What is Psoriasis / Eczema / Vitiligo ?

Psoriasis is a medical condition that occurs due to faulty signal of the immune system. These signals cause the skin cells to grow quickly forming an extra scaly layer of skin. These layers are of different kinds. They appear as pustules and red scales. Psoriasis can begin even during infancy however 75% develop this disease after turning 40 years of age.

Eczema, as a general term, is a chronic skin condition (dermatitis), usually an inflammation of red, itchy and/or swollen skin, that spans across several different forms. The short answer: there is no difference. The two words are often used interchangeably, what is more important is the type of eczema one may have. There was once a time when eczema was used to refer to skin conditions caused internally, while dermatitis was used for skin conditions caused externally. However, this is no longer the case.

Patient with Vitiligo develops white spots on the skin. These spots may vary in size and are not localised to any one body part. The reason behind these white spots is the loss of skin pigment cell’s capacity to produce melanin, a pigment that determines the colour of the skin. Melanin is produced by the pigment cells called melanocytes. In the case of this disease the melanocytes stops producing melanin resulting in the whitening of the skin.

The causes of eczema depend on the type of eczema. For example, the cause of atopic eczema is uncertain, but is linked to a family history of atopic diseases such as asthma and hay fever, and can be triggered by histamine, allergens, diet and radiation. Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is caused by irritants that cause the skin to become inflamed. For example, allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with the oils from plants such as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Xerotic eczema is cause by the lack of proper moisturization to the skin.

The real cause for Vitiligo is still elusive to many researchers, but all of them are in unison that a combining factor of genetic, immunologic and neurogenic are behind the triggering of this disease. In many cases the pigment cells appears normal but still do not produce melanin. The various case studies are so baffling that the researchers get off track in their quest.

The treatment for Psoriasis, Eczema, Vitiligo is done under the complete guidance of dermatologists. After diagnosis the disease can be treated through PUVA or NBUVB. The treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Let your dermatologist decide the best for you.

Skinworld is the largest clinic to treat Psoriasis/Eczema/Vitiligo with latest lasers. The first solid state excimer laser in the world pallas Excimer laser was recently launched at Skinworld.