Q:

I have either psoriasis or eczema and I heard that sometimes those can be caused by allergies. Is there any truth to this?

 

A:

Psoriasis and eczema are two different kinds of inflammatory dermatitis, although they can look and feel similar. Psoriasis tends to be scaly red patches whereas eczema tends to be less inflamed and more diffuse, more generalized dry itchy redness. It can be in patches though, known as "nummular" eczema.

These rashes tend to be due to sensitivities rather than true "allergies". They both get worse with stress, and with exposure to certain chemicals, such as soaps, detergents and fabric softener.

If you are needing a more definite diagnosis, we can help.

~The Doc