Health and Medicine: Eczema & Psoriasis

ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS
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ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS
Introduction
Skin disorders often cause a lot of discomfort. It, therefore, calls for thorough diagnosing of the skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema for treatment on time. These two skin disorders may appear similar but they are different. In most cases it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Moreover, their symptoms are almost alike. Eczema at times is referred to as the dermatitis. There are various types of eczema with the most common one being atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a group comprising conditions on the skin such as hotness, dryness, scaly and itching. In cases where the condition is severe, the skin may be raw and bleeding. This disorder is caused by the exposure of the skin to the environmental allergies and or irritants (Moscou, K & Snipe, 2009).
The symptoms of the disease are worsened by conditions such as hormonal fluctuations and stress. On the other hand, psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder. The most common type of the disorder is the plaque psoriasis that appears around the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. Psoriasis is commonly marked by raised red patches on the skin that are covered with a silvery layer. In general, eczema caused by the exposure of the body into environmental factors such as harsh chemicals in the environment and psoriasis is mainly caused by genes and responds to internal factors (Moscou, K & Snipe, 2009).
The paper focuses on eczema and psoriasis as the skin disorders. Emphasis is put on the causes, signs and symptoms of the disorders, the possible treatments and their adverse effects on the patients and the role of the pharmacy technician (Terrass, 1995).
ECZEMA
Description
Eczema is the most common skin disorder (inflammation). It refers to various conditions that have a common pattern of changes on skin`s surface. It initially appears as an episode of itching scratching and redness in the skin which may be accompanied by small blisters and or bumps. If the condition grows into chronic eczema (long term eczema) it may result into scaling, thickening of the skin, dryness, flaking and change in skin color. Eczema has various types that depend on the shape, location, cause and size of the rash. Most of the eczema types are linked to being allergic to chemicals and irritants. Still others are related to underlying medical conditions that may cause fluid retention in the legs. Approximately, fifteen percent of the world`s population is affected with eczema. The following are various types of eczema and their possible causes (Moscou, K & Snipe, 2009).
Atopic (dermatitis) eczema is one of the most common types of eczema (Terrass, 1995). This type is characterized by a repeated appearance and disappearance. It is common in people who have a tendency of genetic allergies. In all the cases of atopic eczema, about seventy percent of the patients, the person affected or a family memb...