Itching, redness, flaky skin, rashes, burning and pimples: all these symptoms might be associated with different skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. Some may be either momentary or permanent, and can be linked to a genetic predisposition.
Find out more about common triggers, treatments, prevention and how to manage the disease.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects people mainly aged between 40 and 60. Although rosacea affects more women, it tends to be more severe in men. As other skin conditions, rosacea cannot be cured but there are some treatments and tips that can help alleviate the symptoms. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, there are many contributing factors that can trigger rosacea, such as:
- Alcohol
- Spicy food
- Extremes of temperatures
- Cardio exercise
- Stress
- Hot drinks
- Caffeine
Identifying and avoiding what triggers the flare-ups can help sufferers manage the symptoms better . Rosacea starts with a tendency to blush easily, visible broken blood vessels, pink or red bumps and spots. You might also experience swelling (especially around the eyes), dry skin, redness, and the general complexion is sore.
As mentioned before, unfortunately, there is no cure for rosacea, but there are some treatments that can help reduce its symptoms.
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1. Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer
Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer is a lightweight redness-reducing moisturiser that strengthens the skin’s barrier function. With a powerful blend of biomimetic peptides and soothing natural plant ingredients, this formula fights the environmental triggers that can lead to the appearance of redness and flushing. It’s a fantastic gel-like cream that cools the skin down, but at the same time improves skin smoothness and luminosity. A great anti-ageing treatment for rosacea suffers.
2. Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula
Rosalique 3 in 1 Miracle Formula is a targeted formula for skin prone to rosacea, couperose, keratosis pilaris, and uneven skin tone. The moisturizer instantly conceals through its unique microencapsulated technology and offers redness-reducing ingredients such as α-Bisabolol, Zeolite - a natural mineral great to detoxify and regenerate the skin, Provitamin B5 for a deep hydration, Urea and Shea Butter.
3. La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Make-up Remover Gel
This fragrance-free formulation removes make-up from face and eyes. With a high concentration of selected ingredients and Thermal spring water, La Roche Posay Rosaliac Make-Up Remover Gel is clinically proven to soothe and comfort skin prone to redness and rosacea.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long term chronic skin condition which affects mainly children, often developing during their first months. Most infants who develop the symptoms outgrow during adolescence, but others continue to suffer from eczema throughout life. Children with atopic eczema are more prone to develop food allergies, as well as asthma and hay fever.
The main symptoms of atopic eczema are:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Dryness
- Scaly patches
- Swelling and inflammation
Scratching and rubbing is quite common when the person comes in touch with irritants: dust, fragrances, harsh detergents and some fabrics such as wool and synthetics can irritate the skin (reason why is recommended to wear light and natural materials such as cotton and linen). Other factors that can trigger a flare up are emotional stress and hay fever, and that’s why many people find their condition gets worse during spring season, affecting mainly the area around the eyes.
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Many people with atopic eczema have been diagnosed also with food allergies. According to the NHS, common food allergies associated with eczema are:
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Soy products
- Nuts
- Shellfish
Unfortunately for eczema suffers, there are many factors that can trigger a flare-up, and very dry air is one of those, especially during winter month. As we know dry air often results in dry skin, and that’s why many people affected by eczema decide to purchase a humidifier: adding moisture to the air can help alleviate symptoms of dry skin, cracked lips and itchiness.
Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, most people can effectively manage the condition with medical treatments such as topical corticosteroids (used to reduce redness and swelling), antihistamines tablets for severe itching as well as emollients or ointments, used on a daily basis to help alleviate and improve overtime the discomfort.
1. Pharmaceris Special Lipid Replenishing Cream
Recommended by the Polish Pediatric Society from the 1st day of life, Emotopic Special-Lipid Replenishing Cream by Pharmaceris is perfect for eczema prone skin, very dry and sensitive. The rich emollient formula repairs the skin’s protective barrier, providing long-lasting lipid and moisture replenishment. Known for their soothing and anti-itch properties, canola oil and hemp oil minimize symptoms of irritation and localized contact eczema, visibly improving the condition of the skin and epidermal regeneration.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eyes
If you suffer from AD, you may also have experienced flare-ups on eyelids and around the eyes, causing red, swollen and itchy skin. Try this miraculous Toleriane Ultra Eyes cream by La Roche Posay formulated to soothe skin that has been aggravated by eczema, hay fever and allergies. Enriched with neurosensine, niacinamide and Thermal Spring Water, Toleriane is the first skincare range to be given the Seal of Approval by The British Allergy Foundation.
Psoriasis
Just like rosacea and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that affects around 2% of people in the UK, and it occurs equally in man and women. Similar to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis may come and go throughout life, affecting people physically and psychologically.
According to the British Skin Foundation psoriasis suffers see an increased production of skin cells and renewal about every 3 to 7 days (normally a process that take 3 to 4 weeks), and the consequent production of red patches of plaque, covered in silver scales.
What can cause psoriasis?
- Cold temperatures
- Smoke
- Alcohol
- Some medications
- Intense sunlight
- Skin injuries & infections
- Genetics
Topical treatments for psoriasis are used to help promote healing, calm flare-ups and remove excess scaly skin, typical of this skin condition.
1. Pharmaceris Ichtilix-Forte Keratolytic Spray
Psoriasis patches normally appear on elbows, knees, hands and nails, feet, lower back, but can also affect the scalp. Ichtilix-Forte Keratolytic Spray by Pharmaceris is a concentrated formula recommended for daily treatment of the scalp and other hair-bearing areas affected by psoriatic lesions, as well as for chronic dandruff which is difficult to control. This innovative product with antibacterial properties and gentle exfoliating agents normalizes the process of epidermal keratinization, making the dermal structure much smoother.
2. Pharmaceris Body-Ichtilium Body Cream
Pharmaceris Body-Ichtilium Body Cream is a soothing moisturizer which accelerates the skin renewal process and reduces itching. Salycilic acid provides gentle exfoliation of the surface layers of keratinized skin, restoring smoothness and a healthy looking skin.
3. Dead Sea Salts
Known for the therapeutic effects and a real cure-all for eczema and psoriasis, Dead Sea Salts improve skin hydration, blood circulation and reduce skin inflammation. Dead Sea Salts contain magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium which are proved to improve hydration, relieve itchiness and redness.
Rosacea, eczema and psoriasis are chronic skin conditions, and some of these topical treatments might not be enough. If you experience some symptoms consider contacting a doctor for a professional and medical evaluation.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/
- https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/psoriasis
- https://nationaleczema.org/eczema
- https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/