Dermatitis or eczema : Dermatitis or eczema is inflammation of the skin. It is characterized by itchy, erythematous, vesicular, weeping, and crusting patches. The term eczema is also commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. There is no known cure for eczema; with treatment aiming to control symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving itching. Lifestyle, Moisturizers also can be used. If symptoms are well controlled with moisturizers, steroids may only be required when flares occur. Topical immunosuppressants like pimecrolimus and tacrolimus may be better in the short term and appear equal to steroids after a year of use.


Seborrheic Dermatitis : Symptoms Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on different body areas. Usually it forms where the skin is oily or greasy. Common areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and middle of the chest. In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include: • Skin lesions • Plaques over large area • Greasy, oily areas of skin • Skin scales -- white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and sticky dandruff • Itching -- may become more itchy if infected • Mild redness • Hair loss Treatment • • Flaking and dryness can be treated with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. You can buy these at the drugstore without a prescription. Look for a product that says on the label it treats seborrheic dermatitis. Such products contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Use the shampoo according to label instructions. • Shampoos or lotions containing selenium, ketoconazole, or corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe cases. To apply shampoos, part the hair into small sections, apply to a small area at a time, and massage into the skin. If on face or chest, apply medicated lotion twice per day. Recently, creams classified as topical immune modulators are being used. • For severe cases, your health care provider will likely prescribe a shampoo or lotion containing a stronger dose of selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or corticosteroid. A cream that contains an immunomodulator may be prescribed. This medicine suppresses the immune system to treat inflammation.


Psoriasis : Psoriasis is a common, chronic relapsing/remittingimmune-mediated skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. The skin lesions seen in psoriasis may vary in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage.[2] The disease affects 2–4% of the general population. There are five main types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, anderythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and typically manifests as red and white scaly patches on the top layer of the skin. Skin cells rapidly accumulate at these plaque sites and create a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area, including the scalp, palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on theouter side of the joint. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated sign. Inflammation of the joints in the context of psoriatic disease, known as psoriatic arthritis, affects up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis. The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood. Psoriasis is not purely a skin disorder and can have a negative impact on many organ systems. Psoriasis has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and other immune-mediated disorders such as Crohn's disease andulcerative colitis. It is generally considered a genetic disease thought to be triggered or influenced by environmental factors. Psoriasis develops when the immune system mistakes a normal skin cell for a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that cause overproduction of new skin cells. It is not contagious. Oxidative stress, stress, and withdrawal of a systemiccorticosteroid have each been suggested as a trigger for psoriasis. Injury to the skin can trigger local psoriatic skin changes known as the Koebner phenomenon. No cure is available for psoriasis, but various treatments can help to control the symptoms. Though many treatments are available, psoriasis can be difficult to treat due to its chronic recurrent nature. A new generation of targeted immune therapies is being subjected to rigorous investigation in order to advance treatment options for psoriasis.