{"id":1826,"date":"2016-08-30T12:00:17","date_gmt":"2016-08-30T12:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalwomanworld.com\/?p=1826"},"modified":"2018-04-22T20:48:39","modified_gmt":"2018-04-22T20:48:39","slug":"psoriasis-vs-eczema-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalwomanworld.com\/psoriasis-vs-eczema-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Psoriasis vs eczema – what’s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis) are two chronic conditions of the skin.<\/p>\n
While they are both common skin problems and somewhat similar in nature, they are actually separate conditions.<\/p>\n
And although\u00a0psoriasis and eczema share some common physical symptoms, and even the treatments can be closely related, understanding the differences between them\u00a0is important for proper diagnosis and the most effective treatment.<\/p>\n
So let’s take a closer look at psoriasis vs eczema now…<\/p>\n
Psoriasis vs eczema<\/h2>\n
It’s easy to confuse psoriasis and eczema because they both result in the same red, scaly rashes on the skin. And both of these skin disorders also involve immune system function.<\/p>\n
However, psoriasis affects how skin cells are made while\u00a0eczema increases the sensitivity of the skin cells to the environment. Triggers for eczema can include pets, chemical irritants, soaps and so on.<\/p>\nPsoriasis vs eczema (psoriasis on the left, eczema on the right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?<\/h3>\n
So what is the difference between eczema and psoriasis?<\/p>\n
Well, firstly it’s important to note that both of these uncomfortable and unsightly skin issues are understood to be the result of a problem with immune system function.<\/p>\n
In psoriasis, the white blood cells known as T cells appear to attack the skin, causing a reaction that results in an overproduction of skin cells. These excess cells rise to the surface of the skin quickly, resulting in scaly skin eruptions. Psoriasis frequently is seen in the scalp and neck areas and on fingernails and toenails, but it can be present on any areas of the body.<\/p>\n
Eczema is a condition that is commonly seen among babies and children, usually occurring before a child is 5 years old. Having said that though, in many cases eczema continues to present itself into adulthood. There is also a strong correlation between those with eczema and those with allergies and asthma.<\/p>\n
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. 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.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of psoriasis<\/h3>\nPlaque Psoriasis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
While the symptoms of psoriasis can vary among individuals, there are some common signs and symptoms:<\/p>\n
\n
Itching or burning skin.<\/li>\n
Red, patchy skin covered by silver scales.<\/li>\n
Dry, cracked, and often bleeding skin.<\/li>\n
Unhealthy looking, thick nails with ridges or defined pits.<\/li>\n
Stiff and swollen joints, association with arthritis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Affected individuals can experience flare-ups of psoriasis, and might even experience remission of the condition.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of eczema<\/h3>\nEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Common signs and symptoms of eczema generally seen among those who suffer from the condition include:<\/p>\n
\n
Reddish or brownish patches of skin that occur on various parts of the body but commonly on the hands and feet, elbows and knees, chest, eyelids. Infants often have patches of eczema on their faces and scalp (cradle cap).<\/li>\n
Itchy skin that can be severe and more prevalent at nighttime.<\/li>\n
The raised rash bumps can ooze and become raw and then crusty with scratching.<\/li>\n
Skin is often dry, sensitive, cracked and scaly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Like psoriasis, those with eczema can experience flare-ups and the condition is often worse in the winter and in drier climates.<\/p>\n
Diagnosis of psoriasis vs eczema<\/h3>\n
Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms to make a proper diagnosis of psoriasis vs eczema. Usually a diagnosis can be made with observation of symptoms in the office without a need for further skin testing.<\/p>\n
Occasionally it is difficult to determine which of the skin conditions is present. One of the indicators that your doctor will look for that signifies psoriasis is the presence of pitting on the nails.<\/p>\n
Management<\/h3>\n
Knowing the triggers for both psoriasis and eczema is an important part of effective management.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/naturalwomanworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/psoriasis-vs-eczema.jpg\" "\\"Psoriasis")
![\"Plaque](\"https:\/\/naturalwomanworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/plaque-psoriasis.jpg\")
![\"Eczema](\"https:\/\/naturalwomanworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/eczema-atopic-dermatitis-symptom-skin.jpg\")