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. © Copyright 2020 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Patent US Nos. Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are painful, irritating skin conditions that are not curable and can affect quality of life. Generally, it’s not covered with scaly dead skin. The dryness associated with eczema can also cause cracked skin from general movement. Eczema. No single test can identify them. This causes the skin to overreact to certain triggers, such as dyes, fabrics, soaps, animals, and other irritants. Unlike atopic dermatitis, psoriasis doesn’t usually appear before age 10. Nummular eczema causes round, coin-sized spots to appear on the skin. Accessed September 8, 2010, Psoriasis Triggers. Eczema appears on the hands very commonly. It develops when your skin becomes inflamed from exposure to things like chemicals, acids, soaps, and detergents. Here’s what to keep in mind when dressing with psoriasis. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. What causes psoriasis vs. eczema? Both types are common causes of a red, itchy rash. Itching is the main symptom. 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. The different types of psoriasis have different appearances. Scratching can cause the skin to ooze pus and create crusty and scabbed patches. There are two main types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Eczema affects 10 percent of adults in the United States. Other widespread psoriasis may simply require standard treatment to partially heal or resolve. These areas may trap sweat or irritants from clothing and the air. While rashes can potentially represent a myriad of dermal ailments, two of the most common are eczema and psoriasis. Removal of large scales should not be forced. If youre not sure which condition you have, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Generally, it is not covered with scaly dead skin. We share some great options, plus provide tips to help you pick the right one for you. Dermatitis. Psoriasis. As with psoriasis, dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body and cause intense itching. If you have eczema, summer might not be your favorite season. This condition causes overactive skin cells to produce too many new cells under the nails. For instance, guttate psoriasis on the legs would appear in many separate, drop-like, small red psoriasis patches. Atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), psoriasis and rosacea may all present with similar skin symptoms, this can often make it difficult to determine which skin condition you might actually have. On the other hand, psoriasis can commonly be found on the elbow itself. Atopic Dermatitis. Understanding the differences between psoriasis and eczema can help you recognize and appropriately treat your condition. 249-255. What Is Atopic Dermatitis?” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health. In others, peeling skin reveals broken skin or open blisters. Many things can trigger psoriasis, including stress, cold weather, skin damage, and certain medications. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that causes thickened, red patches of skin and silvery-white scales. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While psoriasis on your scalp can be itchy and uncomfortable, it’s treatable. Although you can get either disease at any age, eczema affects children more than psoriasis does. Just as with psoriasis, people with eczema often experience off-and-on symptoms for many years. 25, pp. Having an itchy, flaky scalp is a common problem for many people. 06-2-20 - Blog, eczema, Psoriasis. Some barrier creams may also be useful to protect skin from irritants and infections, allowing it to heal. Some psoriasis patches may build up a very thick, white layer of dead cells before shedding scales. As with Psoriasis, Dermatitis (Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, which can cause intense itching. Although psoriasis comes and goes over time, it’s a lifelong condition. Widespread eczema also makes infection more likely because of the increased chance of broken skin. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. A thick patch of white scales is characteristic of psoriasis. Eczema frequently includes very dry patches of skin. With colder months approaching, as is the inevitable discomfort of itchy, dry skin. The dead cells build up into silvery-white scales. Eczema is more often found in folds near the joints, such as the inside or crook of the elbows. Skin may appear red, inflamed, peeling, cracked, blistered, or pus-filled. 535–546. Neurodermatitis is related to atopic dermatitis and usually occurs in people who have another form of eczema or psoriasis, which can further blur the distinction between psoriasis vs. eczema. As with psoriasis, dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body and cause intense itching. In extreme cases, inflammation can become so severe that it appears and feels like burns. Common irritants include household cleansers, detergents, soaps, chlorine, and wool. Although many people have patches of psoriasis on the backs of their hands and knuckles, others have outbreaks on the palms. Although some psoriasis may cover significant portions of the legs, other types may appear in isolated patches. September 2009 (. Commonly known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is "the itch that rashes," says Dr. Shi, meaning that an itching sensation often occurs first followed by a visible rash that develops after scratching.Eczema lesions are typically pink and scaly on pale skin tones, or a purple-to-brown color on darker skin tones, with accentuated skin lines. It can be difficult to treat, especially when hair gets in the way. Learn common reasons why your treatment may not be working and what you can do…, If you have psoriasis, you may be wondering if the soap or shampoo you use will make a difference. At other times, people with eczema hardly notice their condition. Common types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema is often also treated with a topical corticosteroid cream. Adults with eczema in sensitive areas may need to change laundry detergents, cleansers, and fabrics. When it comes to skin conditions, “rash” is a kind of catch-all term that is used to describe itchy outbreaks. Are you worried that your diet may be triggering flare-ups of your eczema? Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT. Psoriasis vs Eczema Spots When looking closely at the spots of psoriasis and eczema, they usually look somewhat different. Like psoriasis, eczema can cause itchy, scaly lesions on the skin. Not all psoriasis patches appear dry or scaly. Severe eczema often needs many treatments to ease the awful, stinging itch and discomfort. 3, pp. How Is Each Treated. November 2009. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells. See Psoriasis vs Eczema comparison table. Scalp plaques that are thicker than typical seborrheic dermatitis typically mark this condition. September 2009. Close contact of irritants with skin and areas of skin rubbing together create a perfect environment for atopic dermatitis to thrive. Children who have psoriasis tend to have mild itching. Psoriasis Vs Eczema On The Face . Many people don’t know the technical differences between psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). Psoriasis can mimic other skin diseases. Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS. Psoriasis vs Eczema By: Lauren Fanta. Find out what kyphoscoliosis is, what causes this curvature of the back in two directions, and symptoms of this spinal condition. Unfortunately, neither eczema nor psoriasis can be cured, but they can be controlled with medical and at-home care. Once the cause is found, treatment can start and bring welcome relief. Instead, sebo-psoriasis is an overlap between the two. The peeling of eczema may resemble that of a sunburn or a peeling blister or callus. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Try one of these 11 great options. If you’re self-conscious about your appearance because you have psoriasis, good news. Eczema on the legs may often occur in body “creases,” such as the back of the knee or the front of the ankle. These should be carefully treated to avoid introducing a bacterial or viral infection. The condition may go away by age 2 or last through adulthood. 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. Some people with eczema scratch these areas a lot, which can lead to bleeding and thick or leathery skin. Eczema can be cleared by using topical treatments. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Psoriasis vs. eczema in inconvenient places of the body, Here are some tips you can try to avoid psoriasis triggers, 5 Treatments to Help People with Severe Eczema, How a Pedicure Transformed My Relationship with My Psoriasis, Why Isn’t My Psoriasis Treatment Working? Telling Eczema and Psoriasis Apart Notice when it occurs. Eczema on the face can often be treated topically, but systemic medications may be necessary. However, plaque psoriasis on the legs often appears in large, shapeless patches with thick red skin or thick white scales. Typically, dermatologists start treatment by prescribing topical corticosteroid creams. Plus, they’re easily confused because they look so similar. Psoriasis affects people differently, so it helps to know how to judge the condition's severity. Think about the skin surfaces that are folded together — that’s where you’ll see eczema. Know All Your Treatment Options, Not All Psoriasis Is the Same: Here’s Why, Making the Personal Decision to Show Your Psoriasis Flares, 3 Ways to Manage Body Odor with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Personality Traits of People With Psoriasis, 7 Crazy Comments About Psoriasis and How to Respond. Both are long-term conditions that require long-term treatments. There are many ways for a dermatologist to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis, including what one sees on the skin, the amount of itch, and where the disease appears on the skin. Comparing psoriasis and eczema Eczema on the hands can be difficult to treat because of the constant contact with water and other irritants. Treating Eczema vs. Psoriasis. Dermatitis is a very broad term that generally means “inflammation of the skin.” If your skin comes in contact with a specific irritating substance, you can develop contact dermatitis. Last medically reviewed on November 7, 2018, Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition that causes the body to make new skin cells in days rather than weeks. It is frequently thought to be a diagnosis for symptoms that do not fit into psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis completely. There’s currently no cure for psoriasis. August 1, 2010, vol. There is no agreed-upon definition for sebo-psoriasis. This is because the hands often come in contact with soaps, lotions, fabric, animals, and other allergens or irritants. In some cases, doctors may suggest over-the-counter creams. American Academy of Dermatology. Three common causes—psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis—are tricky to diagnose. Make sure you haven’t missed any potential psoriasis treatments here. What is eczema? Examples include nickel or other metals and certain fragrances. To confirm whether you have eczema, your doctor may ask about your family history of allergies and want you to have an allergy or blood test. You can employ a few easy tricks to camouflage the signs and make them less noticeable. A lack of public understanding about psoriasis causes many people with this condition to feel isolated and ostracized. 2007; vol. Sunshine Can Ease Psoriasis But Not Necessarily Eczema. Extensive, highly painful, burn-like psoriasis can be life-threatening. 82, No. Here’s a psoriasis patient advocate’s perspective on how to explain the reality of living with psoriasis to others. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health. Eczema tends to appear in the crooks of the knees and the elbows. As previously mentioned, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can be triggered by certain health issues (like rashes from rheumatoid arthritis), medications or even stress. These can make skin so fragile that it cracks very easily. Certain substances may trigger an eczema breakout, so it’s important to identify and avoid them. Inverse psoriasis and other types of psoriasis may develop on the genitals, armpits, bottoms of the feet, and skin creases. Eczema can occur in many inconvenient places — especially for infants. In some cases, the eczema covers the entire area that comes into contact with a diaper. Rashes. Eczema usually shows up as very itchy patches that become red, swollen, and cracked from scratching. Severe eczema…, Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause skin irritation, oozing blisters, and itchy rashes. These two skin problems have different causes and can appear in different stages of your life. Clin Dermatol. American Academy of Family Physicians. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, an allergic condition that often appears in babies and children. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may talk with you about your medical history and symptoms. If you have hidradenitis suppurativa and worry about body odor, here are a few simple strategies to help you manage this challenge and stay engaged with your life. Gentle removal will prevent breaking the skin and causing bleeding. Eczema. Psoriasis is an … Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Cookie Policy | Privacy Preferences Center | Do Not Sell My Personal Information. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may talk with you about your medical history and symptoms. The classic appearance of spots of psoriasis is red bumps and plaques that have overlying scaling, which often is a shiny or silvery scale. Your doctor can usually tell whether you have scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or both based on an examination of your skin, scalp and nails. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, may also be a long-term condition affecting the skin. Three common causes—psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis—are tricky to diagnose. https://dermcenterofacadiana.com/eczema-and-atopic-dermatitis-vs-psoriasis Eczema and psoriasis affect people at … American Academy of Dermatology, Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis. We are often asked about the differences between psoriasis vs eczema. Two that can sometimes appear so similar that it’s tough for doctors to tell the difference are psoriasis and eczema. He or she may want to conduct skin examinations or multiple tests. In other words, one bottle of prescription cream will not cure you of either psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. How to tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema. Trying to get rid of a skin rash can be almost as troublesome as coping with one. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most widespread. This type of psoriasis (i.e., erythromdermic) can be life-threatening if not treated. Deciding to hide or reveal your psoriasis flares can be a challenge. Usatine, R. and Riojas, M. Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis. If these are not enough, many doctors will prescribe a light therapy treatment. Itching can cause breaks in the skin that allow bleeding or infection. Allergic contact dermatitis can occur if you develop a sensitivity or allergy to a substance. The patches can be very itchy, causing further skin deterioration. You don't have to continue itching and feeling uncomfortable. This requires immediate attention from a health professional. The amount of skin affected by eczema will depend on: Severe cracking, oozing, and bleeding in cases of severe eczema can become dangerous. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. May 2009. Intense peeling and dry skin on the hands can make even simple actions, such as washing hands or picking up a bag, very painful and uncomfortable. This is especially important for people who find that their symptoms come and go during flareups or other exposures to certain irritants. ECZEMA VS PSORIASIS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Last reviewed/updated: July 2010, Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis. Most eczema can be cleared with topical treatment. Contact dermatitis. Symptoms of psoriasis (NPF, 2018) Like psoriasis, eczema is a condition involving immune dysregulation, however it isn’t absolutely clear as yet that there is an autoimmune component. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis causes itchiness and…, Eczema symptoms and effective therapies vary. Other cases of eczema may require antibiotic creams or prescription oral medications. There are several types of psoriasis, and psoriasis is different for everyone. Although both are considered inflammatory skin conditions, understanding the difference between psoriasis and eczema can help you understand different treatment options used to effectively manage each condition. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. You’ll continue to endure this uncomfortable reaction until the cause is discovered and you can avoid it. For instance, plaque psoriasis may cover almost the entire surface of the body. We break down the different CBD sources and how to find the right gummies for you. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. If you’re currently bothered by red, itchy, or inflamed skin, it’s all worth your time and effort. Due to exposure to soaps, animals, and other allergens, eczema is commonly found on the palms of the hands. When distinguishing between cases of eczema vs psoriasis, eczema is almost always very itchy, whereas psoriasis can sometimes be itchy, but not in all cases. Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a collection of conditions that cause red, irritated skin. Unlike psoriasis, eczema can become infected with bacteria or viruses. The skin becomes inflamed and red, causing serious itching. He or she may want to conduct skin examinations or multiple tests. Sebborheic dermatitis can develop much earlier. Psoriasis tends … Eczema vs. Psoriasis on the Hands. However, before you can figure out how to treat the condition, you must identify the cause. That being said, the most common form of eczema (atopic dermatitis) most commonly begins in childhood whereas psoriasis typically develops from ages 15 to 35. Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/176.printerview.html, http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/skin/disorders/199.printerview.html, http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_psoriasis.html, http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/skin_eczema.html, http://www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus/dermatitis, http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/atopic_dermatitis_ff.pdf, http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/default.asp, http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/psoriasis_ff.asp, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eczema.html, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000869.htm, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rashes.html, http://www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/learn_faqs, http://www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet/triggers.html, Psoriasis Making You Desperate? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health. This can look like a fungal infection that discolors the nails and even causes them to fall off. It happens when the skin cells go through their life cycle more quickly than normal. 12 Possible Causes, The Best Soaps and Shampoos for Psoriasis, Choosing a CBD Oil: 10 Favorite Oils to Try. An accurate diagnosis or a peeling blister or callus can look like a fungal infection dermatitis vs eczema vs psoriasis discolors the.. And knuckles, others have outbreaks on the knees and the elbows and knees, and itchy.! Rashes usually occur on the face, inside the elbows and knees, but may resemble eczema the! Close contact of irritants with skin and causing bleeding worried that your diet may be.. The feet, and dermatitis—are tricky to diagnose out how to care your... Discomfort of itchy, sore, and on the hands can further dry out the skin that allow bleeding infection! 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