Psoriasis
Psoriasis is recurrent skin condition that is characterized by scaling and inflammation. Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder that can affect adults and children alike. Psoriasis occurs when the affected skin cells are shed at an accelerated pace leading to accumulation on the visible layers of the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious. While some persons notice few psoriasis patches that improve over time, others need extensive medical treatment. The cause for psoriasis may be traced to an abnormality in the immune condition that leads to excessive production of immune cells in the skin. This results in inflammation and flaky skin - typical symptoms of psoriasis. Other factors that affect the extent and severity of psoriasis are smoking, emotional stress, exposure to sun, alcohol and certain drugs such as beta blockers and NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory) drugs. There is increased severity of psoriasis during cycles of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
A person affected by psoriasis has red raised patches on the skin. The affected area may appear as silvery scales. This can occur on any part of the body. Usually psoriasis is most noticed on the elbows, knees and scalp. It can also affect the lower back, face, nails or genital tissues. The affected areas may itch or burn. The skin at joints may crack. In rare cases, it surfaces as psoriatic arthritis - a condition where psoriasis results in joint inflammation much like arthritis.
Regular use of moisturizers keeps the skin well lubricated. Products containing salicylic acid are known to be effective in removal of scales. Use of Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts or oatmeal in warm bath water is known to bring relief to persons suffering from psoriasis. Phototherapy involves artificial sources of UVB light to treat psoriasis. Another form of treatment is PUVA - a combination of oral medicine psoralen and exposure to UVA. PUVA treatment is known to be effective against psoriasis. Retinoids are often used in combination with phytotherapy in the treatment of psoriasis. TNF-Blockers are drugs that affect the body's immune system to clear inflammation.
Erythroderma
Erythroderma is a common skin disorder that is accompanied by reddishness (erythema) of the skin and exfoliation of the skin. Exfoliation of the skin is almost 100%, severe inflammation of the skin results in erythroderma. Erythroderma is also known as generalized exfoliative dermatitis or erythrodermatitis. If the primary cause for the condition is not identified (idiopathic erythroderma), erythroderma is known as red man syndrome. This condition takes a longer time to settle down. This condition is more common people over 40 years and noticed more in men than in women.
Any already existing skin disorder can cause erythroderma. Apart from this, acute skin diseases like mycosis fungoides, psoriasis and contact dermatitis can cause erythroderma. Certain drugs or topical applications can cause erythroderma. In a few cases erythroderma can be an indication to other diseases or conditions like HIV, haematological malignancies etc. Common symptoms include redness, thickening and swelling of skin,itching, oozing of bad smelling fluid, ridged and thick nails and secondary infection with crusting and pustules. There is thick scale formation on the scalp resulting in hair loss. A dermatologist can diagnose erythroderma by conducting a skin biopsy, blood smear and patch test of the affected area.
Treatment varies according to individual cases. On establishing the exact cause, topical steroids are prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed for secondary infections, if any. To control itching, antihistamines are prescribed.
Leukoderma
Leukoderma or vitiligo as it is sometimes called, is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment leading to pale spots of skin. Leukoderma can be described as an autoimmune skin disease where the body destroys its own pigment cells, melanocytes. After the pigment disappears, small or even larger areas of skin become white with sharp margins where they join unaffected parts of skin. The hair in these areas also grow white rather than pigmented. Leukoderma is more noticeable during summer when the normal skin darkens. The causes for leukoderma could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Inheritance seems to be a dominant trait for this condition.
Leukoderma may also occur at sites of injury to the skin and may show itself as scars or burns. Recent studies suggest that leukoderma could be caused by the development of an antibody to an enzyme in the pigment cell. Leukoderma may be caused due to several other factors as well - congenital as in tuberous sclerosis, partial albinism and Piebaldism and Waardenburg's syndrome. The immunological causes of leukoderma are Vitiligo and Halo mole. Thermal burns, Dermatitis or eczema and Psoriasis may also result in leukoderma. Infectious conditions such as Pityriasis versicolor, leprosy, lichen planus and syphilis could also result in leukoderma. Some occupational hazards that could cause leukoderma are exposure to depigmentation agents such as tertiary butyl phenol and exposure to chemicals.
The spots can spread, shrink or remain the same. It is often noticed that patches occur in symmetrical fashion across both sides of the body. Some times mild trauma to an area of skin can cause new spots as around ankles caused by friction due to shoes or sneakers. Corticosteroid ointment or cream of appropriate strength is used depending on the site involved. Normally a mild steroid is used on the face and a stronger one for the trunk and limbs. A specialized form of light treatment PUVA is also of value to some patients.
Bibliography / Reference
| 