could play a significant part in the development of rosacea. Other theories include the bacteria heliobacter pytori, and medications such as vasodilators.

Signs and symptoms to watch for are a prolonged flush to the facial skin, enlarged facial blood vessels and pimples in the middle third region of the face. Rosacea lasts for years and if it is not treated the condition will worsen. Disfigurement can occur especially around the nose called “rhinophyma”, which consists of a growth that looks like an enlarged red nose, puffy cheeks and thick bumps on the lower half of the nose and the nearby cheek areas. Males usually have this rhinophyma condition. Severe cases of rhinophyma may cause surgical repair. The nose is not the only facial area to find special attention from this condition; the eyes can have complications as well from rosacea.

Involvement of the eyes results in burning or itching and possibly a gritty feeling that may result in a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. Untreated this may progress to damaged corneas. This could cause impaired vision.

There is no cure for rosacea however, there are treatments that can bring relief and minimize the physical characteristics of the disease.

Individuals who have rosacea should not use medications intended for acne no matter how tempting it is to do so. Certain acne medications can actually irritate the skin.

Proper treatment for rosacea include oral medications such as tetracycline, a topical ointment such as metrondazole and also erythomycin and clindamycin. sometimes something that does not require a prescription usch as antibiotic creams such as cleocin, topical cortisone steroid preparatoins and also trelinoin retin-A or isotretoin accutane or permethrin cream used when mites are suspected.

Youth with Psoriasis

skeenz — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:30:02 +0000

When young people have psoriasis it affects them, their parents and siblings. Depending on the age of the child/teen dealing with the day-to-day consequences of psoriasis and the treatments can be confusing, stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing. The very young person with psoriasis may not even be able to understand why clear skin suddenly turns red, itchy and bumpy. Parents and siblings may be psoriasis patients too or they may be the lucky ones to have escaped the possible heredity connection that seems to be a part of the skin disease.

Kids

It is unusual for kids younger than fifteen to have psoriasis but it does happen. Kids due to their age and inability to comprehend matters of disease need the adults in their life to support them and guide them through the process of dealing with the symptoms of psoriasis and in getting through the treatments. Kids will have lots of questions that need answers that are age appropriate. Kids who have psoriasis are not the only one asking questions. Their classmates and friends will also ask lots of questions when they notice the psoriasis. Role-playing how to deal with questions can help prepare your child to handle questions by others.

Making friends and dealing with situations like school is tough enough without having a disease that gives you a physical reason to stick out and be different from all the other kids. Give kids the tools they need by providing them with information they can understand and by practicing with them how to share this information with others.

Teens

This is a very social stage of life when dating starts and school is full of peer-pressure and situations where scrutiny is rampant. Something like psoriasis that sticks out and is ultra noticeable makes the teen with psoriasis a subject of ridicule, cruelty and possible shunning. This is a time when hormone levels are out of whack and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Emotions usually run high as boy/girls relations are explored. Emotions are another trigger for a teen with psoriasis. Support groups can be very beneficial for the teen. In group sessions teens will meet other teens with psoriasis and be able to share stories, tips and give support to each other.

Parents and Siblings

The best arsenal parents have in the fight for their child or teen’s right to comfort and protection against a disease that is chronic is to arm them with information and gather a support network for themselves and for their son or daughter. There are many resources to turn to when gathering information such as the doctor or dermatologist that is treating your child/teen. Seek out support groups for parents of those with psoriasis. Look around your community for psoriasis organizations, and discover what books and magazines that your local library has to offer. Many psoriasis organizations have Websites that can offer information and support.

Siblings depending on age also need to understand about the disease so that they can cope with curious friends, and live with a sibling who may be difficult to live with at times during flare-ups or when treatments become stressful.

Finding the Right Treatment for Your Rosacea

skeenz — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:15:04 +0000

Rosacea may not have a permanent cure but there are several treatment options available that can help relieve symptoms and reduce the intensity and incidence of the skin condition symptoms particular to your type of rosacea.

Treatment will depend on the subtype of rosacea you have and the severity of each flare-up. Early diagnosis of the condition and the general health of the individual will have an impact on the treatments of choice. The key to minimizing the effects of rosacea and reversing the appearance of the symptoms of rosacea are dependant on catching the flare-up early.

The usual first symptom of the disease is the flush or blush that occurs in the affected skin area. This occurs before the pustules or red bumps and also before the blood vessels have a chance to further dilate or permanently dilate (which occurs when treatment is ignored).

Medications:

There are three general types of medications used to treat rosacea. The three types of medications include: oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and shampoos. Some cases of severe rosacea are treated using topical steroids but this should be avoided if possible due to the fact that topical steroids can make dilation of blood vessels worse. Topical steroids can also actually cause something called, “steroid-induced rosacea”.

The topical antibiotics used most often to treat rosacea are metronidazole and tetracycline stable such as doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline. Antibiotics are the first line of defense prescribed by doctors and dermatologists. Antibiotics help to reduce the number of papule and pus that forms in them. Antibiotics can also reduce the amount of redness and flushing that occurs.

Laser Treatment

Extreme cases of papule formation or redness may require laser treatment. The subtype that generally may require laser treatment is phymatous rosacea. Carbon dioxide laser, vascular laser or intense pulse light may be prescribed in this case.

Self-care treatment options:

Avoid the things that trigger your rosacea flare-ups such as weather, skin irritants, cold or hot drinks and foods, alcoholic beverages and medications that contain vasodilating drugs or are topical steroids.

Use common sense in daily skin care by using products on your skin designed for sensitive skin, avoid hot or cold baths and showers, do not use loofahs or rough towels and also avoid all skin irritants like cosmetics, creams and lotions that contain dyes or perfumes and try to avoid environmental pollutant particles such as going outside on a windy day in areas where debris, and other irritants are likely to be flying in the air.

Keep notes on what treatments you have tried and what works and what does not work for you. It would be good to also keep notes regarding the household products that you use especially those that come in contact with your face (pillows that touch your face at night – what are they washed in?).

You, your doctor or dermatologist and their medical staff should all work together as a team to ascertain the best treatment options for your rosacea. Keep in touch with your team members so that as your rosacea changes your treatment plan can be adjusted so that you remain in control of your symptoms and your skin condtion.

A Look at Rosacea

skeenz — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:03 +0000

Rosacea, a common skin disease, can be a devastating condition for many people. This condition affects about one-third of the face and leaves the sufferer with a red, acne-like rash on the forehead, cheeks and nose. It can leave a person feeling frustrated with treatment options, the recurrence rate and feeling embarrassed and self conscious. The good news is that there are treatments for rosacea and while the condition never really goes away completely, there are things you can do to help. Here is a closer look at rosacea.

What exactly is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects more middle-aged adults than anyone else. It most commonly strikes people who are fair skinned and is more frequent in women than men. Men who do suffer from this problem find that their cases are often more severe than women. When rosacea strikes, it affects primarily the face. You can often see redness on the forehead, the nose and the chin. Often, the cheeks are also affected and can look similar to sunburn or an acne break out. During a breakout of rosacea, the tiny blood vessels in the face dilate and they become more visible on the face.

The exact causes of rosacea are unknown, but it is known that more middle-aged women than anyone else are affected. Those who blush easily are also affected by this condition. It is thought that certain triggers can cause rosacea. These triggers vary, but it is believed that emotions play a large role-stress, fear and even anxiety can trigger a rosacea episode. In addition, some doctors and researchers believe that mites that are often find the hair follicle may also relate to rosacea. Stomach bacteria may also be a cause, although there are no proven facts that support these claims.

When a person first experiences rosacea, they may mistake it for an acne break out. This is because the redness looks much like acne. This will lead people to treat it like acne, but this can actually exacerbate the problem. After the first breakout of rosacea, it is very common for the condition to appear for a time and then disappear for sometime. Many people will notice that their skin never really looks the same again and the color may be “off” or pimples could actually follow the rosacea. In fact, rosacea never really goes away. It can get better, but it will always be present and if it is left untreated, the patient will find that their condition worsens. That is why a good diagnosis is important.

Once you have been diagnosed with rosacea, you might want to consult a dermatologist for a treatment. You have many treatment options depending on the severity of your case. Your doctor will help you find the one that is right for you. Most of the time, a topical solution is given. A good moisturizer and lotions may help lessen the redness and irritation. A certain diet may also help during the worst breakouts.

Skin Cell Psoriasis

skeenz — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:15:03 +0000

Psoriasis tends to be worst in those with a disordered immune system for other reasons including cancer, AIDS, or other autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis areas are made worse by scratching or by minor skin injuries or irritations. Psoriasis may itch or burn and most often occurs over the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp, and palms or soles of the feet. The skin may split or crack in areas that bend. There are several forms of psoriasis, the most common form showing reddened areas a few inches across covered by silvery scales. Psoriasis may also affect certain joints causing discomfort and restricted motion or even distortion. This occurs in approximately 10% of people with psoriasis and is called psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment for psoriasis is based on the severity of the disease and its responsiveness to prior treatments. Topical medication is the lowest level of treatment and is applied to the skin. Treatments from each level are often combined or switched around every 12 to 24 months to reduce resistance and adverse reactions. A treatment plan that is effective for one person may fail for another so trial and error and personal preferences often guide the course of treatment. Over time, psoriasis tends to resist its treatments. The locations, size and amount of psoriasis, prior treatments, and the specific form of the disorder are factored into treatment options. Psoriasis sufferers may also find that a medicated bath may help soothe the skin, remove scales and help to reduce itching. These baths are done by soaking for 15 minutes in oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts.