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Psoriasis Vs Eczema On Feet

What Is The Age Of Onset For Psoriasis Vs Eczema

Eczema vs. Psoriasis- What Your Skin May Be Telling You About Your Health

One big difference between eczema and psoriasis is the age of diagnosis. Eczema is commonly found in children, many of whom grow out of their symptoms or see a severe reduction in symptoms as they age. That doesnt really happen with psoriasis.

Usually, youll see eczema in the pediatric population, says Dr. Sadeghian. Between 15 and 30% of children will have eczema at some point and between 2 and 10% of adults. The average age of diagnosis is one year old.1

Psoriasis tends to appear in what doctors call a bimodal age distribution, says Dr. Sadeghian. That means that symptoms tend to first appear in two different decades of life. For psoriasis, your diagnosis will most likely be either between the ages of 20 and 30 or ages 50 and 60, according to a 2017 study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.3 In about a third of cases, psoriasis begins in early childhood . However, it may be more likely to be misdiagnosed as eczema in young children, partly because children with psoriasis may have less obvious scaling.2

Psoriasis Treatment Vs Eczema Treatment

There is some overlap in the treatments for psoriasis and eczema.

Both are long-term conditions that require long-term treatments. In other words, one bottle of prescription cream will not cure you of either psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

After reviewing your symptoms, a specialized healthcare professional may recommend any one of the following treatments for your psoriasis or eczema:

  • Topical anti-inflammatories

Does Either Eczema Or Psoriasis Go Away On Its Own

There are currently no cures for eczema or psoriasis, which are considered chronic skin conditions.

But, as mentioned, the vast majority of children with eczema no longer have symptoms by the time they reach adulthood. So there is a chance eczema can go away on its own. If it doesnt, its possible to stave off major flare-ups and control the condition by avoiding triggers and keeping skin moisturized.

On the other hand, psoriasis is usually a lifelong condition and rarely goes away on its own. But, in many cases, its symptoms can be controlled with treatment and good skin care, as well. Avoiding psoriasis triggers can help keep skin clear and flare-up free for long periods of time.

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Psoriasis Vs Eczema: Symptoms Causes And Treatment

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system causes skin cells to multiply more rapidly than normal, causing dead cells to accumulate on the surface instead of falling off. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes itching, swelling, and dryness. Medical experts are still trying to figure out what caused the tragedy. Although both infections cause flushed, itchy, and irritated skin, their causes, and treatments are different.

Psoriasis and eczema creams of natural herbs are available on the market for treating these skin conditions. As we will see in this article, psoriasis and eczema have similar symptoms, causes, and treatments, and we will see what is the best organic psoriasis eczema relief cream to treat these conditions.

Why Is Eczema Confused With Psoriasis

Eczema Or Psoriasis: Can You Tell the Difference?

Mistaking eczema for psoriasis is common, as both are inflammatory skin conditions and are similar in appearance. The two not only share similar symptoms, but they frequently develop in the same areas of the body, such as the scalp or hands.

While those are two of the more common sites for flare-ups, both conditions can form anywhere on the body. They also share some common triggers, including cold, dry air and allergens in the environment.

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Seeking The Right Treatment

Unfortunately, there are currently no cures for these skin conditions, and many people have to manage their symptoms over a lifetime. Depending on several factors, including your age and severity of your condition, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that includes a combination of medicine, avoiding triggers, and having a good skin care regimen and healthy lifestyle. Its important to get the right diagnosis with a doctor who specializes in these conditions, such as a dermatologist, and to develop a treatment plan thats tailored to your specific needs.

Can You Use Eczema Cream On Psoriasis

Mild eczema and psoriasis are treated in the same way. Typically, this starts with creams that lower inflammation in the skin, including both topical steroid creams and nonsteroidal creams. You can also use soothing, over-the-counter ointments to help moisturize the skin. These treatments help decrease both eczema and psoriasis flares-ups.

Severe cases of eczema and psoriasis are also treated in a similar way. New medications called biologics treat both conditions by lowering overactivity in the immune system. Dupixent is a biologic medication commonly used to treat severe eczema. And the biologic Skyrizi is a common treatment for severe psoriasis. These medications can also protect the joints from psoriatic arthritis.

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What Causes Eczema And Psoriasis

Scientists arent sure exactly what causes eczema, but its likely genetic and triggered by allergic reactions to items like soap or fragrance, or could be onset by dry skin, Dr. Wang says. Environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, pollution and stress, could also trigger eczema, per AAD experts.

Research suggests that the immune systems in people with eczema likely overreact, causing inflammation when they come in contact with certain triggers, which makes the skin red and itchy.

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Like eczema, theres no exact known cause for psoriasis, but it too has an immune system link. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that revs up the production of new skin cells. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, skin cells typically grow and fall off within a month, but in people with psoriasis, skin cells go through this process in just a few days. Instead of falling off, the cells pile up on the skin, creating thick, scaly patches, which experts call plaques.

What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis

What’s the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects about 8 million Americans, and like eczema, there are several types. The most common is called plaque psoriasis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , and symptoms include:

  • Areas of thick, raised skin, which is referred to as “plaques”
  • A dry layer covering the plaques that is silvery-white, called “scale”

The plaques, which can be large or small, may appear anywhere on the body but are typically on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.

Psoriasis can affect other parts of the body, too, including the joints, causing the condition known as psoriatic arthritis. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Wang says. According to AAD, symptoms include:

  • Swollen, tender joints, usually in the fingers or toes
  • Swelling in the back of your legs

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Keep Your Skin Hydrated

There is no cure for psoriasis and multiple types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, but you can help limit the symptoms by getting proper treatment and taking good care of your skin, Dr. Fernandez assures.

Dry skin is itchy skin, so one of the keys to managing these conditions is to try to keep your skin moist and hydrated. Dr. Fernandez recommends using a moisturizing cream or ointment, regardless of the need for prescription medications, if you have either eczema or psoriasis.

Psoriasis Symptoms Vs Eczema Symptoms

Psoriasis and eczema have similarities. So many, in fact, that its not unusual for children with one to be misdiagnosed with the other.

But the differences between the two can help make a proper diagnosis, and lead to more successful treatment.

One difference between psoriasis and eczema is how it feels.

With psoriasis, the itching is typically mild or may feel more like a burning sensation. However, with eczema, the itching is very intense.

In fact, people with eczema may scratch so much it leads to bleeding.

Where your rash is concentrated may also help diagnose it.

Eczema is most common on the back of the knees or the inside of the elbows, where psoriasis can show up on the scalp, knees, elbows, buttocks and face.

Neither disease is limited solely to these areas, though.

One more tell-tale difference between the two conditions is in how they react to sunlight.

People with eczema will likely find the sun to be a curse, as it can be sensitive to heat, and sweating may worsen the flare-ups.

In psoriasis, on the other hand, sunlight can slow down the abnormal skin lesions and UV light is even used as a treatment for this skin condition.

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Triggers For Psoriasis And Eczema

While both conditions are chronic, they can flare up from time to time in response to different triggers.

“Eczema is going to be triggered more by things you’re coming into contact with, like fragrance, nickel, pollen, or preservatives,” Dr. Newsom said. For some people, dust, mold, cigarette smoke, wool, polyester, and sometimes hormones can kick off eczema flares.

Psoriasis can be triggered by skin injuries, sunburns, scratches, and infections like strep throat, as well as alcohol and certain medications.

Stress and dry weather tend to be triggers for both conditions, Dr. Newsom said.

Diet may play a role in both conditions. Some people with psoriasis find some relief by following an anti-inflammatory diet. People with eczema may benefit from talking to a healthcare provider to help rule out food allergens that could trigger flares.

Another way to tell psoriasis and eczema apart is when they start. Although there are plenty of exceptions, eczema usually appears before the age of 5, while psoriasis usually comes on between the ages of 1535.

The Cause Behind Each Condition

Suffering from psoriasis and eczema just before the wedding? # ...

The main difference between psoriasis and eczema is the cause behind each condition.

Psoriasis An autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system, which causes the skin cells to grow too fast. This results in the raised, irritated patches of skin psoriasis is typically characterized by.

Eczema The exact cause of eczema is more complicated but is thought to be a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. For instance, someone with eczema might be triggered by an outside substance, which stimulates inflammation and causes the red, dry, itchy patches and uncomfortable skin symptoms of eczema.

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How Can I Get Started On Treatment

Eczema and psoriasis arent entirely curable. But, Dr. Wang says they can be treated and managed to reduce pain, control itching and minimize flare-ups of patches and plaques. Whether you’re dealing with one condition or the other , managing eczema and psoriasis starts with a skincare specialist best identifying your triggers. You’ll work to avoid these irritating events, and you’ll also treat any sustained skin injuries that may add to pain or irritation. Mostly, you’ll work to stay out of the sun and use solutions to help avoid scratching your skin.

Mild cases of both conditions can be treated at home. Dr. Wang suggests using a mild soap, over-the-counter hydrocortisone and emollients, which are therapeutic moisturizers. There are also lotions and creams for both eczema and psoriasis available to consumers.

If your skin doesnt respond to at-home treatments, or the eczema or psoriasis exhibit more aggressive symptoms than ever before, its time to visit the dermatologist. Always discuss long-term treatment with your care provider when resorting to over-the-counter products.

Treatments will vary based on how severe the condition is and patient preference, Dr. Wang explains, but usually include topical steroids, light therapy and prescription drugs for the inflammation. For severe psoriasis, when patients have 10% to 30% of their body covered in plaques, injectable medications, called biologics, are used.

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Can You Have Both At The Same Time

Yes, you can. This is known as a condition called eczematous psoriasis. This typically presents as an eczema rash and psoriatic lesions in specific areas such as behind the knee, the crook of the elbow, or other folds in the skin areas where sweat and moisture can get trapped and irritate the skin. This overlapping condition also tends to cause more itching than psoriasis alone due to increased inflammation.

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Eczema Can Look Like Psoriasis And Vice Versa

Now that you have the differences between eczema and psoriasis clearly in mind, its time to stir up the waters. Especially in the early stages of disease, eczema and psoriasis can resemble each other. In fact, if you go to a physician who isnt a dermatologist, you might actually get a misdiagnosis. Dermatologists, however, are highly trained in identifying and treating skin conditions. To the dermatology experts at Specialists in Dermatology, the differences in eczema and psoriasis are easy to identify through a simple visual examination. We may also biopsy your skin and look at it under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Because eczema is an inflammatory disorder and psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, the treatments for each condition may be different, depending on the severity of your case. You may be able to control mild eczema by avoiding allergic triggers and keeping your skin moist. If you have psoriasis, you may need intravenous therapies or biologics.

Psoriasis Vs Eczema Visit A Board

Psoriasis vs eczema causes, symptoms, treatment, traditional medicine theory comparison

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether you have psoriasis or eczema is to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a professional skin evaluation and diagnosis. Additionally, he or she will put together a personalized treatment plan to help you find must-needed relief from these troublesome skin conditions.

At Cumberland Skin, our team of board-certified dermatologists are experienced in evaluating, diagnosing and treating both psoriasis and eczema. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 449-5771 or request an appointment online.

Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology provides comprehensive general dermatology, skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic dermatology solutions for patients throughout the Southeast. We have offices in Hermitage, Lebanon, Brentwood, and Hendersonville, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 449-5771.

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Can Eczema Become Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are completely different conditions. So, eczema cant turn into psoriasis, and vice versa. But, since the conditions can look so similar, it can be tough to tell the difference even in a clinical setting, especially in children. According to AAD, in these instances, a dermatologist may diagnose the skin condition as psoriasiform dermatitis.

Theres some overlap, too. Its not common, but you can technically get both psoriasis and eczema at the same time, which can be extra confusing. Your dermatologist will usually be able to distinguish between the two.

What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Eczema

Many people dont know the technical differences between psoriasis and eczema. Recognizing which is which will help determine how you treat it.

What is Psoriasis?

A spot of white scales characterizes psoriasis. It 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 severe itching.

Theres no cure for psoriasis. However, some topical and systemic medication can abate this skin problem. It is not contagious.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is another long-term condition that affects the skin. It occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction. It causes the skin to overreact to specific triggers, such as animals, dyes, fabrics, soaps, and other irritants.

Eczema is prevalent among babies. The skin may appear blistered, cracked, inflamed, peeling, pus-filled, or red. Unlike psoriasis, it does not manifest as scaly dead skin.

It can occur anywhere on the body and cause intense itching. Topical treatment usually clears eczema.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: Face

Although psoriasis often occurs on the knees and elbows, it may appear anywhere in the body. It includes the face, neck, and scalp. With treatment, it often resolves but may persist.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: Hands

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: Legs

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: Other Body Parts

Severe Psoriasis vs. Severe Eczema

Treating Psoriasis

Treating Eczema

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Can Stress Trigger Psoriasis And Eczema

Eczema and psoriasis have some similar triggers. In both cases, flare-ups can occur because of environmental factors, changes in climate, and viral or bacterial infections. Eczema triggers tend to be things that dry out your skin, but psoriasis triggers are often linked to the immune system . One trigger they both have in common? Stress.

Whenever the body is under a stressful situation or is fighting off an infection, it increases inflammation in the body. If youre already predisposed genetically to develop a condition, then the stress can kind of unmask it. If youve already been diagnosed, stress or infection can cause a flare, says Dr. Sadeghian. Of course, living with a chronic condition itself is stressful, which can create a stress-flare cycle thats hard to break.

When it comes to the research about stress and skin conditions, the results are mixed. A 2017 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology evaluated 39 studies with more than 32,500 patients and concluded that there was no convincing evidence that stress could exacerbate psoriasis.5 However, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology found that stress and other mental health conditions do cause flare-ups.6 As for eczema, a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences did find evidence that psychological stress may exacerbate atopic dermatitis.7

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