Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images, The Recovery Room: News beyond the pandemic — January 8, COVID-19: Research points to long-term neurological effects. Psoriasis vs Eczema. These two skin problems have different causes and can appear in different stages of your life. It’s not surprising that many people can’t tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema. If a person has both skin conditions, they may have to apply different treatments to each. It's less common, but possible, to get it as an adult. UpToDate: “Treatment of psoriasis in adults,” “Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).”. You can have it on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions that are often mistaken for each other. Difference #3: Location of symptoms. Both psoriasis and eczema can cause itchy red rashes to form, so it could be either of them at first glance. could also be itchy, but there's something extra going on. 1 But despite the rash similarities, there are some clear indicators that can help you spot psoriasis over eczema, or vice versa. We want to state that Our comments, suggestions, blogs post, and articles are not intended to take the place of medical advice or medical professionals. Psoriasis typically occurs on the back of the elbows and front of the knees, while eczema occurs in the inside folds of joints and the neck,” Lebwohl says. Eczema makes your skin red and inflamed. Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones. A person may also go for quite some time without symptoms, then experience a flare-up. ", National Eczema Association: "Eczema," "Symptoms of Eczema," "Causes & Triggers," "Treatment. It can even occur on your face, ears, chest, back, underarms, and genitals. Psoriasis vs. eczema. You might also try light therapy (your doctor will call it phototherapy) using ultraviolet light. About 7.5 million people in the U.S. Get the facts. Well tell you about some of the most important similarities and differences in the two conditions. The plaques are most often found on elbows and knees, but they can occur anywhere. While there are differences between the conditions, they can present as similar to the other. Psoriasis is an … Eczema typically presents with red, itchy skin and can be present with or without scales. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Your doctor needs to make the final call, but psoriasis or eczema could be the problem. Psoriasis vs Eczema Based on 6 Parameters Parameter – 1: Definition. Instead of the dead skin cells coming off the skin, they build up on the skin. Mild-to-moderate psoriasis treatments can include applying corticosteroids. Psoriasis Eczema often appears on parts of your body that bend, like your inner elbow or behind your knees. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can have numerous triggers. Understanding psoriasis and eczema. The researchers found that people have different genes present in the skin tissue of each condition type that could help doctors more definitively diagnose each condition. Eczema treatment depends on how severe it is. Learn about different types of psoriasis in their mild to moderate forms. Other irritants include: dust, pet dander, mold, pollen and even certain foods. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition and recommend or prescribe the appropriate treatments. Learn about scrotal eczema, a form of eczema that affects the scrotum. Nutrition and mental health: Is there a link? Exposure to dust from furnishings can also contribute to eczema. Taking steps to reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, Avoiding extremely hot temperatures as sweat can worsen symptoms, Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap”. You’ll also commonly see thick patches of skin with overlying redness. Or you're heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun. Caregivers can also give their child soft gloves to wear in bed to keep them from scratching while sleeping. Eczema results in dry, itchy patches of skin that can worsen when scratched. Children may “grow out of it” and not experience the condition as they age. While it’s rare that a person will have both eczema and psoriasis, it is possible. If a person’s eczema is severe and doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, a doctor can prescribe creams to reduce eczema occurrence and symptoms. We examine the symptoms, treatment options, and management tips for this…. Eczema Light therapy paired with methotrexate, cyclosporine, acretin, apremilast or a biologic is also an option for more severe cases. However, there are certain areas where you’re more prone to see psoriasis and certain areas you’re more likely to see eczema developing. Or you could use just a biologic drug, which includes: American Academy of Dermatology: "Atopic dermatitis: Who gets and causes. If topical treatments don’t work to reduce the incidence of psoriasis, medications are available by injection. However, it is crucial to understand the differences between psoriasis and eczema It can get so bad that you scratch enough to make your skin bleed. Like psoriasis, eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but this rash is most commonly seen on the hands and feet, elbows and knees, chest and around the eyes. These similarities can make differentiating the disease difficult, especially in children. Psoriasis can also cause red patches. But you can also get flare-ups when your skin is injured, for example by: Some medications can also bring on a psoriasis flare, like lithium, which treats bipolar disorder, or drugs for malaria. Eczema and psoriasis both cause itchy, red patches, but the 2 conditions can look quite different. Applying moisturizing creams is also helpful because it can lessen itching, dryness, and scratching. It is vital to have eczema checked out by a specialist to avoid incorrect and potentially harmful home treatment. Dry and scaly skin woes can be due to a number of skin conditions. Certain factors are known to trigger psoriasis episodes or worsen existing psoriasis. In mouse models of psoriasis, researchers found that oral administration of a synthetic vanilla extract called vanillin reduced skin inflammation. Depending on the type of eczema, treatment will vary greatly. When it comes to eczema vs psoriasis, the two conditions are often confused for each other, but they are in fact quite different. These medicines are known as calcineurin inhibitors. When this is the case, a person may need to apply a prescription topical antibiotic cream or take an antibiotic. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Eczema affects the ability of the skin to protect against outside irritants and allergens. People with plaque psoriasis typically have sharply demarcated, raised, itchy, painful red plaques covered with silvery scales. Often, symptoms improve when a kid becomes a grown-up. We look at the symptoms and treatment options. "The biggest difference between eczema and psoriasis is the underlying causes. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our links. Typically, it takes about a month for skin cells to regenerate, but in people with psoriasis, this process happens every three to four days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can get so bad that you scratch enough to make your skin bleed. causes an intense itch. Psoriasis: Should You Avoid Certain Foods? Here’s what we know… 1. Learn more. According to the National Eczema Association, 31.6 million people in the U.S. suffer from eczema, with at least 17.8 million dealing with moderate to severe eczema. Eczema usually starts in babies or young children. This is due to the fact that their symptoms may seem the same on the surface. Maybe you're settling into your easy chair for a little Sunday siesta. Eczema affects 10 percent of adults in the United States. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. As a result, it’s important to understand the differences. If nothing else works, your doctor may prescribe a biologic drug called dupilumab (Dupixent). Having an itchy, flaky scalp is a common problem for many people. Yet, on closer look, there are differences and a trained doctor will surely know the differences. All rights reserved. Psoriasis Eczema causes an intense itch, which is, sometimes, so intense that patients scratch their skin until they bleed. Eczema usually comes along with dry, sensitive skin. Like psoriasis, eczema can cause itchy, scaly lesions on the skin. These two drugs should be used with caution as they carry a warning about a possible risk of cancer. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease , meaning your immune system is dysfunctional and your skin cells grow too fast. We are not medical professionals. Psoriasis is common on the knees and elbows, while eczema generally appears behind the knees and the creases inside the elbows. Examples include: Keeping the skin clean and moisturized while avoiding harsh soaps and very hot water can relieve psoriasis discomfort and reduce any itching. Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system triggers skin cells to grow faster than they usually should. With psoriasis – the skin is also itchy, but it also feels like it’s been stung or burnt; almost as though it’s on fire. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema may be worsened by irritants such as certain soaps, detergents and cleansers, and can also be irritated by wetness. This treatment involves controlled exposure to ultraviolet light, which slows down skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation. Psoriasis shares some of these triggers, like stress and infection. Eczema causes an intense itch. However, before you can figure out how to treat the condition, you must identify the cause. Although eczema can itch, psoriasis is often more painful with burning sensations or soreness. 3. Eczema vs. Psoriasis – Below the Surface. Scalp eczema c… Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema is a combination of genetic and external factors, but the most common occurrence is usually a response to environmental or other external factors, say heat or exposure to products containing harsh chemicals. StraightFromTheDoc is a community-supported website. Eczema is less likely to cause scaling and is more likely to be accompanied by fluids leaking through the skin. In fact, according to a 2015 review of studies in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, eczema was the condition most commonly misdiagnosed as psoriasis in infants and adolescents (and vice versa).1 T… These include: Like eczema, psoriasis can be treated with light therapy, which is also known as phototherapy. Steps a person can take to treat eczema include: Keeping the skin clean, moisturized, and dry can help to reduce eczema symptoms. These medications are available over the counter. The cells start to pile up on the top of the skin, forming the white scale," explains Jeffrey Millstein, MD , a physician at Penn Internal Medicine Woodbury Heights . Psoriasis causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches, commonly in areas like the elbows and knees. Eczema can be caused by a number of factors. Both conditions can cause red, itchy skin but have different causes and different treatments. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If youre not sure which condition you have, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. It happens when the skin cells go through their life cycle more quickly than normal. Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system triggers skin cells to grow faster than they usually should. Psoriasis vs. eczema in inconvenient places of the body Psoriasis in inconvenient places Psoriasis can develop in very uncomfortable places. Symptoms of psoriasis Psoriasis and Depression: What's the Link? Taking certain medications, such as lithium and, Avoiding harsh soaps and highly fragranced products, Refraining from taking very long, hot baths or showers, Applying topical corticosteroid creams to itchy areas, Applying an antihistamine cream or taking an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, Applying cool, wet compresses to the skin to avoid scratching, Using light therapy in a controlled manner to avoid the side effects of excess sun exposure, such as. 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