Dr. Joel Schlessinger

Oftentimes, skin irritations and rashes are lumped together and treated the same way when actually they are often completely different issues. Many people confuse eczema and psoriasis, two different skin conditions that can sometimes include similar symptoms. Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to explain the differences between these two conditions.

Eczema, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger, is also known as atopic dermatitis.

Eczema is extremely common in children and infants and about one percent of adults also experience this issue. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that results in a dry, itchy rash that usually appears on the face, backs of the knees and elbows. While the cause of this condition is unknown, individuals with allergies, asthma or hay fever may be more susceptible to it.

Topical treatment products are the most effective way to treat eczema. Dr. Joel Schlessinger and his son Daniel created FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone to heal irritating dry skin conditions such as eczema. Certain skin care ingredients such as fragrances, chemicals and dyes can trigger eczema flare-ups so knowing what aggravates your eczema will help you keep it under control.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

When an individual has psoriasis and the skin becomes inflamed and the body overreacts to the damage by becoming red and irritated and by creating dry, scaly patches of skin. The patches can crack and bleed if they are left untreated. Psoriasis can be hereditary and elements such as diet, allergies and stress can trigger the condition.

There are several methods for treating psoriasis including light therapy, prescriptions and topical creams. You can apply the FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone up to three times a day to relieve itching and irritation. It is also important to use hydrating products that are free of irritating ingredients such as dyes and fragrances. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream to patients with psoriasis.

Do you want to know more about the difference between eczema and psoriasis? Ask Dr. Joel Schlessinger your questions!

 Skin care products are often targeted toward specific skin types. Normal, dry, oily and combination are the usual culprits – but what exactly is combination skin? Dr. Joel Schlessinger gives us his expert definition of combination skin and the best products for this special skin type.

Combination skin is commonly characterized by two or more different skin types on your face at the same time. Some areas of your face may be dry or flaky while other areas are oily. Sometimes, conditions such as wrinkles and breakouts, or dry skin and rosacea occur at the same time.

“Basically, combination skin is usually a mild yeast infection over the central areas of the face,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “With treatment, it can resolve, but it does tend to come back in time.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends the use of a 1% hydrocortisone product to help heal and soothe combination skin types. He prefers the use of FixMySkin Healing Balms with 1% Hydrocortisone.

“Many people assume combination skin is a form of dry skin, but it is more akin to a mild form of psoriasis than anything else. Luckily, there are good treatments for it now,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

If you do not see signs of improvement in your skin after using a 1% hydrocortisone product, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends visiting your local dermatologist.

“The take home message, however, is that there isn’t really a skin care regimen that will treat it, but since it is a true skin condition, there are medications.”

You can find FixMySkin Healing Balms with 1% Hydrocortisone at FixMySkin.com.

The benefits of exercise are well-known: exercise keeps your weight under control, combats disease, improves mood and increases energy. However, recent research says that the benefits of exercise may even include treating psoriasis.

According to a recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology, women who exercise may be reducing their risk of developing psoriasis. Researchers found that in a study of 86,655 women, the most physically active women had a significantly lower chance of psoriasis than the women who exercised the least.

“There is no doubt that keeping fit and avoiding any extra weight or medical issues can keep the symptoms of psoriasis under control,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “However, this study doesn’t address the challenges that psoriasis patients experience that keep them from exercising – namely joint pains and psychosocial issues.”

Exercising can be extremely unnerving to those who already have psoriasis. Symptoms of psoriasis include skin redness and irritation with flaky, white patches on the skin. It can also cause stress to the joints, making it difficult to move comfortably. Although this skin condition is not contagious, it is unsightly and can be painful.

“Psoriasis patients aren’t as likely to exercise because that means showing their bodies to others in the gym,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “If your joints ache, there is also less likelihood that you are going to go out to the gym.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger says one of the most rewarding parts of his profession is when a psoriasis patient begins taking medicinal psoriasis treatments and starts to feel like they can go outside and experience the benefits of exercise.

“We see a complete psychological improvement in many of our patients as they get better. It is one of the most gratifying things that I see as a dermatologist,” he said.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger says that this study is a great example of why medication is one of the best psoriasis treatments.

“It is a chicken and egg phenomenon – many psoriasis patients experience challenges that keep them from exercising, yet once the symptoms of psoriasis start to improve, many find a new lease on life where they can exercise.”