Enrich Clinic

Category: Psoriasis

  • What is the difference between eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis?

    What is the difference between eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis?

    For millions of Australians, the battle against itchy, inflamed skin is a daily reality. One of its causes is rated in the top five causes of non-fatal disease burden. Three common culprits behind this struggle are eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

    These terms are often interchangeable in general discussion, but they are completely different & represent distinct skin conditions with varying characteristics and management strategies. If you’re experiencing itchy and inflamed skin, you must understand the differences to seek appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. 

    Eczema vs psoriasis vs dermatitis: the differences

    Eczema

    Appearance

    Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically manifests as red, dry, itchy patches of skin with fine scaling. Blisters, oozing, and crusting can occur in severe cases.

    The skin may also appear discoloured, with shades varying from pink to brown, depending on your skin tone.

    Sensation

    Eczema is notorious for its intense itching, often worse at night and with scratching. The sensation can be relentless and even disrupt sleep.

    Location

    It typically affects the inner elbows, back of the knees, face, and neck. However, it can appear on any part of the body. In infants, eczema tends to affect the cheeks and scalp.

    Triggers

    Numerous factors can trigger eczema flares, including stress, dry air, harsh soaps, allergies, and certain fabrics. Identifying individual triggers is crucial for effective management.

    Onset

    Most commonly, eczema develops in infanthood between ages 0 and 6 months. According to a study, more than half of surveys indicated that the condition was diagnosed around that age. Many children outgrow the condition, but for 52% of eczema sufferers, it continues into adulthood.

    Treatment options

    Treatment for eczema involves a combination of moisturising creams to hydrate the skin, topical steroids to reduce inflammation during flare-ups, and avoiding known triggers. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe systemic treatments or immunosuppressant medications. They may also recommend phototherapy.

    Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is multi-system disease that can affect the joints, heart, lung and bowels and is not often well understood. 

    Appearance

    Psoriasis presents as thick, red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. These plaques are distinctive and can cover large areas of the body.

    Sensation

    Psoriasis typically causes less intense itching than eczema, but burning, stinging, and tenderness are common. If psoriasis affects joints, it can lead to painful cracking and bleeding of the skin.

    Location

    Common areas for psoriasis include the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, but it can develop anywhere, including the nails and joints.

    Triggers

    Hormones, stress, infections, physical injury to the skin, certain medications, and weather changes can trigger psoriasis flares. But unlike eczema, psoriasis is more closely linked to the immune system, and these triggers can prompt an autoimmune response.

    Onset

    Psoriasis can start at any age, with two common onset periods: one in late adolescence and another in middle age. This is especially true for hormone-caused psoriasis because it’s associated with puberty and menopause.

    Treatment options

    The severity and extent of the condition can vary significantly from person to person, so treatment of psoriasis also varies. It ranges from topical creams and ointments to help reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth to phototherapy. For more severe cases, systemic medications and biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system.

    Dermatitis

    Dermatitis encompasses a broad category of skin conditions, each with diverse presentations. So, the specific appearance, sensation, location, and triggers can vary depending on the type of dermatitis. Here are some of them:

    • Atopic dermatitis. This is another term for eczema, which we covered in detail above.
    • Contact dermatitis. This skin problem presents as a red, swollen rash. It may also blister, ooze, or develop crusts. The sensation is often intense itching or burning, especially when the skin comes into contact with allergens or irritants. Common locations include areas directly exposed to the irritant or allergen, such as hands, face, neck, or legs. Triggers range from allergic reactions to substances like nickel, latex, or certain cosmetics to irritants such as soaps, detergents, or chemicals. Contact dermatitis typically occurs soon after exposure to the trigger.
    • Seborrheic dermatitis. It’s characterised by oily, scaly patches on the skin, often appearing with a yellowish or reddish tinge. It can be itchy and slightly sore. This usually occurs on the scalp, face (particularly around the nose and eyebrows), ears, and chest. The exact causes are unclear, but stress, hormonal changes, cold and dry weather, and yeast living on the skin are potential triggers. It is common in infants (as cradle cap) and adults.

    Managing dermatitis involves avoiding known triggers, using emollients to moisten the skin, and applying topical steroids during flare-ups. In some cases, antihistamines are prescribed to control itching.

    Have your skin checked at ENRICH

    If you’re worried you have one of these skin conditions and need help with diagnosis or treatment, contact us.

  • Why is my skin suddenly itching all over?

    Why is my skin suddenly itching all over?

    If you’re wondering, “Why is my skin suddenly itching all over?” You’re not alone. Itchy skin is a condition we’ve all faced at some point. It can range from a mild annoyance to a significant discomfort that disrupts our daily lives. While it’s usually nothing serious, sometimes it can be a sign of a bigger health issue.

    Itchy skin, or ‘pruritus’, can be caused by many different things – from the weather to allergies or even more complex health problems. Understanding what’s behind that itch is vital to finding the right way to treat it.

    Reasons your skin is itchy

    Dermatitis

    Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation. It can cause an itchy rash or red, swollen skin. There are different types, like atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis (from touching irritants), and seborrheic dermatitis (often affects the scalp). 

    Each type has its triggers, such as hot/cold temperatures, irritants and microbes, but all result in itchy skin. 

    Dry skin

    Dry skin, known as xerosis, happens when your skin lacks moisture. It’s pervasive in areas with low humidity or during the colder winter months when the air is drier both outside and inside due to heating systems. This dry air can strip moisture from your skin, leading to dehydration and itching. 

    Cold temperatures also contribute by reducing the skin’s natural oil production, which is essential for retaining moisture and protecting the skin barrier. 

    The tendency to take hot showers or baths in winter can further remove natural oils from the skin, worsening the dryness.

    Allergic reactions

    Allergies are another common cause of itchy skin. Various allergens like food, medications, latex, nickel, or certain chemicals in cosmetics or personal care products trigger it. 

    When your body encounters an allergen, it can react by releasing histamines, leading to symptoms like inflammation and itchy skin.

    Environmental factors

    Poison Ivy plant, forest floor

    The environment has a significant impact on skin health. In Australia, where the climate and natural surroundings are quite diverse, several environmental factors can cause skin irritation and itchiness.

    Intense UV rays, for example, can dry out our skin, making it itchy and irritated. Insect bites are another common culprit, especially in areas near water or bush. 

    Australia is also home to various plants that can cause skin reactions, like poison ivy. Contact with it can result in an itchy rash.

    Nerve-related issues

    Sometimes, itching sensations can be caused by issues with the nervous system, a condition known as neuropathic itch. This type of itch happens when there’s a problem with the nerves themselves. Nerve irritations, shingles, or peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes are common causes of neuropathic itch.

    Internal diseases

    Certain internal diseases like liver disease, kidney failure, or thyroid problems can cause itching. This itching occurs due to the way these diseases affect the body’s normal processes and lead to a buildup of toxins.

    For instance, when the liver is not functioning properly, it struggles to filter out toxins from the blood. These toxins can accumulate in the body and cause symptoms, including itching.

    Psychological factors

    When you’re dealing with stress or mental health issues like anxiety or depression, these can show up in physical ways, including causing your skin to itch. This is because stress can alert your body to sensations, turning even a tiny itch into something much more noticeable. Sometimes, you might start scratching without even realising it, especially if you’re nervous or anxious, which can worsen the itchiness.

    Depression can also affect your skin. It might change how you care for yourself, including your skincare routine, leading to dry and itchy skin. Plus, some medicines for treating depression and anxiety can have side effects that include making your skin itch.

    Nutrient deficiency

    When you’re not getting enough of certain nutrients, like vitamins, iron, and fatty acids, it can lead to itchiness. Your skin needs a range of nutrients to stay healthy, and a deficiency in these can affect your skin’s health.

    For example, Vitamin A helps repair skin tissue, and a lack of it can lead to dry, itchy skin, while the lack of adequate iron in your diet affects your skin’s oxygen supply, leading to poor health. Fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6, play a vital role in maintaining the health of your skin’s lipid barrier. This barrier helps retain moisture and protect your skin from irritants. A deficiency in these fatty acids can lead to dry skin prone to itching.

    How to identify the possible cause of sudden itchiness

    It can be uncomfortable and puzzling when you suddenly start experiencing itchiness. Here are some steps you can take to determine what might be causing your itchy skin so you can get the proper treatment:

    Observe the area

    First, take a close look at the itchy area. Is the skin dry, red, or swollen? Are there any rashes, bumps, or blisters? The appearance of the skin can give clues about the cause. For example, a red, bumpy rash might suggest an allergic reaction, while dry, flaky skin could indicate xerosis (dry skin).

    Consider recent changes

    Think about any recent changes in your life that could affect your skin. Have you started using new skincare products, detergents, or cosmetics? Have you been exposed to new environments or substances, like chlorine in a swimming pool or a new sunscreen brand? Sometimes, the cause of itchiness can be traced back to a recent change in your environment or products you use.

    Review timing and triggers

    Try to recall when the itchiness started and what you were doing then. Did it begin after you ate a certain food, used a particular product, or visited a specific place? Also, consider if the itchiness worsens at certain times of the day or in particular situations, like after a shower or during the night. Nocturnal pruritus can be caused by either the natural change in our circadian rhythm or bed bugs!

    Monitor other symptoms

    Symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or digestive issues can be relevant. For example, if you’re also feeling exhausted, it could be a sign of an internal condition like a thyroid problem or iron deficiency.

    Perform a patch test

    If you suspect a particular product is causing the itchiness, you can do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of your skin and wait 24 to 48 hours. If the skin becomes itchy or irritated in that spot, you might be allergic or sensitive to the product. Otherwise, your itchy skin is caused by something else.

    Keep a skin diary

    Record what you eat, the products you use, your activities, and when you experience itchiness. Over time, this record can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns or triggers for your skin reactions.

    When should I be worried about itchy skin?

    Persistent itchiness

    If your itchiness is constant and doesn’t go away with over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, seeing a doctor is a good idea. Persistent itchiness, especially if it’s severe and interferes with your daily activities or sleep, could indicate an underlying health issue like eczema, psoriasis, or internal diseases.

    Accompanying severe symptoms

    If your itchy skin is accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as significant swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. Other severe symptoms to watch out for include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

    Signs of infection

    If you’ve been scratching the itchy area and notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness, or if the area starts to ooze pus, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. An infection may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.

    How do I stop uncontrollable itching all over my body?

    Dealing with uncontrollable itching all over your body can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating. Here are some strategies for immediate relief and long-term solutions:

    For immediate relief

    Cold compresses

    woman soothing itchy skin with an ice pack

    Applying a damp cloth to itchy areas can provide quick relief. The cold helps reduce inflammation and numbs the skin, which can lessen the itchy sensation.

    Over-the-counter creams and ointments

    Various creams and ointments are available to help soothe itchy skin. Look for products containing hydrocortisone, calamine, or menthol. 

    Antihistamines

    If your itchiness is due to an allergic reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines can help. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that contributes to allergic symptoms, including itching.

    Have an oatmeal bath

    Oatmeal contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help soothe and reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, alleviating itchiness. It also has a high lipid and protein content, which can help to nourish and moisturise the skin. This is particularly beneficial for dry, itchy skin, as it helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing further moisture loss and protecting against irritants.

    To create an oatmeal bath, add 1 cup of finely ground whole oats to lukewarm bathwater and soak for 15-20 minutes. Moisturise immediately after bathing.

    Don’t wear tight clothes, and avoid itchy fabrics

    Tight clothing can irritate your skin and make itching worse. Wear loose, comfortable clothes made from soft fabrics like cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics, as they can be more irritating to the skin.

    Long-term solutions

    Consult a specialist

    If your itching persists or you suspect it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. A dermatologist or allergist can help diagnose the cause of your itchiness and recommend appropriate treatments.

    Lifestyle changes

    Altering your daily habits can be effective in controlling and preventing itchy skin. Changes include ensuring you drink plenty of water, using a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in your environment, opting for shorter, cooler showers or baths, and choosing gentle, unscented soaps and laundry detergents.

    Prescription medications

    When remedies available without a prescription don’t bring relief, it might be time to consult your doctor for stronger medication options. Depending on what’s causing your itchiness, they might suggest prescription-strength creams, oral drugs, or other specific treatments.

    Itchy skin? Contact us

    If you’re struggling with itchy skin that just won’t go away, contact us for advice and tailored solutions.

  • What is dermatitis and how is it related to psoriasis?

    What is dermatitis and how is it related to psoriasis?

    Skin conditions are a common problem that many people experience throughout their lifetime. Dermatitis and psoriasis are the two most commonly seen skin conditions, but they are often mistaken for one another due to their overlapping symptoms. 

    While dermatitis is primarily an inflammation of the skin, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflamed, red patches of thick skin. Below are the differences between these two conditions in more detail and provide an overview of other related skin ailments.

    What is dermatitis?

    Dermatitis is a broad term to describe several types of skin inflammation. It can cause dryness, redness, itching and scaling on the surface of our skin. It is typically characterised by itching, redness, scaling and/or skin cracking. The most common types include

    dermatitis infographic - normal skin vs dermatitis

    • Atopic dermatitis. This is the most common form of dermatitis, also known as eczema. It is a chronic condition that causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with allergies and asthma and is more common in individuals with a family history of these conditions.
    • Contact dermatitis. This type of dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, such as a chemical, detergent, or poison ivy. It typically causes a rash, redness, itching, and burning at the site of contact.
    • Seborrheic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is characterised by red, scaly, and itchy patches of skin, typically on the scalp, face, and chest. It is believed to be caused by an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands and is often accompanied by dandruff.
    • Neurodermatitis. This type of dermatitis is characterised by itchy, scaly patches of skin caused by repeated scratching or rubbing. It is often associated with stress and anxiety and can appear on any body part.
    • Stasis dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is caused by poor circulation in the legs and is characterised by red, itchy, and scaly patches of skin on the lower legs, ankles and feet. It can be caused by varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and other circulatory problems.
    • Dyshidrotic eczema. This type of dermatitis causes small, itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

    It is important to note that some people may have more than one type of dermatitis and that the condition can change over time. Our dermatologists can help diagnose and identify the type of dermatitis you have and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

    What causes dermatitis?

    The exact cause of dermatitis is unknown but is thought to be triggered by an underlying condition or factors like allergies, irritants, genetics and stress. Allergens that trigger dermatitis vary greatly from person to person, but common ones include dust mites, mould spores, animal dander and certain foods.

    Irritants like harsh soaps and detergents may also trigger an outbreak or worsen existing symptoms if you have sensitive skin. 

    Stress can also play a role in developing or worsening existing cases of dermatitis as it weakens our body’s natural ability to fight off infection, which can lead to flare-ups. 

    Dermatitis treatment

    Treatment for dermatitis typically aims to reduce inflammation, relieve itching and prevent secondary skin infections. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of dermatitis you have and the severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include

    • Topical corticosteroids. These are creams or ointments that reduce inflammation and itching. They come in different strengths, and you can use them for short-term or intermittent treatment.
    • Topical calcineurin inhibitors. These are creams or ointments that suppress your immune response and reduce inflammation. You can use them as an alternative to corticosteroids, particularly on your face and in children.
    • Moisturisers. These are used to hydrate your skin and reduce dryness, which can aggravate dermatitis. To lock in moisture, you should apply them to the skin immediately after bathing.
    • Antihistamines. These are usually taken orally. You can use these medications to relieve itching.
    • Light therapy. This treatment uses ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of your skin.
    • Oral medications. In severe cases of dermatitis, your doctor may prescribe you oral medications such as immunosuppressants to help control the condition.
    • Avoiding triggers. Identifying and avoiding things that trigger your symptoms is important for managing dermatitis. This may include avoiding certain soaps, detergents, and fabrics or limiting exposure to allergens.

    Is psoriasis a form of dermatitis?

    Dermatitis and psoriasis are both associated with skin conditions that cause significant discomfort, itching, and inflammation.

    Dermatitis is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of skin conditions involving inflammation. Psoriasis is a type of dermatitis with similar symptoms but is more persistent and challenging to treat than other forms of dermatitis. It appears as thicker silver-coloured patches with red borders around them on the outside of the body such as the elbows or knees. 

    Both psoriasis and dermatitis can be triggered by external factors such as stress and allergens, but psoriasis is generally considered more serious due to its deeper-rooted causes and its ability to spread over large areas of skin on the body. 

    Types of psoriasis

    Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common form of psoriasis, characterised by raised, red patches of skin covered with a silver or white buildup of dead skin cells. If you have plaque psoriasis, you can find the patches–called plaques–on your elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.

    different types of psoriasis infographic

    Guttate psoriasis. Small, red, drop-like lesions characterise this type of psoriasis on the skin. It often develops suddenly, typically following a streptococcal infection, and is more common in children and young adults.

    Inverse psoriasis. This type of psoriasis causes smooth, red patches in the folds of the skin, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It is often aggravated by friction and sweating.

    Pustular psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is characterised by raised, red, scaly skin patches filled with pus. It can be localised to one area of the body or can be widespread.

    Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread redness and scaling of the skin. It can be accompanied by severe itching and pain and can also cause fever and chills.

    Psoriasis treatment

    Treatment for psoriasis is typically aimed at reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of skin cells. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of psoriasis you have and the severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include

    • Topical treatments. These include creams, ointments, and gels that you apply directly to your skin. They can include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, and retinoids. 
    • Phototherapy. This treatment involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light. You can have this at our clinic after a consultation with our skin specialists. Ultraviolet B (UVB) and Psoralen + ultraviolet light A (PUVA) are the most common types of phototherapy.
    • Oral medications. These include medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporine. You can use this for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis or when other treatments have failed.
    • Biologics. These are medications that are made from living organisms and are given by injection or infusion. They target specific parts of your immune system to reduce inflammation. Examples of biologics include adalimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab.
    • Lifestyle changes. Certain lifestyle changes can help improve your symptoms of psoriasis, such as avoiding smoking, managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers such as alcohol, cold weather, and certain medications.

    Treating Psoriasis at Enrich Clinic

    Both dermatitis and psoriasis can significantly impact your quality of life. While self-care measures such as keeping skin moisturised, avoiding scratching and avoiding triggers can help manage your symptoms, remember that early detection and treatment of these conditions can help prevent complications and improve the outcome. 

    Talk to our skin specialists if you suspect you have any of these conditions or any concerns regarding your skin.

  • What exactly is psoriasis?

    What exactly is psoriasis?

    Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells, often leading to an itchy rash. The rash often has scaly patches and appears mostly on knees, elbows and the scalp but can appear anywhere on the body.

    It is a common disease with no cure and can interfere with daily life. It can also be very painful. The good news, though, is there are treatments and lifestyle choices that can help you manage psoriasis.

    What causes psoriasis?

    There are many different causes of psoriasis. It is an immune system issue that causes rapid skin growth. For people with psoriasis, skin cell production is faster than usual. The skin naturally sheds cells and produces new cells on average every month. This regeneration process helps protect us from germs and infections. For people with psoriasis, skin cells often just take a matter of days to grow, leading to the overproduction and buildup of skin cells.

    For people with a predisposition, there are a number of factors that can trigger psoriasis. These can include but are not limited to: 

    • Skin or throat infectionspsoriasis on elbow
    • Skin injuries like bad sunburn
    • Bug bites
    • Scrapes
    • Cold weather
    • Dry conditions
    • Smoking
    • Alcohol consumption
    • High levels of stress

    Generally speaking, having parents with psoriasis increases your chances of having the disease. Additionally, race and skin colour seem to influence it as well. According to Adriana Rendon and Knut Schäkel in their study Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment, psoriasis “worldwide prevalence is about 2% but varies according to regions … [and] shows a lower prevalence in Asian and some African populations, and up to 11% in Caucasian and Scandinavian populations”.

    And for those who have heard the myth, no, psoriasis is not contagious. Not even if you touch it directly.

    The different symptoms of psoriasis

    The most common symptoms of psoriasis are rashes and scaly skin. These rashes are variable in size and colour. The rashes for black or brown skin are usually purple with a grey scale, while in white skin, it is usually pink or red with a silver scale. Psoriasis can even lead to dry or cracked skin. It can cause an extreme itch and even a burning sensation. The rashes can come and go or remain for long periods of time.

    Of course, the symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have. 

    • Plaque psotypes of psoriasis infographicriasis causes dry and itchy raised skin patches, which are covered with scales that are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
    • Nail psoriasis affects both fingernails and toenails, causing pitting and discolouration. This often causes nails to come loose. 
    • Inverse psoriasis appears in the skin folds of the buttocks, breasts, and groin, which generally leads to smoother inflamed skin than other types of psoriasis.
    • Guttate psoriasis, seen most commonly in young adults and children, usually results in spots on the arms and legs and sometimes on the chest area.
    • Pustular psoriasis causes blisters, which vary greatly in size and appear on most parts of the body, but also appear in small patches on the palms.
    • Erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with an extremely painful peeling rash. This itches a lot and can burn intensely in its most extreme cases.

    How serious is psoriasis?

    Psoriasis patients are commonly categorised into two groups; mild and moderate to severe. According to Rendon and Schäkel, this depends “on the clinical severity of the lesions, the percentage of affected body surface area, and patient quality of life”. By some measurements, psoriasis covering more than five per cent of the body, is considered moderate to severe.

    Furthermore, you could be at risk of getting a lot of other conditions if you have psoriasis. These can vary,  from eye conditions, like blepharitis or uveitis, to cardiovascular disease. A person with psoriasis can also have an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, like Crohn’s disease or sclerosis. You may also have around a 30 per cent chance of developing psoriatic arthritis. 

    Having psoriasis has been proven to negatively impact the mental health of sufferers. The study mentioned above concluded that mental health scores for “patients with psoriasis were similar to those seen in psychiatric illnesses”. Due to the often very noticeable nature of psoriasis, it is common for people to feel self-conscious. 

    The disease can have severe consequences in its most extreme form – erythrodermic psoriasis. In most cases of erythrodermic psoriasis, the sufferer had a less mild version before its evolution to this very serious form, so it is always worth seeking treatment for psoriasis.

    How to treat psoriasis

    There are a number of ways to treat psoriasis that aim to reduce inflammation, remove plaques and slow the growth of skin cells. The treatments are usually either topical treatments or systemic medications.

    There are topical treatments that can be potentially prescribed when you talk to a doctor. In addition, systemic medications can be used but are usually reserved for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. Once again, they require a doctor’s prescription, as they can have some side effects.

    Healthier diets are thought to reduce psoriasis symptoms as well. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, highly processed foods, and drinking less alcohol can contribute.

    woman with psoriasis on arms drawing

    According to Stephen Schumack of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, some exposure to sunlight can help treat psoriasis. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, as even “a little bit of sun exposure will actually help control and keep psoriasis at bay”.

    Successfully reducing your stress levels can also help reduce your symptoms, even though having psoriasis can cause stress. It is important to seek treatment for the condition. For more detail on ENRICH Clinic’s treatment options, see our Psoriasis & its treatment page. To book a consultation and discuss the best treatment option for you, contact ENRICH Clinic on 03 9500 9500. We provide psoriasis treatment for both adults and children.

    Scalp psoriasis and its treatment

    Scalp psoriasis is extremely common for people with psoriasis on other parts of their body. Therefore, it is commonly how people discover they have the disease. It is seen in about half of people with psoriasis, as concluded in a large study in 2016. The symptoms are similar to others; reddish or pink scaly patches can often spread to your forehead, ears and even the back of your neck.

    Just like the other forms, scalp psoriasis has no known cause but has been linked to issues with the immune system. Additionally, it is believed to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

    Scalp psoriasis has advantages in terms of treatment because, in many cases, it can be managed without extreme intervention. There are a number of treatments and even shampoos that can help with this much milder form.  

    If you have psoriasis or another skin condition

    Filling out an enquiry form can be the first step towards quality advice and treatment for scalp psoriasis or other forms of this skin condition. Or you can call 03 9500 9500  to make an appointment to come into our clinic, which is conveniently located on High Street, Armadale, Melbourne.

    Got skin problems?

    We can help.

  • Top conditions dermatologists treat

    Top conditions dermatologists treat

    While there are doctors of many sorts who encounter and treat skin conditions, the ultimate skin specialist is a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a skin, hair and nail expert, dealing with everything from hair loss, to skin cancers, to autoimmune conditions that manifest in the skin.

    Other doctors who may treat skin conditions include GPs, paediatricians (children’s doctors), gynaecologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, emergency physicians and even sometimes dentists.

    Your family doctor often successfully treats most common skin conditions such as insect bites, mild contact dermatitis and skin infections; however there comes the point where a doctor will refer you on to someone more experienced – a dermatologist.

    Patients are referred to a dermatologist when their complaint is complex, severe, or isn’t responding to the usual treatments. In fact, you need a referral from your GP to see a dermatologist.

    A visit to the dermatologist may be in order when there are certain functional or cosmetic complaints, for example, when scar tissue is preventing the full range of motion or is causing distress.

    A dermatologist may spend a great deal of time diagnosing and treating a variety of skin issues. This in turn helps people to feel better about how they look, which is an important aspect of dermatology practice.

    The most common skin conditions a dermatologist treats include: 

    1. Benign and malignant skin tumours and melanomas (growths and cancers)
    2. Psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition where the skin cells replicate too quickly causing patches of hard skin)
    3. Acne (severe, persistent pimples that become infected on the face, back, chest or another area)
    4. Acne scarring
    5. Contact dermatitis (skin reaction caused by contact with an irritant, e.g. dishwashing liquid)
    6. Actinic and seborrhoeic keratosis (skin growths caused by sun exposure)
    7. Rosacea (facial flushing and redness)
    8. Alopecia (hair loss)

    Research into the most treated dermatological conditions shows that our skin complaints usually aren’t life-threatening, and while many are annoying or uncomfortable, they are not serious.

    There are so many expressions of health or disease that appear as symptoms on the skin, but some skin conditions – like pimples – are just what they look like and aren’t complicated (a blocked pore).

    A dermatologist can treat underlying health conditions

    A dermatologist is a medical doctor and therefore can treat other elements of your health besides just your skin, hair or nails.

    Some examples of the broad scope of practice of a dermatologist include: 

    Acne, acne scarring and acne treatments

    Acne is a great example of the skin interacting with what’s going on in your body as a whole. Acne doesn’t have just one cause; however, the hormonal interactions that cause the sebum-producing glands in the skin to produce more oil can be a major factor.

    This abundance of oil gets trapped in the skin, which provides a food source for bacteria, and persistent acne can be the result. A treatment to manage hormones or inflammation may be appropriate for acne in some people, resulting in full or partial clearance of the problem.

    There are frequent new developments in active acne treatments, and we cherry-pick the very best for our patients. We won’t just give you the standard treatments; we have novel light-based treatments, lasers, topical treatments and medications. We have access and training in the strongest, best acne therapies.

    Dealing with active acne isn’t our only challenge; the resultant scarring can be distressing. Acne bacteria cause a small space to be created underneath the skin, which results in the classic appearance of acne scarring. The scars are depressed in the skin a little, which leaves the face ‘pockmarked’, with shadows cast by the small hollows of the scar. dermatology treatments melbourne

    We have several treatments to modify the appearance of this scarring, smoothing out the skin in both tone and texture using state-of-the-art scar remodelling technology.

    Psoriasis and psoriasis treatments – managing the immune system

    Psoriasis is a skin condition intricately connected with the immune system, though why psoriasis develops isn’t well understood. The treatment for psoriasis, in its most severe cases, is a strong drug that suppresses the immune system. The symptoms appear on the skin, but the trigger is coming from the immune system.

    Treatments for psoriasis in our clinic follow the latest in scientific guidelines and technology. We’re able to use several types of treatments to try to effect change in the skin, from high-tech wave-based treatments to the very latest in topical applications.

    Some conditions that affect only the skin include: 

    Actinic and seborrhoeic keratosis

    There are many skin conditions largely caused by UV exposure, including skin cancers and actinic (solar) and seborrhoeic keratosis. The sun causes changes to occur within the DNA of skin cells, and over a lifetime, this can result in skin lesions, some dangerous and some benign.

    Actinic (solar) keratosis – suspicious scaly spots

    Sun-damaged skin can develop actinic keratosis – a little patch of scaly, scab-like skin. These little scabs are understood to be a precancerous change or early form of skin cancer.

    Often actinic keratosis occurs in fair-skinned people who live in very sunny areas, such as the tropics or sub-tropics, and have a lot of sun exposure over many years. The cause of actinic keratosis is DNA damage by UVB rays.

    We treat actinic keratosis how we treat all suspicious growths: we will do a full investigation and likely remove the lesion.

    Seborrhoeic keratosis – benign brown wart-like growths

    While actinic keratosis is considered potentially dangerous, seborrhoeic keratosis is not. Seborrhoeic keratosis is a harmless, brown, wart-like growth on the skin, usually in areas exposed to the sun. People may have hundreds of these growths, which are very common. These growths are not the same as moles or freckles.

    We can comfortably and quickly remove these growths in the clinic using one of several effective methods.

    A dermatologist treats a wide range of issues affecting health

    At ENRICH Clinic, we are a specialist dermatology clinic and as you can see, treat a huge array of skin, hair, nail, and overall health problems.dermatology for hair growth

    We have a team of specialist doctors, each of whom has an area of interest that sets them apart from the others. Our team is diverse by design, so our patients get the best of everything.

    Want more beautiful skin?
    We can help.
    Contact us

    ENRICH Clinic

  • Non-invasive face treatments

    Non-invasive face treatments

    At ENRICH Clinic, we have many effective non-invasive facial treatments to suit your budget and skin goals. There are so many, with multiple names, that you may not know where to start. Here we offer you an overview of an excellent way to choose treatments based on your skin goals.

    Before we get into the specifics of the treatments, it’s useful to understand what your specific skin goals are and write them down. There may be a part of your face that is bugging you – redness, pimples, sun damage, dry skin, wrinkles – or you may want to look great for a special event or make an anti-ageing plan. We can also do non-surgical rhinoplasty.

    Your skin goals are the most important thing for us here at ENRICH Clinic, so having a consultation will fast track your discovery process where you will benefit from our experience.

    The internet can be a mind-boggling place, so we recommend making an appointment with one of our specialist cosmetic practitioners to see how we can help you.

    Non-surgical face treatments

    Injectables

    • Dermal fillers
    • Muscle relaxers (anti-wrinkle injections)
    • Liquid facelifts (anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler)
    • Fat-dissolving injections

    Skin treatments

    • Chemical peels
    • The Secret or Microneedling
    • Microdermabrasion

    Laser and similar procedures

    • Continuous, fractional, ablative and non-ablative lasers
    • IPL and other heat-based devices
    • LED anti-ageing devices
    • Piqo laser
    • China Doll Facial

    Each treatment has a thing or two that it’s really good at, so starting with your skin goals in mind, we can then narrow down the procedures that will most benefit you.

    Here are some great examples of how we help our patients to get you started.

    Anti-ageingPortrait of beautiful mature woman sitting in cafeteria looking away. Cheerful mature woman wearing eyeglasses thinking with finger on chin. Happy woman relaxing at cafe and smiling.

    Anti-ageing is where a cosmetic clinic comes into its own. We love our range of anti-ageing treatments, and so do our clients. There are many to choose from, and it will depend heavily on which element of anti-ageing you are focused.

    Because the ageing process affects the areas of the face differently, we treat each area separately.

    Elements of facial ageing include:

    • The development of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Loss of fat volume creating a sallow look of the cheeks and around the eyes
    • Loss of collagen and elastin contributing to wrinkling and sagging
    • Deepening of grooves

    To combat each of these, we can use a collection of tools that address one or more element. Fine lines and wrinkles can be softened using resurfacing (makes all skin the same ‘height’), filled in with dermal fillers, or collagen boosted with wave-based treatments.

    We can arrest deep grooves and wrinkles as they are forming with anti-wrinkle injections, keeping your face smoother for longer.

    Fat in our face creates a more youthful appearance, so dermal filler has a huge role to play in our anti-ageing strategies. The hollows left due to diminishing fat volume in the cheeks can be plumped back up with dermal filler injections, as can the tear troughs and nasolabial folds (the lines that join your mouth and nose).

    Facial redness

    Redness is the result of blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. There is regular redness – this may be genetic, maybe you run hot – then we have redness caused by inflammation, known as rosacea.

    We have very effective laser treatments that remove the tiny blood vessels, reducing the visible impact of being hot, flushed or generally blotchy or red. This treatment works the same for any blood vessel condition, minor or major.

    If you have red cheeks or a red face all the time,  you may benefit from a consultation with a dermatologist to look into the cause. Sometimes a skin treatment isn’t the most appropriate way forward here.

    Rough or dry skin

    The outer layer of skin is by design made up of hard, dead skin cells – the keratinised layer of skin that protects us from the outside world. Keratinised skin, because it’s dead skin cells, can easily become dry, flakey and rough. Think of elbows, knees and heels.

    These dead skin cells can also lead to face appearing dry, dull and lacklustre. The solution is to get rid of the skin cells. We achieve this with several tools, for example, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. The top layer of dull skin is removed, revealing the fresh skin underneath.

    Acne or acne scarring

    Acne and acne scarring are two very distinct problems with individual solutions. Acne is an active skin infection, while acne scarring is the result of a specific skin injury. Acne scars develop due to a space created underneath the skin, in the pore, by the infection, that is then filled in with scar tissue.

    We have several strategies for managing acne, including hormonal management and very targeted skin treatments. Skin treatments include light- and wave-based devices to kill bacteria and promote skin health.

    Acne scar treatments often include collagen remodelling to change how scars appear, but depending on the type of scar, we can also work to resurface the skin.

    We are skin experts who prefer to use non-invasive strategies to achieve your skin goals. We have such an amazing array of tools at our disposal, so come in for a consultation so we can show some of them off to you! We feel confident that we can help you have more beautiful skin, whatever that means to you.

    At ENRICH Clinic, we have three expert dermatologists, including our founder Dr Michael Rich, Dr Lena Ly and Dr Charles Xie

    We are experienced cosmetic dermatologists & phsicians.
    Contact us for an appointment

  • Why two skin treatments can offer 3X the result

    Why two skin treatments can offer 3X the result

    Combining skin treatments may seem like double the effort, but it could offer triple the benefit. There is no single ‘best’ treatment when it comes to your skin. Often a few excellent procedures combine that offer, together, even better results than you’d see with just one treatment alone.

    If you are concerned about signs of ageing (wrinkles, blemishes, brown spots or sallow cheeks), you aren’t going to find one single best treatment. A laser may work well on your skin tone, while an anti-wrinkle injection may be useful to stave off a deep wrinkle.

    Age and sunspots are treated with a laser, chemical peel or another light-based treatment, while sallow cheeks can also be treated with hydration increasing treatments.

    Finding treatments that complement one another is key to getting the 1 + 1 = 3 effect. We love combining treatments because the results can often be three times more effective!

    Ageing is a complicated process

    There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how your face is going to age or what concerns you the most. There is an intricate pattern of wrinkles, some that stay static (like a frown line) and those that appear on flatter surfaces of the skin (think forehead and cheeks).

    We lose facial volume, which in turn results in new folds and contours appearing over time. Blood vessels can also become more prominent.

    The multifaceted process of ageing, therefore, is best served with a combination cosmetic approach.

    Treatments that work well in combination

    Needling, lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydration treatments and high-quality skincare products can all be used together in various combinations for positve cosmetic outcomes.

    We use these combos a lot at ENRICH Clinic, where Dr Michael Rich is a great proponent of the multi-treatment approach. The treatments can often be performed in one appointment but may be scheduled over several appointments where necessary.

    Classic treatment combos

    • Laser and radiofrequency
    • Hydration and wrinkle reducing treatments
    • Acne medication and topical acne or acne scarring treatments
    • Skin needling (The Secret) and chemical peels
    • Peels & Diodes
    • Ultraformer (HIFU) and lasers

    What is the best cosmetic treatment combination?

    The best cosmetic treatment combination for you depends on your skin concerns. Talk to your cosmetic dermatologist or doctor to see what their thoughts are. Consultations are the key as well as developing a long-term plan for your skin health, and also handy for budgeting!  Combination treatments can be different for everyone and depends on ou skin type, age, diet, gender and genetics.

    A break between treatments may be necessary, so your skin can do its thing

    Some procedures are, by necessity, performed away from others. For example, a robust collagen-boosting treatment requires at least a month, if not more, to reach its maximum potential. There’s not much point in doing more collagen-boosting treatments over the top. Your skin is already maxing itself out. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t do wrinkle-reducing treatment or even a pampering, ultra-hydrating facial.

    Other treatments require a break due to the way they function in the skin. For example, certain needle-based treatments need time to settle before other skin treatments go over the top. This timing is in place because the liquid can migrate, or the skin has been pierced so you have to be careful of infection for at least 24 hours — also, no facial massage after any kind of needling.

    Swelling from some treatments may impede the effect of others, so a break for healing may be useful for the best outcomes for some combined treatments. You don’t have to have them done in the same appointment for the combination treatment effect to come into play.

    Using lasers and other wave-based treatments in combination

    Some cosmetic devices are designed to penetrate more deeply than others, which is why we may utilise the powers of two or more wave-based devices as a combination treatment.

    One such combination may be a radiofrequency device, which penetrates deeper layers, with a laser that works on the skin’s surface. This way, skin gets a deep treatment that stimulates, tightens and strengthens as well as undergoes a smoothing, brightening, resurfacing treatment. Here’s a paper on a study that reviewed how certain combination treatments can be effective.

    Your cosmetic doctor knows the best combination of treatments. 

    If you’re not sure what you need, don’t worry! We do. Come in for a consultation, and we’ll help you figure out the best course of action for your skin.

     

    Let us get the most out of your skin.
    Contact us for an appointment

    ENRICH Clinic

  • What does a dermatologist do?

    What does a dermatologist do?

    We define a dermatologist is an expert medical professional who works to diagnose, treat and prevent skin, hair and nail conditions. A cosmetic dermatologist specialises in the aesthetics of the skin, and may work on anti-ageing and beautifying skin.

    In Australia, you need a referral from your regular doctor to see a dermatologist, but you do not need a referral for cosmetic dermatology appointments. Many costs may be partially or fully covered by medicare or private health insurance for referred medical treatments, however cosmetic treatments are paid privately, with some exceptions.

    Dermatologist qualifications – how do we define a dermatologist?

    Dermatologists in Australia complete a six-year medical degree, which requires another several years of full-time training and practice as a hospital junior. Then, a doctor must complete four years of specialist training to become qualified as a dermatologist and complete their dermatologist qualifications.

    The Australiasian College of Dermatologists is the only accredited provider of this specialist training and dermatologist qualifications. This College is the only provider who can define ‘dermatologist’ legally in Australia.

    dermstologist in melbourne

    Define dermatologist – what does a dermatologist do?

    Because the skin is the largest organ of the human body, many complaints taken to a doctor are skin-related. Your regular doctor can deal with many minor skin complaints, but a referral may be required if the problem is beyond their scope of practice or ability to diagnose or treat you. This is the domain of the dermatologist.

    Define a dermatologist – who does a dermatologist with the correct qualifications treat?

    Dermatologists treat everyone, from babies to the elderly, for all skin conditions. In Australia, sunspots and skin cancers may play a large part in clinical practice due to our lack of ozone and our love of the outdoors.

    Common conditions a dermatologist treats include:

    Define a dermatologist – what treatments do dermatologists use?

    The treatment you are offered will depend on the problem you present with, but dermatologists have a wide range of tools at their disposal to treat various conditions. This includes lasers, light and wave-based devices, and creams, ointments and drugs.

    dermatology clinic in melbourne

    Define a dermatologist – Does a cosmetic dermatologist need extra dermatologist qualifications?

    While a cosmetic dermatologist is the same as a regular dermatologist, their private practice includes what’s known as aesthetic medicine. A cosmetic dermatologist also treats the regular set of issues of skin, hair and nails, but has an interest in cosmetic outcomes too.

    ‘Cosmetic’ means the look, or aesthetics, of something, but this doesn’t mean cosmetic dermatology is overly focused on ‘superficial beauty’. Being able to put your best face forward to the world matters, and to some people this means treating parts of their face or body the same way we might get braces.

    A cosmetic dermatologist has the expertise and equipment to solve sometimes embarrassing or uncomfortable issues that may affect our day-to-day life. This includes scarring, pigmentation, and the shape of our faces after surgery or trauma. The realm of the cosmetic dermatologist is wide and varied, and helps people feel good about themselves in some way, big or small.

    A dermatologist performing cosmetic procedures is trained in the treatments they apply.

    Define a dermatologist – a cosmetic dermatologist may perform:

    • Non-surgical nose or facial augmentation
    • Anti-ageing treatments such as dermal  or wrinkle reducing treatments
    • Laser and light/wave-based treatments to improve skin quality
    • Treatments for skin tone or texture
    • Removal of visible blood vessels around the nose or cheeks
    • Removal or fading of scarring or pigmentation/birthmarks
    • Hair regrowth strategies after hair loss in men and women
    • Laser hair removal
    • Laser tattoo removal
    • Skin tightening
    • Penile treatments –  papule removal

    Cosmetic dermatologists have a huge range of state-of-the-art technology in their clinics, and are well-placed to treat the aesthetics of skin, hair and nails. At ENRICH, Dr Michael Rich and his team are dedicated dermatologists and doctors, treating all dermatological conditions and providing cosmetic dermatology services.

    The ENRICH team of specialist dermatologists and cosmetic doctors are experienced professionals.

    The team at ENRICH consists of dermatologists and cosmetic doctors each with their own special interests:

    Dr Michael Rich – MBBS, FACD

    Dr Michael Rich, founder and director of the ENRICH Clinic, is a dermatologist specialising in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology and surgery.

    Dr Michael Rich is a specialist dermatologist who practices in clinical dermatology, aesthetic dermatology and surgery. He established the clinical dermatology and cosmetic practice – ENRICH Clinic which is based in Melbourne and has been practising for over 30 years.Dr Rich was the Founder and 2015 and 2016 President of the Skin and Cancer Foundation of Victoria (now Skin Health Institute), a centre of dermatological and skin health and a training facility closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Hospital.

    Dr Priscilla Auyeng – MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, PHD

    Dr Auyeng has completed specialist training in clinical immunology, allergy and immunopathology, and is ENRICH’s allergy expert. Think hayfever, hives and eczema, and mast-cell disorders, this is where Dr Auyeng can help.

     Dr Maria Milone MBBS, FRACGP, DIP OBS

    Dr Milone is a practising GP and cosmetic practitioner with a special interest in sweat disorders, skin rejuvenation techniques and cosmetic treatments. Dr Milone focuses on cosmetic techniques that minimise patient discomfort and give the most natural outcome.

     Dr Afrah Mazhar MBBS, FRACGP

    Dr Mazhar is one of ENRICH’s cosmetic facial treatment experts, with a keen interest in and a knack for lasers, anti-ageing treatments and other cosmetic treatments. Dr Mazhar firmly believes that every face is beautiful and that this beauty can be enhanced, not created.

     Dr Lena Ly  MBBS, FACD,

    Dr Lena Ly is passionate about Dermatology. Dr Ly’s areas of interest include eczema in children and adults, allergies, hair, nails, skin cancer and sweating disorders.

    We have a dermatologist or cosmetic doctor that could help you 
    Contact ENRICH to make an appointment with our specialists today

  • Understanding rough nails (trachyonychia)

    Understanding rough nails (trachyonychia)

    rough nails (trachyonychia)Rough nails are associated with a handful of dermatological conditions, and thus diagnosing the cause requires some good investigative skills on the part of your dermatologist.

    The first thing you may have been treated for is a fungal nail infection, but antifungals may not have resolved the issue. This brings on the next phase of investigations, which might include looking into any history of lichen planus, psoriasis or alopecia areata.

    Rough nails have two variations: opaque trachyonychia (ridges that run longways down the rough, sandpapery nail) and shiny trachyonychia (shiny pitted nail in lengthways and sideways lines).

    Trachyonychia is usually associated with another dermatological condition, so expect some investigations. Lichen planus, psoriasis and alopecia areata are the main suspects, but these conditions typically appear elsewhere on the body in other forms, making diagnosis a bit easier. Trachyonychia can be difficult to figure out if only the nails are affected, so a test for fungus may be taken if it hasn’t already.

    Other conditions that trachyonychia has been associated with:

    • Eczema
    • Graft-vs-host disease
    • Dry, scaly, thickened skin conditions (ichthyosis vulgaris)
    • Immunoglobulin A deficiency
    • A genetic disorder (incontinentia pigmenti)
    • ‘Spoon nails’ (koilonychia)
    • Skin blistering disease (pemphigus)
    • Cirrhosis of the liver
    • Trauma to the skin
    • Vitiligo
    • Long-term pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy)

    The cause of trachyonychia is inflammation, with the shiny, pitted version seeing only intermittent inflammation.

    Treatment of trachyonychia

    Rough nails do not scar and treatment is not necessary, since a lot of the time trachyonychia will resolve by itself. No intervention is necessary, though steroids and some topical creams may help. In shiny trachyonychia, nail polish can be used if desired. Your dermatologist will be possibly treating you for your other conditions, in which case the nail problems will disappear as treatment progresses for any other underlying conditions.

    We are expert dermatologists. 
    Contact us

  • Using colour to hide skin blemishes

    Using colour to hide skin blemishes

    skin blemishesHiding skin problems is one way of dealing with them, either while they are being slowly treated, or in cases of scarring, for example, that will never disappear completely. Using colour theory means you can get the most out of concealers to completely hide your colourful skin.

    Colour correction – what does that mean?

    Every colour sits opposite another colour – the colour that cancels it out, or neutralises it. This isn’t as simple on skin as it is on a colour wheel, but it’s not far off. Skin can present as many different colours – orange, red, pink, deep red, deep pink, purple, brown, or any combination or hue – and it may also appear differently in adjacent areas. Thus, using colour theory to neutralise blemishes on your face can be achieved without too much trouble. Here we share the basics – the rest is up to you to experiment with.

    Skin conditions and their classic colours

    1. Orangey-red: pityriasis rosea, tinea, seborrheic dermatitis
    2. Red: rosacea, acne scars, acne
    3. Blue: veins
    4. Purple: under-eye circles, lichen planus, bruising
    5. Yellow: bruising
    6. Deeper red: cellulitis, Sweet’s syndrome, rosacea, psoriasis, acne scars
    7. Purpley-red: vasculitis, lichen planus, eye bags, veins
    8. Browney-red: pigmentation, some acne scars, sarcoid
    9. Brown: lentigines, melasma, seborrheic keratosis, pigmentation, moles, café au lait spots

    Figuring out what skin type you are on the Fitzpatrick scale

     

    Skin type Typical Features Tanning ability
    I Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, blonde/red hair Always burns, does not tan
    II Fair skin, blue eyes Burns easily, tans poorly
    III Darker white skin Tans after initial burn
    IV Light brown skin Burns minimally, tans easily
    V Brown skin Rarely burns, tans darkly easily
    VI Dark brown or black skin Never burns, always tans darkly


    The solutions

    Hiding red (acne, rosacea, scarring)
    Skin types I, II, III:     use green-based concealers or primers
    Skin types IV, V, VI: use yellow-based concealers or primers

    Hiding blue (veins)
    Skin types I, II, III: use a peach or salmon-coloured concealer or primer
    Skin types IV, V, VI: use an orangey concealer or primer

    Hiding purple (under-eye bags, lichen planus, bruises)
    Skin types I, II, III: use a yellow toned concealer or primer
    Skin types IV, V, VI: use reddish concealer or primer

    Hiding yellow (bruises)
    Skin types I, II, III, IV, V, VI: use purple or lavender-toned concealer or primer

    Hiding brown (lentigines, melasma, pigmentation, moles, café au lait spots)
    Skin types I, II, III, IV, V, VI: Brown can be hard to conceal well. The darker the pigment, the more grey appears under the concealer, so as a rule, the lighter the pigment, the easier to correct. Peach usually works the best, with the concealer or primer lighter than the skin tone.

    Hiding everything in between
    Skin types I, II, III, IV, V, VI: If you use these guidelines, you should be able to accurately figure out how to make the combination of colours that suit your skin and blemish colour. Check the colour wheel, and experiment until you get to the coverage you desire.

    Need help with your skin?
    Contact us