Psoriasis Vs Eczema

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that affect many people in Malaysia.

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which skin cells proliferate faster than normal, resulting in rough red patches covered in white scales. They can grow on any part of the body, although the majority of them appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It can't be passed down from one person to the next. Early adulthood is when psoriasis often emerges.[1]

Eczema, on the other hand, is a set of disorders that cause your skin to become inflamed or irritated. Atopic dermatitis, often known as atopic eczema, is the most prominent kind. Some people will experience symptoms on and off for the rest of their lives. Although there is no cure, most patients can control their symptoms by getting professional treatment and avoiding irritants. Eczema isn't contagious, thus it can't spread from one person to another.[2]

Difference between Eczema & Psoriasis

Common sites of Eczema

Common sites of Psoriasis Outbreak

Treatment of eczema and psoriasis

Atopic eczema treatments can help alleviate symptoms. There is no cure, but many children's symptoms improve on their own as they grow older. Psoriasis treatments aim to slow the growth of skin cells and remove scales.

The main treatments are:

• Bluace's E Cream 1000 I.U. – use it every day to keep your skin from drying out. E Cream helps to prevent premature aging, complements your sun protection regimen, keeps skin moisturized, may reduce the appearance of scars, and soothes and hydrates irritated skin.[3]

Topical therapy:

• Moisturizing treatment to provide a protective film over the skin and reduce water loss, reducing itching and scaling.

Therapies for atopic eczema and psoriasis:

Self-care techniques:

• Keep fingernails short to reduce damage to your skin.
• Keep skin moisturizer to restore the skin barrier.
• Instead of nylon and polyester, wear loose-fitting clothes such as 100% cotton or silk to avoid overheat
• All-cotton sheets help to control your body heat so you don’t get hot and itchy at night.
• Use mild and unscented detergent to wash new clothes before wearing.
• Use gentle soaps or shower gels that are free of SLS, SLES, and paraben. Bluace’s De’skin Moisturizing Shower Gel contains no SLS and Paraben that will irritate the skin. It is also affordable.

Home remedies for Eczema and Psoriasis

Home remedies and natural treatments can help to relieve the dry, itchy skin relating to eczema and psoriasis. Creams, natural products, and dietary and lifestyle changes can help people manage or prevent eczema flares, especially during the winter, when symptoms are at their worst. Natural moisturizers, such as aloe vera gel and coconut oil, can be used to treat dry, cracked skin. They can also fight inflammation and harmful bacteria, reducing swelling and preventing infection. Natural treatments cannot cure eczema and psoriasis, but they can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

1. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel can be extracted directly from the plant. Aloe vera gel is made from the aloe plant's leaves. For centuries, people have used aloe vera gel to treat a variety of ailments. One of the common use of aloe vera is to soothe eczema and psoriasis. A 2015 systematic review investigated the effects of aloe vera on human health [4]. The researchers reported that the gel has the properties of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and wound-healing.

The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help to prevent skin infections, which are more likely in people who have dry, cracked skin. Aloe's wound-healing properties may help to soothe and heal broken skin.

How to use it

Choose aloe gel products with few ingredients. Others may include preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colours, which can irritate sensitive skin. Alcohol and other drying ingredients may aggravate eczema and psoriasis. To test for skin sensitivity, start with a small amount of gel. Aloe vera can occasionally cause burning or stinging. Generally, it is safe and effective for adults and children. Bluace's E cream 1000 I.U. and De'skin shower gel contain natural aloe vera extract instead of triclosan, a harmful substance used for antibacterial properties.

2. Bluace's Magnesium Flakes

Bathing restores the skin's moisture levels. Bathing is an important part of treating eczema and psoriasis. When a person suffers from a skin condition such as eczema, their skin requires additional moisture because the outer layer is not functioning properly. Washing frequently can dry out the skin and aggravate eczema in some people. This can happen if:

• Using water that is too hot or cold
• Using the wrong soap
• Not moisturizing afterwards

Avoid taking too many baths. Bathing is recommended for most babies and children once or twice a week.

National Eczema Association recommends that adults:

• Bathe or shower at least once a day.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Limit bathing to 10–15 minutes.
• Avoid scrubbing the skin.
• Use gentle cleansers instead of soaps such as Bluace’s De’skin anti-bacterial shower gel.
• Try different types of medicinal baths, such as those with baking soda, vinegar, oatmeal, or magnesium flakes. Bluace’s Magnesium Flake is very healthy for the skin. The magnesium bath will help soothe dry skin and conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and improve skin hydration.[5]

A long, hot shower can remove the skin's natural oils and moisture. Take shorter showers and keep the water temperature warm, not hot. After bathing, moisturize within 3 minutes of stepping out of the tub. Before the skin has completely dried, gently pat it dry with a towel and apply an oil-based moisturizer. This can help to keep water from the shower or bath from evaporating. Apply moisturizer to the hands after washing and drying them to help prevent eczema flare-ups.

3. Bluace's Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) contains beneficial fatty acids that can moisturize the skin and aid in the treatment of dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Furthermore, VCO may protect the skin by reducing inflammation and improving the health of the skin barrier.[6] A randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of applying virgin coconut oil to children's skin. The results show that using the oil for 8 weeks improved eczema symptoms more than mineral oil. Bluace's Virgin Coconut Oil is an all-natural Indian product. This product is free of bad cholesterol, preservatives, deodorant and is gluten-free. This product is available in a 250ml bottle for a reasonable price. Most importantly, this product does not cause irritation or discomfort, so those suffering from eczema or psoriasis can use it to moisturize their skin.

How to Make Use of It:

After bathing, apply cold-pressed Bluace's Virgin Coconut Oil directly to the skin several times a day. Use it before going to bed to keep your skin moisturized.

It is not advisable to apply coconut oil if you are allergic to it.

4. Honey

Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that has been used for centuries to heal wounds. Honey can heal wounds and boost immune system function, which means it can aid the body in fighting infections. Honey has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burns and wounds. Honey, when applied directly to eczema, may help prevent infections while moisturizing the skin and hastening to heal.

How to Make Use of It

Dab some honey on the affected area.

5. Dietary changes

Eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory conditions that cause inflamed, red, sore skin. Certain foods can cause or reduce inflammation in the body, and making a few key dietary changes could help reduce eczema flares.

Examples of anti-inflammatory foods include:

• Fish
• Leafy greens
• Beans and lentils
• Colourful fruits
• Vegetables
• Turmeric and cinnamon

Dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat are all common inflammatory foods. Try to avoid some of these from your diet and keep a food diary to help you identify which foods may be problematic.

6. Gentle soaps or shower gels and detergents

Laundry detergent contains harsh chemicals that can aggravate eczema and psoriasis. Many body washes and cleansers contain SLS and SLES, which aid in the formation of a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can cause skin irritation, especially in people who have eczema and psoriasis.

Anyone with sensitive skin should use clean clothing and mild laundry products to avoid irritation and discomfort. Many people with eczema and psoriasis find that using a gentler, fragrance-free, or colour-free laundry detergent can help alleviate symptoms. Avoid using fabric softener, which lingers on clothing and frequently contains fragrances and chemicals that can cause skin irritation.

Home remedies for eczema in babies and children[7]

Many home remedies are safe for babies and children, but you should always consult a doctor before using them on children of any age.

The following home remedies may be beneficial:

• Avoid overdressing a baby or child. Sweating can aggravate eczema or cause heat rash, both of which worsen itching.
• To prevent infants from scratching their skin, use mittens.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer to the affected areas regularly, be careful not to get it in the eyes or nose.
• Do not cover a baby’s face with a scarf. Infant car seat covers can help shield a baby from the cold outside air. Check often to ensure that the baby is getting enough airflow.
• Avoid bathing them too often. Unless they are visibly soiled, most babies and children only require bathing once or twice a week. Bathing less frequently may aid in the prevention of dry skin.
• Use baby wipes that are fragrance- and alcohol-free. Many wipes have irritants in them. Look for those with no fragrance or alcohol, as well as those with soothing ingredients like aloe vera. Wipes for “sensitive skin” may be useful.
• Baby shampoos designed for eczema-prone children should be used. Many eczema washes can sting the eyes, so look for “tear-free” eczema washes and carefully avoid the child's eyes.

Outlook

There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis, but people can often manage their symptoms with natural gels or supplements (Bluace E-cream and De'skin Anti-bacterial shower gel) and coconut oils (Bluace's Virgin Coconut Oil), medicated baths (Transanium Magnesium Flakes), and dietary changes. If your eczema or psoriasis is severe or does not respond to home treatments, you should consult a doctor. If a child or baby develops a new rash, do so right away consult a doctor. To treat the inflammation, a doctor may prescribe Vitamin E creams or other prescription medications.

OUR PRODUCTS

- Bluace’s Virgin Coconut oil

- De’skin shower gel

- E cream 1000 I.U

- Bluace's Magnesium Flakes

References

 [1] “Psoriasis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 May 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840.

[2] Bennington-Castro, Joseph, et al. “Top Symptoms of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Everyday Health.” EverydayHealth.com, https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/guide/symptoms/#:~:text=Dyshidrotic%20eczema%2C%20on%20the%20other%20hand%2C%20produces%20small%2C,causing%20the%20skin%20to%20feel%20thick%20and%20spongy.

[3] PurpleTea. “5 Ways Vitamin E Cream Is Good for Your Skin.” Purple Tea, 25 July 2019, https://blog.purpletea.com/vitamin-e-cream-benefits/.

 [4] Sandhya, and Dr Gowri. “Aloe Vera for Wound Healing Patch.” Nature India, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1038/nindia.2015.173.

 [5] “Magnesium Flakes, Their Benefits and How to Use Them.” Seamagik, https://seamagik.com/blog/magnesium-flakes-what-are-they-their-benefits-and-how-to-use-them/.

[6] “12 Best Natural Remedies for Eczema.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324228.

[7] Momof1. “21 Effective Home Remedies for Treating Eczema in Babies.” Parenting Healthy Babies, 17 May 2021, https://parentinghealthybabies.com/eczema-babies-home-remedies/.