Psoriasis??? - Let's chat

[BWVDenise]

Can anyone explain the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

 

[Keggy]

Well - I don't know the medical differences - but with Psoriasis there is white itchy flakes. Eczema - there is redness and little bumps - I have both. For Eczema I am on Metrogel and an antibiotic.

 

[luvwinnie]

Psoriasis, which I have, is an autoimmune disorder. I don't believe eczema is.

 

[luvwinnie]

Can anyone explain the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

From www.psoriasis.org:
No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and falls off the body's surface in 28 to 30 days. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up and form the lesions.

 

[luvwinnie]

Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.

In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. In people with eczema, the inflammatory response to irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching. Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured. However, for most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.

 

[bgirldeb]

My now 9yo DD was dxed with psoriasis when she was 4. She had it all around her eyes, eyelids, nape of her neck, behind the ears, and inverse in her groin area, with a few guttate spots on her torse. The doctors had been IDIOTS about the whole thing and the eye doctor I took her to recommended a derm who walked in, took one glance and said, "OH, it's psoriasis!" She's the first on either side of our families that we know of.

BTW, this was around October and *everyone* was asking if her eyes were "part of a Halloween costume". Stupid people. I wanted to punch them all in the nose.

to you and your DD. I was diagnosed with PS at around age 10, but we figure I had it a while before. Now I'm on Enbrel for PA/RA, and it helps with the PS too.

 

[hygienejean]

My now 9yo DD was dxed with psoriasis when she was 4. She had it all around her eyes, eyelids, nape of her neck, behind the ears, and inverse in her groin area, with a few guttate spots on her torse. The doctors had been IDIOTS about the whole thing and the eye doctor I took her to recommended a derm who walked in, took one glance and said, "OH, it's psoriasis!" She's the first on either side of our families that we know of.

BTW, this was around October and *everyone* was asking if her eyes were "part of a Halloween costume". Stupid people. I wanted to punch them all in the nose. The worst was her groin area. I had been told for 3 years that it was just diaper rash and had switched to cloth dipes, which really helped, but as she got into undies, the elastic would rub right on it. Heebie Jeebie time! I wound up putting her in boys knit boxers and that helped.

We tried the first cream prescribed, but it didn't help, so in the meantime, I started doing some homework and found some herbs that were said to be effective. I pulled out my crockpot and started making salves. I had one for general use, and one I made for around the eyes/more sensitive areas. They worked really well, so the derm asked me to bring her samples. She was impressed, but said they'd never sell b/c it was green (from the olive oil/herbs used) Thank goodness, I wasn't trying to market it, I guess! I did send some to an acquaintance who was so bad they had to move south and she liked it really well, esp on her ears.

I'm getting ready to make a new batch, so I will find the recipe and post it (and my suppliers) here, if anyone is interested.

I would love to have the recipe!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I also have psoriasis and am on Enbrel. The first time I applied to get it through DH's insurance, I was denied. My psoriasis was horrible! At times it hurt so bad I hated to bend any part of my body. I couldn't wear my hair up or wear dark clothes, due to the flakes.

I've had it for 30 years and I'm 40, so I've seen it come and go with many treatments over the years. It was under control for many years, but triggered with DD's pregnancy. Usually the Puva works, but not this time. Was put on Methotrexate since the Enbrel was denied, that didn't work. Last Jan, DH changed his prescription plan and the Enbrel was approved. Within 3 months I was 90% clear, after being 90% covered. Now almost one year later, it is completely clear. I do the injections once a week. Down from twice a week when I first started. To pay out of pocket I was told its $1300.00 a month. My Enbrel is up for renewal in Jan. I just hope its approved again. I believe it is the wonder drug.