How to Tell the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis involve more than an occasional itch. Both of these are serious conditions that, if left untreated, may reduce the quality of life. But how can one know if what they're experiencing is one or the other? Well, it turns out they're actually quite different if you know what you're looking at.

Eczema vs. Psoriasis Symptoms

Eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions that result in itching as their primary symptoms. But beyond those similarities, eczema and psoriasis cause different skin discolorations and occur differently on the body in terms of location.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema results in such intense itching that a person may scratch hard enough to cause bleeding. Swelling, redness and inflammation may also result from eczema. Eczema symptoms may include patches of skin that appear rough and swollen. Those who suffer may experience oozing or crusty skin, as well.

When eczema symptoms appear, the discolored skin patches may be more likely to occur on the parts of the body that are moveable. Those areas include behind the knees, the inner elbow, the ankles, wrists and neck.

Psoriasis Symptoms

In contrast to eczema, psoriasis skin scales may look silvery or red. Symptoms may include cracking and bleeding. Beyond itchy skin, psoriasis symptoms may feel as if fire ants are attacking your skin.

Psoriasis symptoms may occur in many different areas of the body, including:

• Face, such as the lips, mouth, scalp, ears and eyelids
• Elbows and knees
• Lower back
• Hand palms and feet soles
• Toenails and fingernails
• Folds of the skin

Eczema vs. Psoriasis Causes

In addition to causing different symptoms, eczema and psoriasis seem to have different causes.

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema results from hypersensitive skin. Triggers, including detergent, soap and disinfectants, may cause eczema to flare up. Common allergens such as pets, pollen and dust also may set off eczema.

Psoriasis is different, though. It's classified as a chronic autoimmune condition that results in excess skin cells. The buildup of these skin cells causes the characteristic skin scaling, called plaques, and the scaling may include redness and inflammation but they may also be thick patches of silvery scales.

Both psoriasis and eczema may result in recurring symptoms throughout life. When symptoms become worse, these skin conditions may cause restricted activity. Treatment may help at times to make psoriasis and eczema less challenging.

Treating Eczema and Psoriasis

Despite the differences in causes and symptoms, treatment for eczema and psoriasis may initially follow parallel paths. Doctors may begin treating both skin conditions with topical corticosteroid creams.

If the corticosteroid cream does not work for eczema, some doctors may prescribe oral medications or antibiotic creams to help battle infections related to scratching. They also might recommend using creams formulated to protect the skin from infection and irritants.

If corticosteroid cream does not fully control psoriasis, dermatologists may recommend light therapy. Doctors also may prescribe injectable, oral, or intravenous medications. Remember, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, so treatment takes a different path in order to help control that autoimmune response.

Although eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions initially treated with topical corticosteroid creams, they have different symptoms and causes. Eczema results from hypersensitivity to certain triggers, while psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting in excess skin cell growth and buildup. Understanding the differences may help with initial diagnosis but no matter what, we need to be compassionate with ourselves because both of these conditions can be miserable and far-reaching. To get a diagnosis for any troublesome skin problem, be sure to visit a dermatologist.

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