Actinic Keratosis Can Mimic Psoriasis!

By Chris Borg 


 ctinic Keratosis has been confused with psoriasis because of the similarities in the outward appearance on your skin. Both conditions are marked by dry, flaky, raised, scaly, rough, red skin. Of course, not all those symptoms need be present, but very often most of them are. As you know, psoriasis is the result of a defect with your immune system. Hence it is classified as an auto-immune disorder, whereby your body turns against itself. On the other hand, actinic keratosis is the most common precancerous condition of your skin. If left untreated, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common type of skin cancer behind basal cell carcinoma.
While there is no way to avoid psoriasis, it is entirely possible to avoid actinic keratosis. That is because the former is probably in your genes and out of your control while the latter is self-inflicted! By that I mean it is the result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet light commonly found in sunlight. People who work outdoors and those who enjoy much time in the sun need to always be aware of wearing skin protection. Fair skinned individuals are even more susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun. As such, they need to apply a quality sun screen as well as re-applying it after spending much time in the sun.
The actual color appearance of the lesions in patients with actinic keratosis is not only limited to a red color. The lesions which are often felt before they can be seen, may also appear pink or grey. Some people say they have sun spots or age spots, but the bottom line is that these spots, if left untreated can become fatal which can be avoided in the first place if you use a little bit of caution before going outdoors.
The treatment options for psoriasis consists mainly of ointments, creams, lotions, some internal medicine, photo therapy and the newest class of medications called immuno-modulators which work to calm down the immune system. Treatment for actinic keratosis utilizes several of the same modalities as does psoriasis but the actual medications are often different. Physicians use cryosurgery, photo-dynamic therapy and topical medications that are more aggressive than what is usually used in psoriasis. The three most popular agents are imiquimod, diclofenec and fluorouracil.
The use of any agent on the skin for long periods of time can bring about a whole new set of problems such as side effects and other allergic dermatology reactions. Therefore, the goal of any therapy is to make sure that the positive benefits outweigh any potential unwanted effects. Fortunately, actinic keratosis can usually be avoided in the first place. Just be sure to stick to the age-old adage when going outside: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

Chris is a practicing pharmacist who writes on health care topics. You can see Chris's latest website on Psoriasis Treatment and learn all about the symptoms, treatment and related information such as Top 3 Treatments Reviewed and much more.

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Natural Remedies To Control and Cure Psoriasis

By T. L. Stewart 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that shows up as flaky and red patches on the skin. In order to either control or cure psoriasis, many people turn to natural and home remedies. These can be very effective at treatment or prevention and if you're tired of harsh medications, try one of these top five home remedies.
Try a vinegar dip. Apple cider vinegar has the ability to help sooth and heal skin burns and inflammation. Many people have found relief through this treatment. This is best in smaller areas of inflammation that can be soaked in the vinegar. Dilute the vinegar in a bowl and then soak the infected area for a few minutes. It can also be effective when applied to larger areas with cotton balls.
Covering the area can also be a good remedy. For some reason, decreasing the exposure of the areas to air helps them recover faster. If applying a topical ointment or lotion, put on the lotion first and then cover the are with plastic wrap or a special patch. The wrap can be kept on for a few hours, but avoid leaving it on long enough for the skin to become soggy. This may make your skin more susceptible to further infection.
Psoriasis has been linked to dry skin and having moisturized skin is one of the keys to controlling and preventing breakouts. One of the best home remedies for making sure that your skin receives enough moisture is by using warm olive oil. Warm the olive oil slightly and then gently massage it into the skin. This is especially helpful when psoriasis occurs on the scalp. It can be rinsed out of hair and should be used before shampooing.
Try using Epsom salts in the bath. Soaking in the tub with the salts helps to reduce swelling and can speed up the healing process. If you suffer from larger patches of inflammation or it pops up in hard-to-reach areas, this is a great way to ensure that you treat all areas. Soak for at least an hour for maximum effectiveness and follow the instructions on the Epsom salts container for adding it to the bath.
Try tar-containing products. Tar is contained in some shampoos, creams, and bath soaks. It has been shown to loosen psoriasis scales in many people. Bath oils that contain tar are usually the most effective, so try this option if available. This is a safe ingredient to use and while not completely understood, can help to lessen symptoms and improve overall wellness. Most health and wellness stores carry tar-containing products and it's generally advertised on the bottle, making it easy to find in stores.
Although psoriasis can be a frustrating problem to have, if you're worried about the effect that harsh chemicals and prescription medications can have over time, consider these natural remedies. They are safe for everyday use and won't damage the skin further. It is possible to control and cure psoriasis, so try one of these remedies the next time you experience a breakout.

If you have tried the normal prescribed options to cure or control your psoriasis without success it may be time to try a natural remedy.

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Psoriasis Skin

By Cookie Maxwell 

An Overview of the Psoriasis Skin Condition
An auto-immune skin disorder, psoriasis is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and can be very frustrating to manage. A skin condition that is clearly visible and difficult to hide, the exact cause is still unknown. The only treatment for psoriasis is to control it through a variety of methods that range from prescription medications to home remedies. If you have been diagnosed with a psoriasis skin condition by your doctor, learn more about what it is and what you can do about it.
Overview
A chronic skin condition that can be identified by skin cells that multiply ten times faster than they should, psoriasis looks like raised red welts with white scales. It is usually located on the knees, scalp or elbows, but it has been known to migrate to the palms, soles of feet, and torso. There are several different types of psoriasis, and each has varying degrees of discomfort. Stress, certain medications, and genetics all play a role in the probability that a person will find themselves afflicted by the psoriasis skin condition.
Non-Prescription Treatments
Working on prevention at home will help keep your psoriasis from flaring. This is one condition that benefits from short exposures to the sun, but if you cannot get out during the day you can use ultraviolet home light therapy instead. Keep your fingernails trimmed to help stop the spread of psoriasis skin outbreaks. Soften your skin through baths in oatmeal or Epsom salts followed by heavy duty moisturizers. Neostrata has a skin care line specifically geared to those suffering from psoriasis. The combination of acids and moisturizers soften the plaques and reduces irritation.
Consider what you put in your body. Try decreasing the red meat and dairy products in your diet. These foods are known to cause inflammation that can irritate psoriasis skin lesions. Add supplements to your diet if you have not already. Vitamin C supports the immune system, flax seed oil supplies essential fatty acids to support skin moisture, and beta-carotene protects and supports skin development.
Prescription Treatments
If you psoriasis is not abating, you may need to see your doctor for prescription treatment. The goal of the medication is to stop the cycle and reduce inflammation. There are topical corticosteroid creams that doctors will prescribe based on the severity of your outbreak. Generally, lower dosages are used on areas where the skin is thinner and more sensitive. It is also used on large patches. Stronger corticosteroids are used on small areas, and places where the scales tend to be more persistent. The stronger doses are also reserved for areas where lighter doses were ineffective. If you have patches on your head, there are special foams and medications that are specific for the scalp. As with the use of any steroid, the goal is to treat an outbreak until it has halted progression.

MyReviewsNow.net offers information regarding treatments for the psoriasis skin condition. For more on treating psoriasis, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net.

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