Imagine this: You’re in your living room or office chair and notice you’ve scratched your skin harder than usual. You find a flaky, red skin patch in the itchy areas. Like many others, you might go straight to the internet to find out what is happening. But you may be left wondering if it’s psoriasis.
An overaeczemativ immune response causes both eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is characterized by inflammation, while psoriasis involves skin cell build-up.
Understanding your skin condition will help you find the proper treatment for your skin. Our Skin Health Experts explain the differences between eczema, psoriasis, and triggers and when to visit a Skin Care Clinic.
Eczema and Psoriasis: Features to Look Out for
Understanding the underlying causes of your skin condition, its symptoms and triggers, and how to treat and manage it is the first step in finding relief. We’ll discuss the symptoms and signs of severe eczema and some background information on these skin conditions.
What causes them
You may have several causes of itching, inflamed, and intense skin. What is the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
An overactive immune response can cause eczema. Kate, our founder, has had eczema ever since she was young. She was inspired by her search for relief and answers to skincare problems. We don’t know the cause of eczema (also known as atopic skin disease) on the body or face [1], even though it can occur at any age. Researchers believe that genetics, allergies, and other environmental factors cause it.
Psoriasis occurs most often in adults and causes the skin’s cells to grow unusually. Your fast-growing cells of skin stack up on each other instead of shedding.
Both eczema and psoriasis are chronic conditions, but neither is contagious. You can manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups by knowing your triggers and treatment options.
Symptoms
Although severe eczema can be confused with severe psoriasis, some telltale symptoms distinguish these two conditions.
You may have eczema. First, check to ensure you don’t have dermatitis. Then, check for eczema-like symptoms like:
Swelling
Itching and Dryness
Skin sensitivity
Rash, red patches, and scaly skin
Skin that oozes fluid or leaks fluid
Redness and discoloration
You may still have PPsoriasiseven if you don’t notice any symptoms.
Silver-scaled patches of skin
Extreme itching sensations
Scaly patches
Super dry skin
Swollen joints that are hard to move
Nails with pitted or thickened edges
Although eczema and psoriasis and their long-term symptoms are similar, they have different causes.
How they’re Triggered
Both eczema and psoriasis are chronic conditions that need to be managed. However, they also have their triggers. Identifying your situation and the triggers can help you take action to reduce your symptoms and prevent aggravation of your skin.
For eczema, potential triggers may include:
Weather Changes
Stress and hormone levels
Detergents, lotions, or other products with scents that may irritate the skin
Allergens like pollen, dust, and dander
Psoriasis also shares some of these triggers, mainly stress and potential irritations. It also has unique motivations, which eczema does not:
Medicines
Skin injury
Infection
Strep throat and other illnesses
Avoiding certain things for your skin is essential since eczema or psoriasis can be a long-term condition. If you do everything possible to prevent these things but still experience flare-ups, consult your dermatologist or doctor for personalized advice.
Treatment Methods
Even if two conditions have similar symptoms, it’s common sense to use two different treatment methods.
The most common treatments for psoriasis are:
Topical steroids
Coal tar treatment
Light Therapy
Oral or injectable medicines
Psoriasis treatments often aim to reduce the rate of skin cell growth. Some medicines can help lessen the scaly skin patches caused by psoriasis
Treatments for EEczemaaim to reduce skin inflammation and itchiness. Your healthcare provider may also suggest a topical cream containing steroid steroids to treat eczema. There are also other ways to manage it, such as:
Regularly moisturizing your skin with a moisturizer that does not dry out
Monitor your triggers
Wrapping the area in wet dressings
Take medicine to suppress the immune system when needed
You can use medications to treat eczema or psoriasis. However, you should consult your doctor before choosing the best one.