At Rodgers Dermatology, we treat many skin conditions in our Medical Dermatology Department, but there are certain ones that are much more common than others. We see patients come in with certain complaints and symptoms of three skin conditions in particular: eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. 

In this article, we will cover all three, and you’ll notice there are some similarities and differences in these conditions and how we approach treatment for them. What’s always the same though is our commitment to listening to each patient and coming up with a plan that’s specific to that unique individual.

Common Skin Conditions We See at Rodgers Dermatology

Eczema

According to the National Eczema Association, eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance. Over 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. The condition can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood; and it can range from mild to severe.

While we don’t know the exact cause of eczema, we do know that people develop the condition due to a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an irritant or allergen “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation. This inflammation causes the symptoms common to most types of eczema.

Eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone, but the most common complaint is itchiness. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch until it bleeds, which can make eczema worse. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle.”

Common symptoms include:

• Itch
• Dry, sensitive skin
• Inflamed, discolored skin
• Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
• Oozing or crusting
• Areas of swelling

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a cure for eczema, but at Rodgers Dermatology we are currently enrolling patients in a clinical trial who have moderate to severe eczema. Learn more about our clinical trials and enroll here on our website.

While we hope to help make progress on curing eczema, we do have some effective treatment options. Depending on age and eczema severity, these treatments may include over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs. 

Psoriasis

The word “psoriasis” comes from the Greek word “psora” which means “to itch.” Itching is one of the most common symptoms associated with the condition. About 70 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis report itching that impacts their overall quality of life.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that creates red patches of skin with white, flaky scales. It most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but it can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the United States.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, scientists don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis. We do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, there is some factor that triggers psoriasis to flare. The skin cells in those with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.

To diagnose psoriasis, we examine the affected skin. We may take a piece of the affected skin (biopsy) and examine it under the microscope. When biopsied, psoriasis skin looks thick and inflamed. We will also talk about your family history since about one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease.

Because of how significant the itch can be in affecting daily life, treating psoriasis itch is one of our main goals with options, such as:

• Moisturizing skin –  This is often the first step we recommend because it can reduce redness and itching to help the skin heal. We may recommend heavy creams and ointments to lock water into the skin. 
• Removing scale and flaking – A scale-softening (keratolytic) product may help reduce excess skin and prevent psoriasis plaques from cracking and flaking. Over-the-counter lotions that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or phenol can help remove scale. This should reduce the itch and make itch-relieving lotions and ointments more effective.
• Taking cold showers – Cold showers and cold packs may also offer relief. It’s best to avoid hot showers because hot water can make skin irritation and dryness worse. After a shower, apply lotion to lock in moisture. 
• Prescription treatments – Some prescription treatments we may consider include antihistamines, phototherapy, steroids, biologics, and excimer laser.

Effectively treating psoriasis can reduce psoriasis lesions, stop the itch-scratch cycle, and reduce other symptoms, such as irritation and pain. Many times, a prescription treatment plan combined with at-home remedies results in the best success.

Rosacea

Rosacea is common, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 14 million people are living with the skin condition that causes redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face and small visible blood vessels. Many factors can cause flare-ups, but some may be preventable and manageable. 

By taking a few special precautions against potential environmental and lifestyle triggers, you can avoid aggravating the condition. Tips for managing rosacea and treatment options:

• Photorejuvenation with laser treatments and IPL are often very successful in controlling rosacea and preventing flares. These methods reduce redness and blood vessels in the skin, which results in a more even color tone that’s less likely to flush.
• Apply sunscreen daily since intense sun and hot weather are often huge culprits of flare-ups. Whenever you’re outside, make sure you’ve got sunscreen on any exposed skin. For best results, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and zinc oxide of at least 5%.
• Stay cool, especially when exercising since anything that raises your body’s temperature, including hot weather, high humidity, or exercise, can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Exercise during the cooler parts of the day or inside. 
• When the weather outside is too hot, staying inside with air conditioning might be your best bet at avoiding a flare-up. Perform your outdoor chores and activities in the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler. During summer months, wear a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and other common food triggers. Certain types of foods have been reported by some sufferers to trigger or aggravate their rosacea, such as spicy foods, alcohol, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and marinated meats.
• Pay attention to what products you’re using on your skin and hair. Whether it’s lotion, makeup, or another product, paying attention to what you’re putting on your skin is essential for people with rosacea. In particular, you can look for ingredients that are known to cause flare-ups, such as menthol, camphor, or sodium lauryl sulfate and avoid those. 
• Always take medications prescribed to help with your rosacea. Consistency is key.

A Note About Stress

With all three of these conditions, stress is also a trigger. 

With eczema, some people’s symptoms get worse when they’re feeling stressed. Others become stressed due to a flare-up, which then makes their eczema worse. Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups as well, and it can also make the itch worse. When it comes to rosacea, stress is the root cause of the condition for some.

This makes relieving stress as much as possible an important skill for people with these conditions. Stress relief looks different for everyone, but meditation, exercise, and getting outside help from therapists, physical therapists, and others often helps.

Contact Rodgers Dermatology If You Think You Have Eczema, Psoriasis, or Rosacea

To get the best treatment possible for these conditions, you need a definite diagnosis first. You can achieve this by booking an appointment with Dr. Rodgers who will examine your skin, ask about your symptoms, and provide a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any other skin-related concerns, schedule a consultation by calling 972-704-2400 or booking your appointment online.