SKIN CoNDITIoNS LIKE ECZEoA & PSMRIASIS
How you know you’ve got it:
If it’s eczema, you’ll have a dry, red, scaly rash, most likely on your face, neck, hands and in the creases of your limbs. It will probably have started as tiny pearly blisters under the surface of the skin and your skin may become discoloured and cracked. In severe cases, the rash can become weepy and the oozing fluid can lead to blisters.
If it’s psoriasis, it can range from small flattened bumps or pink, mildly dry patches to large areas of raised red skin with thick, silvery scales. The elbows, knees and scalp are areas most commonly affected by psoriasis.
How to treat it:
Ways of trying to relieve itching caused by eczema include steroid creams, antihistamines and oral medications. Avoiding soaps and detergents may help, as can using emollients like aqueous cream to keep the skin moisturised.
For psoriasis, treatments range from topical lotions and steroids to oral medications in severe cases. ooisturisers can help prevent skin from cracking and becoming sore. Soaking in a warm bath with bath oil or a tar solution can also help to keep skin soft.
Try this:
Cooling the skin may provide quick (but temporary) relief from itching caused by eczema. Applying a cool, wet wash cloth or an ice pack may help. Exposure to sunshine can help clear psoriasis, but make sure not to get burnt.
INSECT BITES
How you know you’ve got them:
Bites from insects such as mosquitoes or fleas show up as small, raised red spots, and they tend to itch like crazy. Too much scratching can lead to an open sore that may become infected.
How to treat them:
Calamine lotion may reduce itching as can antihistamine creams. If the itching is severe, an oral antihistamine can be effective. Some people can have an allergic reaction to insect bites which may lead to anaphylaxis. Get emergency medical treatment if you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or feel like your throat is closing.
Try this:
As soon as you realise you’ve been bitten, wash the area with soapy water to get rid of any particles left behind, which may further contaminate the wound and cause infection if you scratch it. Pat dry. Vinegar can also relieve itching, as can applying a paste made of baking soda and water.
**ALLERGIES
**
How you know what it is:
Hives (itchy, red, raised bumps) or a red, blotchy rash may be a sign of an allergy. Working out what you’re allergic to can be difficult – it may be due to anything from cold or hot weather, exercise, particular fabrics, chemicals in products like cosmetics, toiletries or detergents, latex or rubber, through to foods such as wheat, soy, milk, yeast, peanuts and eggs. You may need to see an allergy specialist, who will carry out tests to try to determine what is triggering the reaction
How to treat it:
The primary treatment for hives or rashes caused by allergies is antihistamines. of course, the best option is to try to discover what is causing the reaction and eliminate or avoid it.
Try this:
Keep a diary, noting down any symptoms and recording details of anything that could possibly be responsible, such as what you eat, skin products you use, clothes you wear and whether you’re hot or cold.
**FUNGAL INFECTIoN
**
How you know you’ve got it:
Fungal infections can be hard to recognise because they may look like eczema or skin allergies. Red, dry and flaky skin that itches and burns, and occurs in warm, moist places – like between your toes (athletes foot) or in your groin – may be due to the fungal infection tinea. Meanwhile, candidiasis – a fungal yeast infection – can cause brownish-red itchy patches under your arms, in the corners of your mouth, around your rectum and beneath your breasts.**
**
How to treat it:
over-the-counter anti-fungal creams can be very effective. To avoid recurrences, keep affected areas as clean and dry as possible. If you’re prone to athletes foot, use an anti-fungal powder.
Try this:
When it’s humid, wear loose, light clothing and avoid synthetic material that makes it difficult for your skin to breathe.
**SHINGLES
**
How you know what it is:
The first sign is likely to be a burning or tingling pain or an itch in one place – most commonly on your torso, around your waistline. The shingles – caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – can also show up on one side of your face around the eye and on your forehead. After a few days you’ll have a rash of fluid-filled blisters.
How to treat it:
Prescription antiviral drugs can make shingles attacks less severe and shorter. If your eye or nerves in your face are affected, your doctor may prescribe steroids. A cool compress may help the itching and the pain.
Try this:
Add cornstarch or an oatmeal bath product to a lukewarm bath. This can help ease the pain and the itching.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
