Redness, itching, dry patches... Identifying a skin problem isn't always easy. Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or rosacea—these inflammatory conditions have a variety of causes and can impact quality of life.

But rest assured, understanding them better allows you to adopt the right actions to soothe your skin on a daily basis.

In this article, discover the characteristics, causes, and tips for differentiating these skin disorders and relieving their symptoms.

Psoriasis

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 2 to 3% of the population . It is not contagious , develops in flare-ups and can appear at any age.

The symptoms?

Well-defined red patches, covered with whitish scales, often  accompanied by itching and dry skin.

The most affected areas?

• Elbows
• Knees
• Scalp (especially the nape of the neck)
• Nails (thickening, deformations)
• Folds (groin, armpits – form called “inverted psoriasis”)

An impact beyond the skin

In 25% of cases, psoriasis can also affect the joints , leading to psoriatic rheumatism (spine, phalanges).

THE CAUSES OF PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis is primarily the result of a genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors . 30 to 40% of cases have a family history. Transmission occurs through several genes, but it is not systematic.

Triggering factors?

• Stress (psychological or physical): The skin reacts too sensitively to neurotransmitters .
• Sun exposure : Prolonged exposure may worsen symptoms.
• Infections : Infections, particularly nasopharyngeal infections, can trigger flare-ups.
• Local trauma : Burns, friction, or even scratching can cause plaques to appear.
• Medications : Certain medications, such as antimalarials , lithium salts or eye drops , can also be triggers.

Other aggravating factors?

Being overweight , drinking alcohol and smoking , and experiencing weather changes , especially cold weather , are factors that can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Eczema

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Atopic eczema , or atopic dermatitis , is a chronic , inflammatory , non-contagious skin disease that causes itching and progresses in flare-ups .

Common in infants, it can persist into adolescence and adulthood.

The main symptoms are:

• Intense itching
• Redness and inflammation
• Dry skin

Commonly affected areas: face , hands , feet , and sometimes the scalp .

THE CAUSES OF ECZEMA?

The main cause of atopic dermatitis is genetic . People with eczema often have a family history, with a close relative affected by the condition.

The skin, being more dehydrated , becomes more vulnerable to certain factors that aggravate the symptoms of eczema.

Here are some things that can make eczema symptoms worse:

• Cold or dry air
• Temperature changes
• Chemicals (soap, perfume, preservatives, etc.)
• Allergens
• Stress
• Sweating
• Sun exposure

Seborrheic dermatitis

WHAT IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a benign , non-contagious skin disease that mainly affects areas with the highest concentration of sebaceous glands , such as the scalp , face , and trunk . These glands produce sebum , which protects the skin thanks to the hydrolipidic film.

It manifests itself by red patches , white or yellowish scales , and itching.

In infants , it is known as "cradle cap" and usually disappears by 18 months. In adults , it appears mainly as dandruff .

The most affected areas are:

• The scalp
• The face (forehead, wings of the nose, eyebrows)
• The trunk

Although harmless, it can affect morale, especially if itching persists.

THE CAUSES OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains unknown, but it may be related to an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia in areas rich in sebum, leading to inflammation of the skin.

The main triggers include:

• Oily skin
• Family background
• Stress and fatigue
• Cold and dry climate
• Irritant products (alcohol, fatty substances)
• Skin disorders (rosacea, psoriasis)
• Neurological diseases (Parkinson's)
• Weakened immune system (HIV)
• Poor hygiene, alcohol, obesity, excessive sweating
• Hormonal disturbances (pregnancy)

Rosacea

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face . It manifests as redness , visible veins , and sometimes pimples . Although medically benign, it can have a significant psychological impact, particularly due to the visible redness on the face.

The main forms of rosacea:

• Vascular form (rosacea) : The redness is concentrated in the center of the face (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead), often accompanied by hot flashes , increased skin sensitivity , and sometimes small vessels visible under the skin (telangiectasias). It can also cause eye burns (ocular rosacea).
• Papulopustular form : This form is marked by papules (firm, red rashes) and pustules (pus-filled lesions), resembling acne. It can worsen over time if left untreated.
• Hypertrophic form (rhinophyma) : Rare, it is characterized by thickening of the skin, fleshy protuberances, and especially swelling of the nose, sometimes linked to hot flashes.

Associated symptoms:

• Burning or tingling sensation
• Dryness and peeling of the skin
• Dry eyes and conjunctivitis in some cases

THE CAUSES OF ROSACEA?

Rosacea is a disease whose causes remain unclear, but several factors contribute to its appearance:

Main causes:

• Blood vessel dysfunction : Veins in the face dilate, causing redness and inflammation.
• Genetic predisposition : More common in people with fair skin, especially in northern regions.
• Role of Demodex : This parasite on the skin aggravates inflammation.

Favoring factors:

• Alcohol : Especially red wine.
• Climate : Exposure to sun, cold wind, or extreme temperatures.
• Heat : Physical exertion, hot environment (glass blowers, cooks).
• Food : Spicy foods and hot drinks.
• Stress and strong emotions.

Advice and care for these skin problems

• Consult a healthcare professional

⚠️ If you suspect you have one of these skin conditions, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional (general practitioner or dermatologist). Medical advice is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to the severity of your skin condition.

• General tips to soothe your skin:

1. Balanced Diet : Eat healthy to support your skin.
2. Extremely gentle, daily cleansing of the skin: to prevent it from becoming inflamed by contact with bacteria.
3. Daily skin hydration : Use gentle, organic products with a clean composition to keep the skin well hydrated.
4. Reduce or quit alcohol and tobacco : These habits can worsen the disease.
5. Stop scratching : This makes plaques worse.

• Our CHO Nature skincare recommendations for your skin :

Cleansing oil : for gentle cleansing and makeup removal. Thanks to its composition of moisturizing plant oils, it leaves your skin feeling soft while freeing it from impurities.

Floral facial mist for light cleansing and hydration. It removes irritating limescale and provides light hydration without weighing the skin down. It also prepares the skin for the beauty oil, allowing it to absorb more quickly.

Sensitive Skin Beauty Oil : The essential product for atopic skin at CHO Nature . Ideal for skin prone to redness, irritation, and dryness, this organic oil helps restore the skin's protective barrier. Thanks to its composition rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it soothes inflammation, reduces feelings of tightness, and protects the skin from external aggressions.

Regenerating and Soothing Night Cream : Formulated with argan oil, wheat germ oil, and shea butter, this cream intensely nourishes the skin overnight. It promotes skin regeneration, soothes irritation, and fights dryness, helping to calm flare-ups of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin sensitivities.