Diary Of A Dermatologist

Episodet

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  Psoriasis Uncovered: Demystifying Psoriasis, Systemic Triggers, and Skin Care 12.09.2026 22min

  In this episode of Diary of a Dermatologist, host Amanda Jones sits down with renowned dermatologist and Hummingbird Medal Gold recipient Dr. Khamedaye Basdeo-Maharaj to break down the complexities of psoriasis.Often mistaken for simple dry skin or ordinary dandruff, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where accelerated cell turnover—speeding up from the typical 28 days down to just 4 days—creates elevated, silvery-gray plaques on the skin. Dr. Basdeo-Maharaj clarifies key diagnostic signs, such as why plaques on darker skin hues present as a slaty gray rather than bright red, and why scratching these plaques causes bleeding due to blood vessels sitting right near the surface.What you’ll learn in this episode:Understanding the Types: The differences between common plaque psoriasis, raindrop-like guttate psoriasis (often triggered by a sore throat), and severe erythrodermic psoriasis.Systemic Health & Comorbidities: Why psoriasis is far more than a skin issue, and how early screening protects against joint pain (psoriatic arthritis), cardiovascular risks, diabetes, and internal organ strain.Caribbean Triggers & Traumas: How sunburns, skin trauma (the Koebner phenomenon), alcohol, and high-sugar diets trigger painful flare-ups.Practical At-Home Relief: Simple barrier hacks, including applying petroleum jelly before and after showering to prevent moisture loss, switching to complex carbohydrates, and building an active exercise routine.
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  Demystifying Eczema: Triggers, Wild Myths, and Protecting Your Skin Barrier in the Tropics 12.08.2026 18min

  In our very first episode, host Amanda Jones sits down with renowned dermatologist Dr. Khamedaye Basdeo-Maharaj to dive deep into a skin condition that affects so many of us: eczema (also known as dermatitis).Dr. Basdeo-Maharaj explains the genetic roots of atopic eczema, describing the skin barrier as a "brick wall" that has lost its ability to hold in water. She breaks down the "dry skin = itchy skin = eczema" equation and reveals why you might experience intense itching long before a rash even appears.We also explore:The Impact of the Caribbean Climate: How shifting from blazing outdoor heat to freezing air-conditioned offices dries out your skin and triggers painful flares.Wild Home Remedies: Why desperate attempts at DIY cures—like using manure—backfire and introduce dangerous bacteria to compromised skin.Quick At-Home Relief Hacks: Safe, immediate ways to soothe an intense flare-up using simple items you already have at home, like petroleum jelly, cold showers, and menthol.Hidden Everyday Triggers: How common items like nickel in costume jewelry, watches, and even the mixing bead in nail polish can trigger widespread reactions.What to Avoid: Why you should ditch scented soaps and watery lotions, and how to properly read product labels for hidden irritants like perfume and lanolin.Tune in to get expert, practical steps to repair your skin barrier and stop the miserable itch-scratch cycle for good!