How to tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema
Many people don’t know the technical differences between psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Recognizing a patch of skin that’s inflamed, red, or peeling as one of these conditions will determine how you treat it.
Understanding psoriasis and eczema
Understanding psoriasis
A thick patch of white scales is characteristic of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells. The dead cells build up into silvery-white scales. The skin becomes inflamed and red, causing serious itching.
There’s currently no cure for psoriasis. But some topical, light-based, and systemic pharmaceutical treatments can put the condition into remission. The condition isn’t contagious.
Understanding eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, may also be a long-term condition affecting the skin.
It occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction. This causes the skin to overreact to certain triggers, such as dyes, fabrics, soaps, animals, and other irritants.
Eczema is very common in infants. Many people outgrow the hypersensitivity by childhood or early adulthood.
Skin may appear red, inflamed, peeling, cracked, blistered, or pus-filled. Generally, it’s not covered with scaly dead skin.
As with psoriasis, dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body and cause intense itching. Most eczema can be cleared with topical treatment.
Comparing psoriasis and eczema
Psoriasis vs. eczema on face
Psoriasis on the face
Although psoriasis most commonly occurs on the knees and elbows, it may occur anywhere. This includes the face, scalp, and neck.
With treatment, psoriasis on the face and scalp often resolves, but it may recur.
In many cases, scalp psoriasis extends onto the forehead, ears, or neck. It can be difficult to treat, especially when hair gets in the way.
Eczema on the face
Just as with psoriasis, eczema on the face can cause discomfort. The patches can be very itchy, causing further skin deterioration.
Itching can cause breaks in the skin that allow bleeding or infection.
The dryness associated with eczema can also cause cracked skin from general movement.
Eczema commonly includes pus-filled blisters. Scratching can cause the skin to ooze pus and create crusty and scabbed patches. Eczema on the face can often be treated topically, but systemic medications may be necessary.
Psoriasis vs. eczema on hands
Psoriasis on the hands
Although many people have patches of psoriasis on the backs of their hands and knuckles, others have outbreaks on the palms.
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.
Psoriasis on the hands may also include nail psoriasis. This condition causes overactive skin cells to produce too many new cells under the nails. This can look like a fungal infection that discolors the nails and even causes them to fall off.
Eczema on the hands
Eczema appears on the hands very commonly. This is because the hands often come in contact with soaps, lotions, fabric, animals, and other allergens or irritants.
Frequent washing of the hands can further dry out the skin of people with eczema. Eczema on the hands can be difficult to treat because of the constant contact with water and other irritants.