Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) autoimmune skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. Normally, skin cells grow and shed over about a month, but in psoriasis, this process happens in just a few days. This rapid turnover causes skin cells to build up, forming thick, scaly patches that can be red, inflamed, and sometimes itchy or painful.

Causes: It’s autoimmune, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Genetics, stress, infections, and certain medications can trigger or worsen it.

Common types:

• Plaque psoriasis: The most common, with raised, red patches covered with silvery scales.
• Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots, often triggered by infections.
• Inverse psoriasis: Red, smooth patches in skin folds (like under breasts or armpits).
• Pustular psoriasis: White pustules (pus-filled bumps) on red skin.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Rare, widespread redness and scaling, can be serious.

Symptoms:

• Red patches
• Scaling
• Dryness
• Cracking
• Itching
• Pain
• Nail changes (pitting or thickening).

Treatment: There’s no cure, but treatments include topical creams, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologics that target the immune system.

Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can have a big impact on quality of life due to discomfort and appearance concerns.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It typically begins in childhood but can occur at any age. Eczema often appears on the face, hands, feet, inner elbows, and behind the knees, though it can affect any area of the body.

Eczema causes the skin’s protective barrier to weaken, leading to moisture loss and increased susceptibility to irritants, allergens, and infections. It’s a condition related to an overactive immune response to triggers.

Common Triggers:

• Environmental factors (pollutants, weather changes)
• Allergens (pollen, pet dander, dust mites)
• Irritants (soaps, detergents, fragrances)
• Stress and emotional factors
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

• Intense itching
• Redness
• Dry and flaky skin
• Oozing or crusting (in severe cases)

Scratching can worsen the condition, leading to skin thickening or infection.

Like psoriasis, there is no cure for eczema, but it can be managed with treatments such as moisturizers, topical steroids, immune-modulating creams, and lifestyle changes to avoid known triggers.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body with a high concentration of oil, such as the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. It causes red, inflamed skin with flaky, greasy, or scaly patches that may be itchy or sore. On the scalp, it can lead to dandruff in mild cases and more severe scaling in others.

Key characteristics of seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Redness and inflammation of the affected areas

• Oily, flaky patches of skin, often with white or yellowish scales

• Itching or discomfort, especially on the scalp, eyebrows, or around the nose and ears

Seborrheic dermatitis is common in infants (where it’s called “cradle cap”) and adults. It can often be managed with over-the-counter treatments, including medicated shampoos (containing selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole), topical antifungal creams, and corticosteroids. While it’s a chronic condition that can flare up periodically, proper skin care and treatment can help keep symptoms under control.

Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) is a common fungal skin infection caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia, which normally lives on the skin. In certain conditions, this yeast can grow out of control, leading to visible skin changes.

• Appearance: Small, discolored patches on the skin that may be lighter or darker than surrounding skin. The patches often appear on the trunk, shoulders, and upper arms, and may be pink, brown, or white.
• Texture: Usually slightly scaly but not itchy or painful in most cases.
• Cause/Triggers: Overgrowth of Malassezia can be triggered by hot, humid weather, oily skin, sweating, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system.
• Symptoms: Usually cosmetic, but sometimes mild itching or flaking can occur.
• Diagnosis: Often based on appearance, sometimes confirmed with skin scraping under a microscope.
• Treatment: Antifungal treatments such as topical creams, shampoos, or occasionally oral antifungals. Patches may take time to return to the normal skin color even after the fungus is gone.

Unlike psoriasis, tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus, not an autoimmune reaction, and it can often be treated effectively with antifungals.