Category Archives: Eczema

As anyone with eczema can attest (yep, me too ), the itchy skin condition can be all-consuming at times. That whole cycle of relentless scratching, sweet relief for a mere minute, followed by days of scabbing, bleeding and flaking skin no matter how many potions you apply? Very much not a vibe. Which is why it's so exciting to hear that the NHS have given a new eczema-eliminating drugs (which are catchily called abrocitinib, upadacitinib and tralokinumab) the green light.

But who is able to take them? And how does it all work?

It's reported that the new tablet(s), which are endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), will be offered to scratchy sufferers who have previously tried alternative treatments (such as moisturising creams and topical steroid creams) and who are over the age of twelve.

However, if your eczema is just limited to one small part of your body, then unfortunately you may not be eligible as the guidelines suggest the tablet route is only to be an option for those who have eczema on 10% or more of their body surface area, meaning they've been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). One noted downside by some who've tried the pills is an increased risk of infection.

Dr Padma Mohandas, a consultant dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust in London, told the Daily Mail that while the skin condition is common, it's not always easy to treat so this advance in medicine is offering many a great deal of hope. "In the worst cases it's a debilitating disease that leaves patients feeling embarrassed, socially isolated and, in extreme circumstances, suicidal.

"With these new drugs we can offer them hope that their skin will get better, which is life-changing."

Diving a little deeper into the drugs, it's said that abrocitinib and upadacitinib work by inhibiting enzymes called 'janus kinases' that attack the immune system and skin, whilst helping to activate an immune defence response. Tralokinumab is slightly different as it's a monoclonal antibody drug, which sets out to blocks the activity of proteins called 'interleukin-4' and 'interleukin-13' (that cause major inflammation).

It's thought that over 6 million people in the UK suffer from eczema.

Symptoms include red, dry, itchy skin, often behind the backs of the knees and in the inner elbows, or on the hands. As per the NHS, the skin condition can also "disrupt your sleep, make your skin bleed, and cause secondary infections" and impact on concentration.

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A new 'cure for eczema' pill has been signed off but who is allowed to take it? - Cosmopolitan UK

You put so much effort into getting a great haircut, but then flaking from your scalp ruins the look. Youre not alone with this issue. Dandruff is actually common about half of adults have it. And although dandruff is harmless, it can still be a total inconvenience. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be incredibly itchy and, yes, itching at it too much could lead to hair loss. But what causes dandruff in the first place?

Dandruff occurs when a persons head has an excess of skin cell growth and death, which can be caused by anything from stress to a fungus to dermatitis. But thankfully, because dandruff is hard to miss, its also easy to diagnose, and there are many different ways to get rid of dandruff.

Dandruff is a very common condition, but the cause is unknown, says dermatologist Peter Young, M.D., medical director of skincare company Facet. Still, researchers have learned that several factors most likely work together to cause it.

One potential cause is contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin gets irritated because of something its been in contact with. Shampoos and other haircare products are common culprits.

Several studies have found a link between the yeast Malassezia and scalp health. Everybody has Malassezia on their heads, as it likes to munch on saturated fatty acids found in the oils on the scalp. Some skins, however, perceive this breakdown as something that shouldnt be happening and end up producing more skin cells to renew the skin layers more quickly than normal, even up to every two to seven days when the standard is roughly 30 days. These skin cells then cluster together and flake off, causing dandruff.

The cause can sometimes be seborrheic dermatitis, particularly if youre experiencing a bad case of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic type of eczema that manifests with dandruff, as well as red patches and greasy hair. It sometimes affects the neck and ears too.

It could also just be that you have very dry skin, or a dry skin condition. When dry skin causes dandruff though, it should be easy to spot, because the flakes arent as oily and might be a little smaller than flakes caused by other conditions. Cold, dry, or windy winters can, as a result, exacerbate this type of dandruff.

A weak immune system because you have an immune system disorder, have undergone invasive therapies recently, or simply are very stressed can also heighten dandruff. Certain medical conditions can result in dandruff, such as Parkinsons Disease and HIV, Young adds.

Dandruff is not caused by poor personal hygiene, Young says. However, it can be worsened by certain hair care practices that dry out the scalp including using a hair dryer on the hot setting and excessive use of strong hair care products, such as chemical relaxers and hair dyes, says Young.

Similarly, there is often the temptation to vigorously scrub the scalp and hair to remove the flakes and scales. But this can actually make dandruff worse by irritating the scalp, which can even lead to hair loss.

Although there is no cure yet for dandruff, several shampoo treatments are available, which can control the condition by removing the scale and reducing the redness and itching, Young says.

First, try an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo, and use it regularly for several continuous weeks. Young suggests choosing shampoos with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, an antibacterial and antifungal medication that can be found in Head and Shoulders; selenium sulfide, which is an antifungal that slows the death of skin cells and can be found in Selsun Blue; the antifungal ketoconazole, which can be found in Nizoral; and coal tar, an antibiotic that can be found in Neutrogena T-Gel.

My favorite shampoos for dandruff are over-the-counter selenium sulfide and prescription strength ketoconazole 2%, says Young. It is often helpful to alternate or rotate these shampoos since the active ingredients work differently, he adds.

For more severe or stubborn cases of dandruff, ask your primary care provider for prescription medication for your scalp. This may include prescription fluocinolone solution, which is low in strength, and augmented betamethasone lotion, which is high in strength, or topical corticosteroid lotion.

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What Causes Dandruff And How To Get Rid Of It, According To A Dermatologist - Fatherly

Climate change has increased the incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, according to allergologists at a July 10 event organized by the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI).

Theres longer pollination as well as increasing humidity, leading to the proliferation of dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi. This leads to an increasing incidence of skin and respiratory allergies, said Dr. Addah S. de Peralta, an allergologist at De La Salle University Medical Center.

Dust mites, molds, pollens, and fungi are among the most common allergens, or substances that cause allergic reactions.

A March 2022 study published in Nature Communications found that atmospheric conditions affect the release of pollen, and the timing and magnitude will be altered by climate change. Simultaneous exposure to allergens and toxic air pollutants can also worsen allergic responses, warned the US National Climate Assessment.

To decrease the effects of climate change, we need to practice solid waste management in our barangays [communities], said Dr. Glaiza M. Madulara, an allergologist affiliated with Pacific Global Medical Center.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that makes ones skin red and itchy. It tends to flare periodically, and may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).

Patients with this condition have a 50%75% risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis, Dr. Madulara said. Atopic dermatitis is usually the starting point for food allergies to develop later in life too.

While there is no cure for it, individuals can control atopic dermatitis by the avoidance of skin triggers and good skin care.

Shower with lukewarm water, use a gentle skin cleanser, and apply moisturizer after tapping dry your skin, said Dr. Madulara. Flareups can be treated with steroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, per the supervision of each individuals doctor.

Avoiding triggers is also a good management strategy for allergic rhinitis, according to Dr. Jose Carlo Miguel M. Villanueva, an allergologist from Capitol Oral Rehabilitation Center Medical/Dental Clinic.

If you have a runny nose in the morning, sneeze when its dusty, and have itchy eyes especially at night, then you might have allergic rhinitis, he said. [Another telltale sign] is mouth breathing because of a clogged nose, which can result in dry lips, a change in the shape of your jawline, and crooked teeth, he added.

Symptoms worsen with weather changes, strong emotions, and air pollution. One of the most important things to find out is which allergens give you your symptoms, said Dr. Villanueva. One way to do it is through a skin allergy test.

A patients skin is exposed to suspected allergens in a skin prick test. The skin area is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Those with a family history of atopy or the genetic tendency to develop allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema are more predisposed to having allergies (a 20%40% risk among children with one atopic parent, and a 40-60% risk among children with parents who are both atopic).

As we go through the new normal and start to finally get our old lives again, lets not forget that there are people who struggle with diseases in everyday life, Dr. de Peralta said.

The overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the Philippines based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey of 2008 is 20%.

July 8 is National Allergy Day. Patricia B. Mirasol

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Allergies on the rise due to climate change - BusinessWorld Online

Skepticism about potential cryotherapy benefits is beginning to thaw out as more people are discovering how it can improve their health. In fact, industry revenue is expected to increase as the benefits of cryotherapy treatment become more widely accepted.

What is cryotherapy exactly, and how can cryotherapy benefit your health and well-being? Keep reading to find out.

After reviewing this guide, you can determine if cryotherapy aligns with your wellness goals for the year. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the uses of cryotherapy today!

Before we discuss the potential cryotherapy benefits you can experience with treatment, lets cover the basics. What is cryotherapy, exactly?

The word cryotherapy literally translates to cold therapy. This technique involves exposing your skin to extremely cold temperatures for a few minutes.

You can choose cryotherapy treatment that focuses on a single area or your entire body.

For example, localized cryotherapy is often administered through:

You might want to consider whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) instead. This treatment option involves exposing your body to extremely cold air for a few minutes at a time. For example, you might step into an enclosed treatment chamber or lay down in an enclosure.

The chamber or pod will drop somewhere between negative 200300F. Remaining within the extremely cold space for two to four minutes will allow you to reap the benefits of cryotherapy treatment.

Youre more likely to experience benefits if you use cryotherapy regularly. In fact, some athletes choose this treatment option cryotherapy to ease muscle pain.

Cryotherapy treatment is a minimally invasive form of therapy. Some physicians recommend cryotherapy to remove damaged or diseased tissue from the body. You could develop damaged or diseased tissue due to a variety of medical conditions.

Remember, cryotherapy is minimally invasive. It doesnt require open surgery.

Most patients recover quickly from cryotherapy treatments.

Medical uses of cryotherapy include:

However, cryotherapy is also offered as a physical therapy treatment.

Remember, the global cryotherapy market is experiencing growth as more people recognize the benefits of cryotherapy treatment. In fact, the market reached $3.8 billion in 2020. It could grow by a CAGR of 10.3% between 2021 and 2028.

By 2028, the industry could reach $8.4 billion in revenue.

Consider consulting an experienced sports medicine professional to determine if certain types of cryotherapy can help benefit your goals. Otherwise, here are a few cryotherapy benefits you might experience with regular treatments.

One of the main reasons people turn to cryotherapy is to ease pain symptoms.

Treatment could help ease muscle pain. It might also benefit people with joint or muscle disorders like arthritis. Routine treatments might help promote faster healing if you have an athletic injury as well.

Many doctors already recommend that patients use ice packs to relieve swollen, injured muscles. Cold temperatures can also boost your blood circulation. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues to promote healing and pain relief.

Cold temperatures might also reduce the damaging effects you can experience after intense exercise sessions. You could minimize your pain symptoms for more effective recovery.

Cryotherapy treatment might also ease your pain symptoms by reducing inflammation throughout your body.

Inflammation is the bodys process of fighting infection. Too much inflammation, however, can cause pain. It could also increase your risk of arthritis, dementia, depression, cancer, and diabetes.

Minimizing inflammation throughout your body could help reduce your risk of these ailments while improving your overall health.

Some people also turn to cryotherapy for weight loss. Note that cryotherapy on its own wont help you lose weight. Rather being cold will encourage your body to remain warm, boosting your metabolism.

A few minutes of cold temperatures each day could increase your metabolism all day. Youll stop feeling cold as your metabolism adjusts to the frigid temperatures.

Remember, treatment can also ease the muscle pain you experience after an intense workout. If an injury is keeping you from exercising, consider cryotherapy. Then, you can get back to the gym to accomplish your weight loss and training goals.

By cooling and numbing nerves around your neck, cryotherapy might also help ease the migraine headaches youre experiencing. The cold temperatures could cool the blood thats passing through your intracranial vessels. Your carotid arteries are near the skins surface and therefore accessible.

However, treatment might only reduce (not eliminate) your pain.

Some athletes choose cryotherapy to numb irritated nerves in order to ease pain associated with sports injuries.

In addition to numbing nerve irritation, treatment could also help if you have pinched nerves or acute injuries.

If you choose whole-body cryotherapy, the super-cold temperatures could trigger a physiological hormonal response. The response can trigger the release of endorphins, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Together, these hormones could have a beneficial effect on patients with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

One study found that WBC could effectively provide a form of short-term treatment for both anxiety and depression. According to the study, cryotherapy reduced symptoms by at least 50%.

This was a far greater reduction than in patients who didnt elect to undergo cryotherapy treatment.

Consider localized cryotherapy treatment if youre struggling with a condition like arthritis. Whole-body cryotherapy might help reduce pain symptoms in arthritis patients.

Treatment was also well-tolerated by these patients.

Beginning with cryotherapy also allowed patients to begin more aggressive physiotherapy and occupational therapy. As a result, their overall rehabilitation programs proved more effective.

Localized, targeted cryotherapy is also used as a cancer treatment. For tumor patients, this form of treatment is called cryosurgery. The procedure works by first freezing cancer cells before surrounding the cells with ice crystals.

Today, cryosurgery is used to treat some low-risk tumors, including tumors associated with prostate cancer.

However, theres no research that indicates cryotherapy can treat cancer after the disease has developed over time. A doctor might use cryotherapy to freeze cancer cells off of the skin or cervix. Its also occasionally used to remove other cancers.

Whole-body cryotherapy might prevent Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia.

Its possible that the treatments anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects might combat inflammatory and oxidative stress that occurs in Alzheimers patients. Treatment could also reduce mild cognitive impairment and other age-related forms of cognitive decline.

However, we still need more research to determine the effectiveness of this treatment strategy.

You might want to consider cryotherapy treatment if youre worried about the state of your skin, too.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Symptoms include itchy and dry skin.

Cryotherapy could help improve your bloods antioxidant levels. As a result, treatment is able to reduce inflammation, which might help treat your atopic dermatitis.

In one study, patients with eczema stopped using their eczema medications before trying cryotherapy for the first time. Many patients saw a reduction in their eczema symptoms.

Make sure to find a licensed, experienced provider before scheduling cryotherapy for the first time.

Most forms of treatment involve sitting in a booth or pod for three to five minutes.

You might also find providers who offer cryotherapy facials as a form of treatment. These treatments involve applying cold temperatures to the face only.

Other providers apply treatment using a wand to target injured areas, like a joint. However, you might want to find a provider that offers whole-body cryotherapy instead.

You can find cryotherapy as a treatment option at sports medicine facilities or local medspas.

You might find the cold temperatures unpleasant at first. It can take a moment before your body is able to adjust to the low temperature.

Cryotherapy is generally safe. However, pregnant women and children should avoid treatment. Patients with severely high blood pressure and heart conditions arent ideal candidates, either.

Some side effects include tingling, irritation, redness, and numbing. Make sure to talk to your provider if you experience symptoms for over 24 hours. Side effects are almost always temporary.

Make sure you dont use cryotherapy for longer than the recommended treatment duration. If you choose whole-body cryotherapy, treatment shouldnt extend beyond four or five minutes.

Choosing an experienced, licensed provider will help you avoid side effects.

If you want to ease your muscle pain, boost your recovery times, and ease sports injury symptoms, consider cryotherapy treatment. With regular treatments, you can accomplish your fitness goals with ease. Experience these cryotherapy benefits firsthand by developing your treatment plan today.

Remember to choose a licensed, experienced provider before scheduling your first appointment.

Eager to give cryotherapy a try? Were happy to help.

Contact us today to get started.

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Cryotherapy Treatment: Uses and Benefits - newschannelnebraska.com

The origin of eczema and allergic airway illnesses was linked to a hereditary deficiency in the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin. For a study, researchers sought to find a link between filaggrin gene (FLG) loss-of-function (LOF) mutations and allergic reactions to various foods and their effect on the durability of early food allergies. For the German Genetics of Food Allergy Study (GOFA), investigators recruited 890 children with challenge-proven food allergies. There were 684 children for whom longitudinal data were available. All of the children were evaluated clinically, including their food allergies, and genotyped for the 4 most frequent LOF variants in FLG: R501X, 2282del4, R2447X, and S3247X. The Multicenter Allergy Study cohort served as a control sample for the logistic regression analysis of associations between FLG mutations and food allergies. FLG mutations were linked to allergies to hens egg (HE), cows milk (CM), peanut, hazelnut, fish, soy, cashew, walnut, and sesame, with risk estimations that were identical. After controlling for eczema, the effects remained considerable. FLG mutations increased the probability of a long-term course of HE and CM allergies. Using the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis, the study group shows that FLG LOF mutations carry a risk of any food allergy, regardless of eczema. They were linked to the persistence of HE and CM allergies and should be considered when evaluating tolerance development.

SOURCE:www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(22)00765-5/fulltext

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Mutations of Filaggrin Leading to Eggs & Milk Allergies - Physician's Weekly

One reason telemedicine and the likes gained so much popularity during the pandemic was that they were filling a void of accessibility that existed even before COVID happened.

And this extends to dermatology.

"Barring hair loss and chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, skin and hair care treatments had largely fallen by the wayside during the pandemic," says Dr Guneet Bedi, a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists (IADVL) and the head of Telehealth at Clinikally.

Adding to this, Arjun tells FIT, "Most people across the world, and especially in India, have inadequate access to dermatologists whether it is for consumer skincare, or like cancerous, more serious conditions."

On top of that, there's also the scarcity of dermatologists.

So, to tackle these issues of accessibility, long wait-time, and physical restrictions, online consultation platforms like Clinikally took flight.

"Professions soon realised also that a lot of the conditions that they present to the clinics can be effectively tackled with a combination of telemedicine and product delivery," says Arjun.

Imagine sitting in Bhopal or Nagpur and having access to the best dermatologists in Delhi or Mumbai from the comfort of your homes.

The process is quite straightforward, you fill out a detailed questionnaire of your skin type, medical history, concerns and requirements. You are then connected to a professional for a consultation session. After which you get an prescription or recommendation on how to take your skincare journey forward.

Although Clinikally carries skin and hair care products you can buy directly off their website, you can choose not to. The site essentially focuses on making teleconsultation more accessible and thorough.

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How AI & the Pandemic Are Changing the Skin & Hair Clinic Experience - The Quint FIT

It can be difficult to find the correct therapy for your childs dry skin. Because childrens skin is more sensitive and dries out faster than adults, they are more prone to experience itchy, red, rough, or peeling skin. The cold, dry air of winter can cause or worsen dry skin.

Give winter skin the cold shoulder with these top hacks to keep your childs skin healthy, no matter the weather!

Moisturisers are essential for treating or preventing dry skin in children. When it comes to moisturising dry skin, ointments are usually better than creams, and creams are usually better than lotions. Its best to apply moisturiser on damp skin, such as right after your child gets out of the bath. This can help to keep moisture in.

Soaps strip the skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and irritation. For babies, children, and tweens, choose soaps made of quality ingredients that are gentle, dermatologist-tested, and free from fragrances, sulphates and alcohol. When they reach adolescence, your child can begin using soap just where they develop body odour (armpits, feet, and genitals). Never use soap on irritated or rashy skin.

A bubbly bath, although fun, can irritate your childs sensitive skin. Many of the bubble baths on store shelves even those specifically marketed to children often contain chemicals that have known drying properties, which can lead to dry skin. So skip the bubbles and opt for kid-friendly body wash in an unscented or sensitive-skin variety.

To prevent irritation, wash your childs clothing in fragrance-free laundry detergent and choose clothes made of soft, breathable fibres (such as cotton).

Using a cool-mist humidifier in your childs room during the winter, when the air in the house may be dry from the heater, can help relieve dry skin and keep their skin healthy. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may want to use a humidifier throughout the summer as well.

Eczema is a skin disorder characterised by red, itchy skin and inflammation. It is fairly frequent among children. It differs from simple dry skin and necessitates a distinct therapy. If your child exhibits symptoms of eczema, consult with their doctor about the best method to treat it.

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How to treat your childs dry skin in winter - Lowvelder

Topical corticosteroids are steroid medicines that are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation, rashes and irritation and other skin conditions such as dermatitis/eczema, psoriasis, etc. but they are also one of the most abused drugs in India. A mass population in India is obsessed with fairness and cosmetic creams to get that instant gratification from minor skin issues or are looking for that advertised glow of actresses and models they see on TVs.

However, little do they know that these creams contain steroids in irrational quantities that can cause long-term damage to the skin. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Nishita Ranka, dermatologist, Medical Director and Founder of Dr Nishita'a Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, shared, Steroids are man-made medicines, the same as or similar to certain naturally occurring hormones in the body. The body produces steroids to support functions such as fighting stress and boosting growth and development.

Types:

According to Dr Nishita Ranka, there are three types of synthetic steroids - topical, oral and injections - where topical corticosteroidsh come in creams, lotions, gels and ointments solutions that have been used for more than six decades as an effective medication. Dr Sushma Yadav, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon and Founder of Skinology Centre in Bangalore, elaborated, There are many topical steroids available, like creams and ointments, nasal spray, nose drops.

Uses:

Dr Sushma Yadav said, Topical steroids can be used to treat problems with the skin, nose, eyes, ear, gut and lungs (if inhalers are included as topical steroids). How often are they used will depend upon the condition you have and how severe it is but mostly in cases such as eczema or psoriasis, they are applied once or twice a day in the form of creams or ointments.

Dr Nishita Ranka added, They are used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, etc.

Timeline of treatment:

Most doctors prefer to prescribe topical steroids for as short a period of time as possible because of their side effects but again, it depends on the severity of the problem hence, It may vary from patient to patient. Dr Sushma Yadav said, They are misused for treatments of acne, pigmentation, fungal infection, pruritus, and many times as a cosmetic or skin cream for any type of rash. The main reason for such misuse in our country is the easy availability of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, false marketing and lack of regulation in the pharma and beauty industry.

Side effects:

Dr Nishita Ranka cautioned, Topical corticosteroids turn down the immune system processes that trigger inflammation. Corticosteroids should only be used on the skin for a short period and under the supervision of a doctor, ideally a dermatologist, because long-term use can lead to severe skin damage. Side effects include acne, dryness, skin thinning, facial rash in which bumps develop around the mouth (perioral dermatitis), modified fungal infections like tinea incognito, pigmentation, excess facial hair growth (hirsutism), and photosensitivity (reactions to sunlight, caused by an immune reaction to ultraviolet rays).

She pointed out, If you use a steroid cream for a long time and it is difficult to stop using it because you get symptoms like acne breakouts, red skin, and rashes, visit a registered dermatologist ASAP. This misuse of the drug often results in steroid-dependent skin. Once the skin is addicted to steroids, it is hard to stop using them without proper medical treatments. Or it may lead to irreversible side effects in the future if continued.

Echoing the same Dr Sushma Yadav said, The common side effects of using topical corticosteroids are acne, pigmentation, redness, itching, burning sensation, striae, and aggravation of existing skin problems. The nature of side effects correlated with the duration of the usage of topical steroids. Therefore, abusing these steroids can seriously harm your skin permanently.

Topical corticosteroids must only be used if your doctor has prescribed them to you. So stay away from fairness and cosmetic creams, they do more harm than good.

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Topical steroid: Types, uses, side effects and treatment as revealed by doctors - Hindustan Times

Psoriasis is a condition that causes patches of skin to become inflamed, scaly, and itchy or sore.

Researchers estimate that psoriasis impacts about 3 percent of adults in the United States, which is about 7.5 million people.

Some of the areas most commonly affected by psoriasis can include the elbows, knees, and scalp. However, it can also impact other areas as well, including the belly button.

Keep reading to learn more about psoriasis of the belly button, what it looks like, and how it can be treated.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. In this type, defined areas of inflammation called plaques appear on the skin. These areas can be:

While plaques can happen on any area of the body, including the belly button, the most common areas to find them are the:

The belly button is also a rather common area thats affected by a type of psoriasis called inverse psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is sometimes called flexural or intertriginous psoriasis.

Inverse psoriasis happens in and around folds or creases in the skin. In addition to the belly button, other areas where inverse psoriasis often happens are the:

Due to increased moisture in these areas, inverse psoriasis isnt scaly. Affected areas still appear inflamed, but are instead smooth and shiny. The skin is often itchy or sore, which can be further irritated by sweating and friction.

Skin cells are replaced more quickly in people with psoriasis. This causes them to accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to the symptoms of the condition.

The causes of psoriasis are not entirely understood, but what we know is that the immune system becomes dysfunctional and parts of it do not behave as they should. This means that some immune cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. When this happens, the body makes new skin cells more rapidly than usual in order to compensate.

We still dont know what exactly causes the immune system to behave in this way. Psoriasis does run in families, but exactly how genetics plays a role in the development of psoriasis is unclear.

Psoriasis often comes on in response to some sort of trigger. Some examples of psoriasis triggers are injury to the skin, stress, and certain infections.

Its possible that certain combinations of genes may make a person more likely to develop psoriasis after exposure to a psoriasis trigger.

Inverse psoriasis has many of the same triggers as plaque psoriasis. An added trigger is friction on skin folds. As such, this type of psoriasis is more common in people with deep skin folds, including those who are overweight or have obesity.

There are several potential treatment options for psoriasis that affects the belly button. These include both home remedies and medical treatments.

There are a few things at home that you can do to help manage belly button psoriasis. These include:

If you have very mild psoriasis, over-the-counter topical medications may help to manage your symptoms. The active ingredients in these medications include things like hydrocortisone and coal tar.

Medical treatment of psoriasis around the belly button may depend on the type of psoriasis you have, how severe your psoriasis is, and whether the condition involves the joints (psoriatic arthritis). Medical treatments generally fall into three categories:

Sometimes, multiple types of treatment are used for psoriasis. A doctor may start with the mildest treatment and then move on to stronger treatments.

For example, you may start with a topical treatment. However, a systemic treatment like an immunosuppressive drug or biologic may be suggested if the topical treatment isnt effective.

The treatments above are broadly used for psoriasis. However, according to a 2019 research review, treating inverse psoriasis can be a lot different than treating other psoriasis types.

For example, the skin in the areas where inverse psoriasis occurs can be thinner or more sensitive. Its also possible that skin-to-skin contact in the affected areas may interfere with some types of treatment.

The treatment of inverse psoriasis has a heavy focus on topical treatments. The 2019 review notes that systemic treatments havent been robustly evaluated for isolated inverse psoriasis.

However, systemic treatments may be beneficial for some people. This includes people with widespread inverse psoriasis or people for which topical treatment have been ineffective.

There are some conditions that can look like psoriasis on the belly button, but may actually be due to something else. Lets explore these now.

Bacterial skin infections happen when bacteria enter your body through a break in the skin. While a bacterial infection around the belly button can happen to anyone, those with a belly button piercing may be at an increased risk of an infection in this area.

Many bacterial skin infections are caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Some strains of this bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics.

In addition to causing skin inflammation, bacterial infections can also be painful, itchy, and warm to the touch. Some may lead to discharge of pus, which can be foul-smelling and yellow or green in color.

Fungal infections can also affect the skin, particularly where two areas of the skin rub together. One reason for this is that heat and moisture can be trapped in these locations, providing fungi with an ideal environment in which to thrive.

Many fungal infections affecting the skin are caused by Candida species. These fungi can also cause infections of the vagina and mouth.

Fungal infections can cause skin inflammation, itching, and pain that may be felt as a burning or prickling sensation. These infections may also appear crusty, smell foul, or leak white discharge.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by inflamed patches of skin that are dry and itchy. Scratching can make eczema worse and can thicken skin in the affected area. Sometimes, eczema can look scaly.

Eczema also affects similar areas to psoriasis, including the elbows, knees, and scalp. However, it may also appear on any area of the body.

Its believed that eczema happens due to a leaky skin barrier. Basically, moisture in the skin leaks out more readily, allowing it to become dry and irritated.

Contact dermatitis happens when something comes into contact with your skin and causes a reaction. Its symptoms are very similar to those of eczema. Some examples of potential triggers of contact dermatitis include:

Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of inflammatory skin condition that happens where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands. It most commonly impacts the scalp, face, and folds in the skin.

In seborrheic dermatitis, the affected skin may be inflamed and swollen. It may also be itchy, greasy in appearance, or have white or yellow scaling.

Scabies are a type of skin infection thats caused by a mite, a type of invertebrate related to ticks. You get scabies through having prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it.

Scabies can affect any area of the body. The waist- and belt line, which is around your belly button, is one of the commonly impacted sites.

Scabies causes a pimple-like rash to occur. This rash is intensely itchy, especially at night.

Its always a good idea to contact a primary care doctor or dermatologist if you have an itchy rash around your belly button thats:

If youve already been diagnosed with psoriasis, contact your doctor if:

Psoriasis most commonly impacts the elbows, knees, and scalp, but it can also happen around the belly button. While plaque psoriasis can develop at this location, a type of psoriasis called inverse psoriasis also commonly occurs in this area.

Psoriasis is treated with both at-home care and medical treatments. The type of treatment thats recommended will depend on the type of psoriasis you have and how severe it is.

If you notice an itchy rash around your belly button thats persistent, severe, or cant be explained by an existing health condition, see your doctor. If its not caused by psoriasis, it may be due to another condition that needs to be treated.

Excerpt from:
Psoriasis in the Belly Button: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Healthline

Eva Rockman (left) with her father, Moniek (Moshe) Shaibe, one year before he died, in Jerusalem Photo by Shana Zaslow

My father, Mac (also called Moniek or Moshe) Shaibe was born in Lodz in 1922. He spoke Yiddish to his mother but he studied in a Hebrew day school and spoke Polish with the Poles.

My mother, who was a Bundist and spoke a beautiful Yiddish, often made fun of my fathers Yiddish. She claimed that he spoke it poorly, not always grammatically correct. Dad didnt seem to mind her criticism. He was an easy-going guy who knew how to laugh at himself.

In 1970, my parents and three younger siblings moved to Jerusalem. (My older sister Gina arrived in 1968, I in 1978). From that point on, Dad spoke mostly Hebrew in an Ashkenazi accent and some English but very little Yiddish. He spoke it only to his mother and his wife.

But at the very end of his life my father seemed to want to hear Yiddish again. He was suffering from a type of eczema which made his whole skin itch and burn and had sciatic pain. When he was so uncomfortable in his own skin, I was desperate to find some way to bring him peace. I suddenly had an inspiration to look for Yiddish songs on YouYube and found Chava Alberstein singing the Partisan Hymn and other Yiddish songs. When I would start playing her songs on the CD player, Dad would visibly relax, a smile would cover his face and he would fall asleep.

Soon, he began to say: Lets hear some Chava Alberstein, and I knew he meant her Yiddish songs. I bless Chava and the Yiddish language for the peace of mind it gave him in his last days.

A photo of our Dad, one year before he died, in Jerusalem. The photo was taken by my dear friend Shana Zaslow on her first visit to Israel in October 2018

Link:
In his last days, my father asked for Yiddish music - Forward