ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS IN BABIES AND KIDS

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

It is a condition where the patches of skin become red, inflamed, itchy and flaky. Sometimes, when the itching intensifies, the skin appears to have blisters as well. It might frequently appear on the arms and behind the knees. However, it's also possible for it to appear anywhere, in any part of the body. People usually experience the following:

• rashes
• dryness
• flaky skin
• rough skin
• bumps
• fissures
• peeling(when scratched too hard)
• redness
• bleeding(in some extreme cases)

There are six different types of Eczema that affect about 30 million people of the population. However, it's safe to say that it is not contagious and therefore it cannot spread from one person to another. It often affects babies and kids though it can occur at any point of life. When affected by eczema the dermis is considered to be more vulnerable to other skin diseases like warts, cold sores or athlete's foot. The most common reason for this condition is unhealthy dermis. Healthy dermis acts as a barrier to protect from foreign bacteria and germs. Unhealthy dermis disrupts its potential capability to protect it from germs and other harmful components. As a result, the dermis loses its moisture and becomes dry due which the skin becomes dry and causes flare-ups.

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

It can be defined and explained as a chronic autoimmune skin condition wherein there's an abrupt increase in the production of skin cells. This often leads to the formation of cells which eventually becomes itchy, red and inflamed. It is a condition which mainly occurs due to a weak immune system. It's better to remember that not all the conditions are life-threatening and the causes and symptoms also differ from person to person. It's also important to remember that it is not contagious. People with Psoriasis often tend to experience the following symptoms: 

• raised, red and inflamed skin
• whitish- silver scales or plaques which appears on the inflamed dermis when scratching intensifies.
• dry dermis which usually cracks or even at extreme cases bleeds
• scratching and itching sensation around the patches which intensifies day by day
• painful and swollen joints

Read here about psoriasis in babies and children

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS

Both the conditions have visually the same symptoms and causes but when you delve deeper, you find out that there are minute major differences between them which are often overlooked. In simpler terms, they both are like twins, they look, all the same, but deep down they have distinctive differences between them. Before spotting the major differences, what makes the two of them similar in the first place? Both causes rashes, red patches, itchy and inflamed dermis and also tend to appear in similar places. Neither of them is contagious. To an experienced dermatologist, he can clearly state the nuances between the two skin conditions, but, to an untrained eye, Eczema may appear to be like Psoriasis and vice versa. In spite of their conflicting similarities, here are some clues to help you spot the difference between the two.

• Autoimmune, Genetic and Environment. One of the major differences which cannot be overlooked is the reason for what they're caused. Psoriasis, on one hand, occurs because of autoimmunity, wherein your dysfunctional immunity is to blame. The rapid overproduction of cells piles on top of the skin forming white scales. Eczema, on the other hand, though it's complicated to determine its trigger, we can surely say that genetic and environmental conditions play a major role in triggering them.

• Little differences in itching. Both cause itching. However, there's a slight difference in their itching sensation that can help your dermatologist determine what you're suffering from. Psoriasis tends to cause mild itching and in some cases, it causes the extreme burn. Whereas, in the case of Eczema, the itching is terrible to such an extent that intense scratching would lead the dermis to peel and bleed. Although both the conditions can affect at any age, Eczema tends to affect the babies and children more than Psoriasis.

• Sunshine can ease Psoriasis but not necessarily can ease Eczema. Summer may not be your favourite if you have Eczema. However, for those with Psoriasis, sunshine is a blessing because the UV rays help in the slowdown the rapid overproduction of cells. However, too much of anything isn't good. If you soak yourself up in the sun too much without any protection it can sure lead to other skin problems.

These are some of the differences that one should look for while going through a skin condition. It's better to consult a dermatologist sooner in order to avoid any misunderstanding in the interpretation of the condition.

ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS IN BABIES AND KIDS

Though the exact reason for psoriasis in babies remains unknown, a common trigger to it can be cold. It is a rare condition, however, it cannot completely be said that infants are not at risk. Psoriasis in babies is hard to diagnose as they appear to look a lot similar to other skin conditions that babies are prone to get. The most common places for baby psoriasis include:

• face
• neck
• elbows
• knees
• diaper area and 
• scalp

The most common type that babies are prone to get is Napkin Psoriasis. The dermis lesions tend to appear in the diaper area which makes it all the more difficult to treat the condition because the infants also tend to develop other kinds of diaper rash. It has only mild symptoms therefore; the steps to tackle them need not be hard like that we do for adults. The best treatment is to opt for something with the least side effects. Though they both are different conditions, treatment for the two is often similar.

• avoid heat and cold if the rashes seem to worsen
• keep the affected areas clean, dry and moisturized
• lotions and creams which have less chemical components
• little exposure to sunlight (can be done after consulting with your doctor)

Eczema in babies is a lot more common than Psoriasis. When your baby is suffering skin condition which tends to persist longer than expected, it's highly advised to visit your paediatrician for better understanding and to avoid any confusion. Eczema in babies can affect the body anywhere. However, the favourite spots are cheeks and joints of their arms and legs. Since it's very common for babies to get affected by Eczema, most of the babies, as a result, tend to outgrow from it before they start school or a lot earlier before that. Here are omit ways to take care of your babies’ skin. 

• Lukewarm bath: Bathingin lukewarm water soothes your munchkin's dermis a lot more than you could imagine. The bath should be kept short and also make sure that the water isn't too hot. 
• Dry carefully and dress comfy: While drying your baby's skin it's advised not to rub it harshly with the towel, rather it's best to pat dry. Instead of heavy clothing, make sure to dress your little one in comfy and cotton clothes which will keep them cool to an extent.
• Say no to scratch: It's difficult, but it's really important to keep your baby from scratching because it just makes the rashes worse. Trim your little one's nail often and cover the hands with mittens, so that it doesn't get infected when they try to scratch. 
• Extra care: Change nappies regularly and keep the nappy area clean and dry. This will prevent the dermis from becoming sore and infected. It is essential to change the nappy every hour or surely change them as soon as they become wet or soiled. When changing the wet or soiled diaper, wash the area with lukewarm water.  At every nappy change apply the best relief oil or cream to keep the skin soft and protected. Strictly do not use plastic pants over the diapers as they can create hot and sultry conditions which will help the bacteria to breed and aggravate the skin condition.
• Skincare: Using mild and chemical-free skin products usually do the hack. Keeping your little one's skin hydrated and moisturized is the best way. A good and instant itch reliefExzma [Babies & Kids] Eczema & Psoriasis Relief Oil with no alcohol, steroids, paraben and chemicals is the best option for your little one. The cooling effect will ease the babies’ pain and help them calm down. Use this several times a day to keep the skin soft and supple.

Psoriasis and Eczema in babies are common and nothing to worry about if you follow the right steps to tackle them. As a parent, it's necessary to keep your calm and deal with the situation in a practical manner and not in a hasty manner. With an amazing product like Exzma [Babies & Kids] Eczema & Psoriasis Relief Oil Finally, you can rest and put your mind at ease.