Dear Doctor
Whole body is SO SO dry all of the time, bed is full of skin in the morning. It was itchy when it triggered eczema, but not as much now as eczema has died down.
Always thirsty, regular bouts of thrush on p*n*s despite no s*x**l partners.
I am 23 years old and diet is normal-good. I work in an office, shower regularly, bed sheets changed regularly. Please help! Thanks.
Dear Patient
Psoriasis and Diabetes
You need to have a blood sugar test done because you are always thirsty to rule out diabetes. Untreated diabetes can also cause recurrent bouts of thrush and this problem is managed by using antifungals and controlling the blood sugars.
The redness and scaliness of your skin can be caused by Psoriasis which has also been linked to type 2 diabetes.
The diagnosis of Psoriasis can be explained by having a skin biopsy. In this procedure the doctor numbs the skin and takes a sample for examination in the lab.
Psoriasis Skin Care Tips
As you wait for the results of the blood sugar test and skin biopsy I recommend that you:
Take a warm bath each day using a mild soap. Do not use hot water or harsh soaps and detergents since they dry the skin.
Consider adding mineral oils to the bath water. Examples include Oilatum which reduces the irritation and itch as it softens and moisturizes the skin.
You can also add colloidal oatmeal to the bath water to soothe and soften dry and irritated skin. Examples include Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment which can also be used to cleanse the skin without soap.
After bathing or showering gently pat the skin dry. Do not rub it since this can worsen the psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment
Once the diagnosis of psoriasis is confirmed you can use the following:
1. A Coal tar soap like Tegrin.
2. Salicylic acid moisturizers to remove the scales, reduce the itch and make the skin look better cosmetically. Examples include Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Moisturizer
3. Take Omega 3 fatty acids daily.
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