2023-05-01 19:00:00
Both diseases share many similarities. However, it is very important to know the characteristics of each one to be able to treat it independently.
By: Maria Camila Sanchez
Itching, skin lesions, the affectation of sleep patterns and, in itself, its impact on the deterioration of the quality of life of patients, are some common points that share the psoriasis and the atopic dermatitis. However, although they may manifest in a similar way, they should not be confused.
The Journal of Medicine and Public Health spoke with Dr. Elena Montalván, a dermatologist at Montalván Dermatology, who assured that these conditions are also related to the development of conditions that affect mental health.
“The psoriasis and the atopic dermatitis They are associated with anxiety and depression. Also, both have been seen to worsen with stress, and both require anti-inflammatory medications, topical corticosteroids, and even biologics.”
Who suffers from them?
The atopic dermatitis It usually occurs more frequently in young children, although it can manifest at any age; two thirds of the population with atopic dermatitispresents symptoms before the age of 2 and, by the age of 5, 80% already have the condition developed.
“This condition has been seen to affect up to 10% of adults, but 20% of children may have atopic dermatitis“adds the specialist.
On the other hand, the psoriasis it affects 2% of the general population and represents 4% of dermatoses in patients under 16 years of age. The peaks of this disease occur, mostly, in patients between 20 and 30 years or between 50 and 60 years.
Associated conditions
According to the medical literature, the atopic dermatitis it is closely associated with asthma or seasonal allergies. It is said that the condition may have an important hereditary component that conditions the condition, as well as exposure to some irritating materials, stress, dry skin, sudden changes in temperature, some perfumes, lotions or soaps to the skin, among others.
That is, “it is more associated with atopy, allergies with other medications, with certain foods and environmental factors.”
However, the main comorbidities associated with psoriasis they are usually metabolic syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal inflammation, Crohn’s disease, cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Do they appear the same?
while the psoriasis It manifests with red patches and pearl-white scales, which cause swelling and pain. The atopic dermatitis o Eczema causes small bubbles that may contain fluid and are very itchy.
“In the case of the psoriasis, the lesions are more localized and circumscribed. The distribution is more on the elbows, knees, scalp, hands and feet. while the atopic dermatitis occurs in flexural areas, such as the antecubital fosa or the popliteal fosa”.
disease complications
In addition to the emotional burden of suffering from one of these two conditions, infections can become one of the main associated complications, since the skin barrier does not act properly.
“The fact that the skin is not completely sealed, either due to a lack of filaggrin and other important components of the skin, we are more predisposed to contracting any infection. Even more important bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus can give us more impetigo, more warts , molluscum contagiosum, and we are actually on the Mpo risk list for treatment.”
Advice from a dermatologist
The patient with these conditions must always keep in mind the composition of the personal hygiene products that are used daily, since they can exacerbate the scratching cycle.
-Take short baths at medium temperature, because long baths tend to dry out the skin.
– Avoid direct skin contact with lotions or perfumes
-To dry the body, it is better to pat yourself with the towel instead of rubbing with it, thus avoiding discomfort in the inflammation.
-Keep necessary medications on hand
-Choose clothes that are made of cotton, because wool and synthetic materials can generate more piquiña.
-The most important thing is to keep the skin moisturized to avoid further complications.
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