Psoriasis, Eczema, or Pityriasis Rosea: Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Psoriasis, eczema or pityriasis rosea are three common skin disorders that are commonly mistaken for one another. When any rash or change in skin appears, it is important to see Dr. Rokhsar for consultation. Dr. Rokhsar will be able to aptly identify the type of skin condition and the most effective treatment needed to address symptoms.

Psoriasis is a very common skin condition, which is just as often a nuisance. This chronic skin disorder usually appears as a plaque or patch with a silvery scale. It frequently appears on the head, groin, elbows and knees. Because psoriasis is caused by the defective signals involved in cell growth, it is important that it is treated immediately.

Dr. Rokhsar should examine the new growth and determine treatment. If psoriasis goes without treatment, joints in the surrounding areas will become malformed to the point of significant physical pain and a limitation in movement.

There are many different treatment options for psoriasis, depending upon the severity and genetic disposition. Psoriasis can be a genetic skin disorder. Treatments include topical medications, phototherapy, or systemic therapy. Psoriasis can be completely cleared for some patients, and for others it can be successfully managed and significantly improved.

Eczema is another chronic skin disorder. The cause of eczema is often thought of to be a genetic dysfunction in the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, which characterizes eczema as one of the more embarrassing skin disorders. The inflammation causes the skin to become dry and, in some cases, thicken.

To relieve patients of these symptoms, Dr. Rokhsar will prescribe medications or topical immonusuppresants. The skin becomes severely overly inflamed in response to an irritation in the epidermis and occurs most often on the forearms, back of the knees, inner surfaces of the wrists, the ankles and the neck.

Pityriasis Rosea is a rash like skin problem often mistaken for psoriasis and its cause is unknown to experts. It is not caused by an allergic reaction, fungus or bacteria, but may be viral. It is a common skin problem that appears most often as a single 2cm to 10 cm round or oval pink patch with a scaly raised border. Days after it first appears it will look salmon colored and eventually fade after 6 to 8 weeks.

For pregnant women, the rash can also appear as round bumps, and young children may develop blisters. People have been said to experience a headache, nausea, sore throat and loss of appetite. The rash will go away on its own, however keeping the rash hydrated with lotions, mists and ice have shown relief and anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce the rash.