Eczema VS Psoriasis: Discovering the Difference

If you are dealing with itchy, dry, red skin and have tried every eczema cream available on the market yet still are not experiencing any improvement, then listen to this… 

What if it’s not eczema? What if it’s some other skin condition? Yes, there are various other skin conditions that may look quite similar to an eczema flare-up, but are not eczema. Psoriasis is one of the most common imposters among them. Even the most skin-savvy person can sometimes get eczema vs psoriasis confused. 

But don’t fret, this blog will help you discern the difference between eczema and psoriasis from an expert pediatrician’s perspective, so you can get the right treatment plan on time. 

Is it Psoriasis or Eczema?

Before we jump on to the differences between both skin conditions you must understand them and their causes. 

What is Eczema? 

Eczema is actually a group of skin conditions that cause itchy, dry, red, irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis is one the most common types of eczema and is often generally referred to as eczema. 

Even though any age group may experience eczema, it is more common among children below 5 years of age. Some children only experience it in their childhood and then it resolves as they grow older, while in some cases, it unfortunately becomes a chronic skin condition that may flare up from time to time throughout life. 

The exact cause of eczema is still not known, however, it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, impaired skin barrier, and environmental triggers. People who have a family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) are more prone to developing the condition. 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition in which your immune system (specifically the T-cells) in the body mistakenly attack the healthy skin cells. This triggers the immune system to start producing new skin cells at a much faster rate. 

These excess skin cells start piling on each other and take the form of thick raised plaques or scaly patches. Psoriasis also comes in various different types. The subtype, plaque psoriasis, is the most common one that affects around 80% of people with psoriasis. 

Psoriasis is more common among young adults and usually appears on the hands, feet, nails, skin folds, arms, elbows, and knees. 

Psoriasis and eczema are often confused with each other. Why is that so? It is because of the similarities both conditions share. Some of the most common psoriasis and eczema similarities are:

• Rashes on skin
• Skin redness on lighter skin tones
• Gray, purple, or ashy patches of people with darker skin tones
• Itchy skin
• Both run in families
• Both are often triggered by stress, allergens, dry skin, and extreme weather conditions. 

Even though both conditions look similar they are very different. 

Psoriasis vs Eczema Symptoms

Once we get past the similarities in the conditions, we learn that the inflammation associated with psoriasis is more severe as compared to that of eczema, which is why the scaly patches caused by psoriasis are also more raised and clearer than those lesions found in eczema. 

The scaly patches caused by eczema are usually red or pink in color on lighter skin tones and purple, brown, or grey on darker skin tones. However, the raised plaques caused by psoriasis are usually silver or white in color. 

The itchy skin caused by eczema is more severe and the rashes usually affect the flexural skin surfaces while the itching associated with psoriasis is mild and mostly affects the extensor skin surface. 

Pictures of Eczema vs Psoriasis

You may be wondering what does eczema and psoriasis look like, and as you know, a picture is worth a thousand words, so we have provided a few psoriasis vs eczema pictures below to help you understand them.

What is the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?

Now let’s take a closer look at the differences between eczema and psoriasis.

Psoriasis vs Eczema on Scalp

Both conditions can affect the scalp as well, and cause crusty patches on the scalp. But there are differences that can help you distinguish whether you have scalp psoriasis or eczema. 

One of the most common types of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis which is also known as cradle cap in babies. It causes thick greasy, yellow, or white flakes and scales that look quite similar to those of dandruff. 

In contrast, scalp psoriasis causes thicker, layered, more defined scaly patches that are white or silver in color with redness around them. Seborrheic dermatitis can be easily managed at home with the help of a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo, but for scalp psoriasis, you would have to get a proper treatment plan from a doctor which may include a topical corticosteroid and light therapy. 

Other Skin Conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis

There are various other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms to eczema and psoriasis and are often confused with one another. Some of the most common ones are:

• Ringworm (tinea corporis)
• Athlete’s foot
• Seborrheic dermatitis 
• Scabies
• Hives 
• Rosacea
• Keratosis pilaris
• Skin cancer
• Pityriasis rosea
• Lupus

As you can see there are so many skin conditions that can have similar symptoms to those of psoriasis and eczema. This is why if you are unsure about which condition you are experiencing it is best to consult a dermatologist immediately for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

Eczema vs Psoriasis Diagnosis

While both conditions are quite different, the way they are diagnosed by doctors is quite the same. The first thing a dermatologist will do is physically examine the affected areas and inquire about your health and family history related to these conditions. 

In some instances they may do a patch test or rarely a skin biopsy to accurately diagnose your condition and determine which type of eczema or psoriasis you are experiencing. 

Psoriasis vs Eczema Treatment

Just like the skin conditions themselves the treatment for eczema and psoriasis is also very different. 

Eczema Treatment

Even though there is no permanent cure for eczema, a mild eczema flare-up can be managed at home with the help of a proper eczema skincare routine. Here are a few ways to effectively manage eczema. 

Keeping the Skin Clean

The first step in your skincare routine whether it’s for eczema or not, should be cleansing the skin. Keeping the skin clean can help prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, pollution, and dirt buildup on the skin that can worsen the condition or create other complications like skin infections. 

For eczema flare-ups use an eczema shampoo or cleanser that is free from any skin-irritating chemicals like fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Use it to cleanse at least once daily.

Moisturizing the Skin

We know that dry skin is the most common symptom of eczema. This is why keeping the skin moisturized at all times is very important to prevent the condition from getting worse. Always use a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream for eczema to keep your skin moisturized. 

A cream specially formulated with skin-soothing natural ingredients like licorice root extract, and glycerin can help soothe the itching, irritation, and redness associated with eczema. 

Avoid the Triggers

Some people may notice that their eczema gets worse due to certain triggers such as when they are under stress, or during cold winter days. So if you know what triggers your eczema flare-up or makes it worse then try avoiding it. 

Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy is usually prescribed by doctors when the itching associated with eczema is very intense making it difficult for you to sleep. In this therapy, a topical corticosteroid along with moisturizing cream is applied to the skin and is then covered with a wet gauze, which is then followed by a dry cloth. 

This can be applied and left overnight to help one sleep better and soothe the itching. 

Prescribed Medications

If the condition is not getting better with a proper skincare routine then the doctors may prescribe certain medication along with it to soothe the symptoms. Some of the most common medications are:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Antihistamines
• Calcineurin inhibitor
• Shots of biological drugs
• Oral medications 

Psoriasis Treatment

Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is also advised for psoriasis, however, it also requires a proper treatment plan with prescribed medications paired with a good daily skincare regimen to make the condition better. 

For psoriasis, doctors usually prescribe the use of:

• Topical Corticosteroids: These are usually in the form of ointments and creams and are used to reduce inflammation and itching. 
• Anthralin: This medication manages the condition by controlling the growth of skin cells. 
• OTC Products: Products like shampoo and creams containing active ingredients like coal tar and salicylic acid are available as over-the-counter products to reduce irritation and scaling. 
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D creams such as calcitriol and calcipotriene can help slow down the growth of cells, reduce scaliness, and flatten raised plaques. 
• Topical Retinoids: Retinoids are usually used to reduce the growth of new skin cells. 
• Oral Medications: Oral medications such as methotrexate and cyclosporine help in controlling the overactive immune system. 
• Biologic Drugs:  TNF-alpha inhibitors or IL inhibitors like etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and risankizumab, and can be injected into the body to dampen the immune system. 
• Light Therapy: Also known as Phototherapy is used to treat psoriasis. The affected skin is exposed to special UV light or laser to reduce the inflammation and growth of skin cells.

Can you Have Psoriasis and Eczema at the Same Time?

Yes, even though it is rare, a person can have eczema and psoriasis at the same time. A study published by the NIH concluded that 2% of the people dealing with one of these conditions had the other one at the same time. 

Key Takeaways

• Eczema and psoriasis have some symptoms in common such as red rashes, itchy skin, and skin scaling but they both are very different.
• Even though both conditions can cause scaling, the scaling associated with psoriasis is usually thicker and raised above the skin with a white or silvery top. The scaling with eczema is less prominent and is usually in the form of a rash. 
• Eczema is more common among young children and eczema rashes are more itchy and usually appear in the flexural skin surface. While psoriasis usually affects adults, and appears on the extensor skin surface and is less itchy but can cause a stinging or burning sensation. 
• Mild eczema can be managed with a daily skin care routine that includes the use of an eczema cleanser and a moisturizer for eczema. However, for psoriasis prescriptions medications are typically needed along with the daily skincare regimen. 

If you are dealing with eczema and searching for skin-friendly products then try Happy Cappy Two-Step Eczema Skincare Routine. 

It is pediatrician-developed, clinically tested, hypoallergenic, and safe to be used on all skin types. 

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