Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that happens due to inflammation of the skin. Your skin is left red, itchy, dry and cracked.

Mild eczema looks like small patches of dry skin that are occasionally itchy. Whereas, patients going through severe eczema, experience constant itching, redness, soreness and inflamed spots on their body. Most children outgrow it as they age. But in some cases, the symptoms could come and go over the years. While you cannot entirely cure eczema, you can control the symptoms by taking appropriate medicines.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin disorder induced by the dysfunction of the immune system leading to soreness. Some of the noticeable signs of inflammation include abnormal scales on the skin. That occurs because the overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth while the shedding of dead skin remains the same.

The lifespan of average human skin cells, from complete growth to shedding, is about a month. The skin cells of psoriasis patients undergo this process in just three to four days. Instead of being discarded ordinarily, their skin cells keep building upon the surface, which leads to inflammation.

Researchers have not been able to find any specific reason for the occurrence of either of these diseases. But usually, a person's immune system, gene pool, and environmental circumstances are found to play a significant role in causing psoriasis or eczema.

A few common signs found in both cases include:

• Red, scaling patches on the skin as seen especially in children
• Dry, cracked, thickened skin that may bleed due to itching
• Itching, burning or soreness of skin which worsens at night
• Hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, inside the bend of the knees and elbows, face, and scalp are the commonly affected areas

What are the symptoms of eczema?

• Raised, small bumps on the skin which may leak fluid when scratched
• Sensitive, swollen skin due to itching

What are the symptoms of psorasis?

• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

It is essential to control the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis with commercially available medicinal treatments that do not worsen the condition. With the changing times, you can take full advantage of the wide range of medicines, soaps, cleansers, shower gels, etc. available on MedsNow at your perusal and make the process of dealing with either of these skin conditions easier and convenient. MedsNow is here to help you order the right product based on your requirements.

1. Creams:

   These are ointments to be applied externally on the affected areas to reduce the soreness and redness. Your doctor will prescribe the frequency of application. Some of the most commonly preferred creams include Betnovate Cream, Betamethasone Cream, Fucidin Cream, Fucibet, Eumovate Cream, Dermovate Cream, Cetraben Cream, Aveeno Cream, Elocon Cream, Clobetasol Cream, and Balneum Cream, Balneum Plus Cream.

2. Ointments:

   These contain hydrocortisone or salicylic acid and are prescribed to patients to reduce itching and scaling. These medicines relieve your skin with regular application and decrease the occurrence of the symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. You can place your order for Betacap, Elocon Ointment, Silkis Ointment, Dermovate Ointment, Betamethasone Ointment, Betnovate Ointment, Clobetasol Ointment, or Eumovate Ointment from the MedsNow website.

3. Lotions and bath products:

   In the case of severe skin diseases, it is crucial to avoid harsh, chemical-based bathing products and body lotions. These will aggravate the condition making it unbearable. Make sure to invest in mild, dermatologist-recommended shampoos, shower gels or body wash. For instance, you can choose Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo, Elocon Scalp Lotion, Balneum Plus Medicinal Bath Oil, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Oilatum Shower Gel, Cetraben Bath Additive, Aveeno Baby Body Wash 300ml, and Aveeno Baby Daily Care Lotion.

Remember that your dermatologist would have prescribed your medication considering that its benefit to you would be greater than the risk of its side effects. But you need to be able to recognize some of the side effects to understand when to stop taking the medications.

Excessive stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, bleeding or redness on applying medicines is a definite warning sign. Other possibilities to look out for would be a case of pills to swallow, which could trigger acne, unusual hair growth, hair bumps, skin thinning/discolouration, or stretch marks.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling on your face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or troubled breathing.

If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Other complications include eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, other autoimmune diseases, Crohn's disease, and mental health conditions such as low self-esteem and depression.

1. How long does eczema last?

Although the condition is incurable, its symptoms will subside after a few weeks of regular treatment. You have to make sure to avoid triggering them further.

2. Is drinking a lot of water suitable for eczema?

Yes, drinking enough water will help reduce inflammation due to dehydration to some extent. In addition to this, it is essential to avoid dehydrating environments such as AC rooms or products such as soaps, detergents, etc. as well. To prevent any food-sensitive eczema reactions stay away from, citrus fruits, dairy, eggs, gluten or wheat, soy, some spices, tomatoes, some types of nuts, etc. The list varies according to the severity of the case as well as the patient's lifestyle.

3. Is eczema a sign of a weak immune system? 

In atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, your immune system becomes highly sensitive and reacts to even the smallest allergies or irritants. That shows a sign of a heightened immune system.

4. Can eczema be a sign of other illnesses?

Apart from a skin disorder, it is also linked to sleep disturbances, joint problems, and other injuries. Prescriptions for patients suffering from severe cases of eczema often include oral steroids, continuous dosage of which reduces bone density.

5. How do you stop eczema from spreading? 

Note and avoid all situations which trigger the disease, protect your skin with moisturizers, try to maintain a cool and dry environment in your home, wear breathable fabrics such as cotton, and stay away from excessive exposure to heat and humidity.

6. Which is the best soap for eczema? 

Patients should use specific bathing products which suit their sensitive skin to avoid stimulating the situation further. You can choose from the wide range of mild, dermatologist-recommended soaps and shampoos such as Aquaphor Gentle Wash, Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar, Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, Basis Sensitive Skin Bar, etc. accessible online.

7. Which foods trigger psoriasis? 

Red meat, dairy products, gluten, processed foods, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, alcohol, etc. are some of the foods that could trigger psoriasis. The complete list of foods to avoid differs from patient to patient.

8. Are bananas good for psoriasis? 

Rubbing banana peels over the affected spaces has been found to reduce infection because they are full of anti-inflammatory elements and antioxidants. It soothes the troubled area of your skin and helps to relieve the most intolerable symptoms of psoriasis.

9. What happens if psoriasis is left untreated? 

Inability to keep up with the treatment could lead to severe damage such as uncontrolled plaques causing scars, painful nail growth or nail loss, and increased frequency and severity of flares. If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, it can lead to permanent hair loss if left untreated. In the case of arthritis, untreated psoriasis leads to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and lasting joint damage.

10. Is psoriasis a sign of something else? 

Yes, due to its immune abnormality, psoriasis leads to other diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, psychosocial disorders, high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal blood lipids, and more. Patients could also be prone to a heightened risk of certain cancers.

11. Can stress cause psoriasis?

Apart from a genetically affected immune system, stress is one of the most common triggers which sets off this incurable skin disease. Cortisol is a hormone that is released when your body undergoes stress. It boosts your body's inflammatory response which is known to lead to stress-induced psoriasis flare-ups.

12. What vitamins are best to treat psoriasis? 

Vitamin D is said to be the most important. Vitamin A, C, and E are other essential vitamins that you need to add to your diet to help reduce inflammation. Apart from adding vitamins; ensure that you consume a wholesome, well-balanced diet that will assist skin health.

13. What should I do to boost my immune system against psoriasis? 

Increase the intake of Vitamin D, C, and E by eating foods such as fish, milk, eggs, fortified juices, and cereals, and include exercise in your schedule to improve the health of your skin. In addition to this, keep away from harsh sunlight and increase your intake of antioxidants such as Selenium.

14. Is coffee bad for psoriasis? 

There has been no definitive research to prove that caffeine intake triggers the conditions of psoriasis.

15. Does psoriasis weaken the immune system?

Within an affected person's immune system, the B-cell white blood cell begins to generate antibodies destroying healthy skin cells. On the other hand, the T-cell, another type of white blood cell, releases a large amount of a protein called Cytokine. Eventually, this continuous abnormality in producing and destroying skin cells leads to a weakened immune system.

16. Why can't psoriasis be cured? 

Psoriasis is a lifelong disease in cases where genetic abnormalities are one of the factors affecting the sufferer's immune system. That is because it is impossible to correct a person's genetic makeup.

17. How do you stop psoriasis from spreading? 

The most crucial step here is to begin your treatment as soon as possible. Leaving psoriasis untreated can worsen it. Focus on eating a healthy diet and follow an exercise regime. Protect your skin with moisturizers and sunscreens. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and stress, also make sure to get enough sleep.