Spencer Joseph
DCHAc LicZS DipAPNT MNCPS (Prof Accred) CSTII DipITEC D.Hyp BA (Hons) Phil
What are they?
Psoriasis and eczema are chronic skin diseases that cause red, scaly skin rashes that can also be itchy. Psoriasis lesions are typically thick and red with silvery scaling that flakes off causing the skin beneath to bleed.
Although eczema lesions may have a similar appearance to psoriasis in chronic cases, they can also appear as moist and oozing areas.
Both conditions tend to affect the hands, feet and nape of the neck but psoriasis also often affects the back of the elbows and front of the knees (extensor surfaces), while eczema favours the inside of the arms and the back of the knees (flexor surfaces). Both rashes can appear frequently on the scalp, while chronic eczema is found on the ankles more often than psoriasis. Fungal infections can sometimes show similar skin reactions but are a completely different matter. Causes
Eczema may erupt in response to environmental factors (such as exposure to harsh chemicals) or certain foods. Psoriasis, however, usually has a genetic link and the scaling is actually excess skin produced when certain substances in the body become unbalanced and cause skin cells to grow out of control.
Treatment
Chinese medicine has great success in the treatment of skin conditions and can be a genuine alternative to Orthodox topical creams and steroid treatment which are both a popular choice.
