Exploring The Treatment Options
Eczema and psoriasis are both long-term conditions that require long-term treatments. Treatment may depend on the severity of symptoms as well as the size and location of the affected area of skin. Common treatments include topical anti-inflammatories, hydrating skin creams, phototherapy, and biologic or systemic drugs to control the bodys inflammatory and immune responses.
In addition to discussing treatment options with your doctor, its important to avoid factors that may trigger or worsen your symptoms. Eczema may be worsened by wetness or allergies as well as certain cleansers, soaps, and detergents. Psoriasis flare-ups are more likely to follow injuries to the skin and can also be brought about by stress or infection.
The first step in resolving your skin issues is to talk to your doctor to receive a diagnosis. Though both eczema and psoriasis can be chronic, finding the right treatment may help relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed What Tests Are Done
Your healthcare provider will take a close look at your skin. They will look for classic signs of eczema such as a redness and dryness. They will ask about the symptoms youre experiencing.
Usually your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose eczema based on examining your skin. However, when there is doubt, they may perform the following tests:
- An allergy skin test.
- Blood tests to check for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
- A skin biopsy to distinguish one type of dermatitis from another.
What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Eczema
A lot of people dont know the difference between psoriasis and eczema and often confuse the two when they see someone with one of the conditions. While they may appear similar, its important to understand the differences because they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Dermatologists are the medical experts who specialize in differentiating between the two.
Lets take a look at the similarities and differences between the two conditions.
Recommended Reading: Is Eczema A Skin Allergy
Can Stress Exacerbate Psoriasis Or Eczema
Theres no doubt that living with psoriasis and eczema can be stressful, and their connection to stress has been widely discussed in the dermatology community.
Although experts often advise people with psoriasis and eczema to avoid stressful situations, a lot remains to be proven about exactly how stress can influence these conditions. A November 2017 meta-analysis in the British Journal of Dermatology evaluated 39 studies with more than 32,500 patients, concluding that no convincing evidence exists that preceding stress is strongly associated with psoriasis exacerbation/onset. As for eczema, an October 2017 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reported that psychological stress may exacerbate atopic dermatitis, and it might be mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Just because science hasnt fully clarified the role stress plays in these conditions doesnt mean the link doesnt exist. Dr. Wu says hes seen patients experience stress-related psoriasis or eczema flare-ups in the past, and the AAD mentions stress when discussing both psoriasis and eczema.
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.
Don’t Miss: Diet And Eczema In Toddlers
What Is Eczema What Does It Look And Feel Like
Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. Its one of many types of dermatitis. Eczema damages the skin barrier function . This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness.
Eczema doesnt harm your body. It doesnt mean that your skin is dirty or infected, and its not contagious. There are treatments that can help manage your symptoms.
In the word dermatitis, derm means skin and itis means inflammation. The word as a whole means inflammation of the skin. Eczema originates from the Greek word ekzein which means to boil over or break out.
Difference #: Location Of Symptoms
Generally speaking, both conditions can appear on most parts of the body. However, there are certain areas where youâre more prone to see psoriasis and certain areas youâre more likely to see eczema developing.
Eczema tends to develop â on the parts of the body where there are creases. For instance, on your inner elbow or behind your knees. It can also form on your neck, wrists and ankles.
Psoriasis tends to develop â on your elbows, knees, scalp and face, lower back, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, mouth and lips, ears, eyelids, fingernails and toenails.4
Recommended Reading: Best Baby Shampoo For Eczema
Treatments For Psoriasis Include:
- Corticosteroids
- Anthralin, coal tar, salicylic acid, Vitamin D cream and topical retinoids
- Light therapy/phototherapy
- Antihistamine creams or tablets, such as Diphenhydramine
- Antibiotic creams
- Avoiding extremely hot temperatures â particularly hot baths or showers
- Moisturising the skin
Diet can also potentially play a part in both conditions, seeing as theyâre both inflammatory skin conditions. Eating certain anti-inflammatory food, such as these, can potentially help calm the skin:
- Fruit and vegetables – especially berries, cherries and leafy greens
- Oily fish – salmon, sardines, and other fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
- Antioxidant-rich herbs and spices â such as thyme, sage, cumin and ginger
- Healthy sources of fat â such as olive oil, seeds, and nuts
We hope that by reading this psoriasis vs eczema article, youâre now a bit clearer on the difference between eczema and psoriasis? While there are parallels between the two, there are also lots of differentiators that are possible to identify the first step is knowing that they exist.
23 July 2020
There Can Be Overlap Between Eczema And Psoriasis
-
Still in some children, its hard to tell the difference. In this case, a dermatologist might diagnose the child with psoriasiform dermatitis.
-
Sometimes, a child has both eczema and psoriasis, so there can be some overlap.
-
A dermatologist, however, will generally be able to differentiate between these two relatively common skin disorders.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
Recommended Reading: Best Cream For Weeping Eczema
Eczema And Psoriasis Meaning In Malayalam
“eczema” , . Malayalam meaning and translation of the word “eczema”
Eating a healthy diet that consists of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables avoiding processed and fried foods whenever possible.
Familial hirsutism is perfectly normal.
of conditions, including dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word originated from Ayus meaning life and Veda.
for treating different skin diseases such as eczema, itching psoriasis.
Itching can also occur over a relatively long period of time, such as when itching is due to chronic eczema. Itching can occur by itself or in conjunction.
Medical definition of spongiosis: swelling localized in the epidermis and often occurring in eczema.
All you need to know about psoriasis Often neglected as a mere skin and cosmetic condition, Psoriasis is, in fact, an autoimmune condition. “psoriasis” , . Malayalam meaning and translation of the word “psoriasis” Nov 03, 2017 · Psoriasis Causes, Signs, Symptoms & Prevention.
Psoriasis Cream On Eczema Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, genetics and the immune system are thought to be primary co. Eczema Dyshidrotic is a type of dermatitis that is characterized by itchy blisters on the palms
May 29, 2020.
What’s The Difference Between Eczema And Psoriasis
-
Children get eczema. They can also get psoriasis.
-
While more children develop eczema than psoriasis, almost 1% of children have psoriasis.
-
Its not always easy to tell whether a child has eczema or psoriasis. A study conducted in Australia found that most children who had psoriasis were initially diagnosed by their primary care doctor as having another disease, often eczema.
-
To a dermatologists trained eye, psoriasis and eczema tend to look quite different.
You May Like: Baby Eczema 2 Months Old
What Symptoms Should You Watch For
Visually, it can sometimes be difficult to tell one condition from the other.
You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patients other medical problems, Dr. Fernandez says.
The common signs dry and/or cracked scaly skin, itching and red patches or plaques may show up for either.
With psoriasis, the plaques on your skin are likely thicker and have dry scaling. But sometimes thats not enough to tell between the two with the naked eye, Dr. Fernandez says.
A more obvious clue fluid leaking through the skin points to eczema.
When we see that, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis, he says. But there are definitely times when we cannot tell the difference. And, in those cases, we will perform biopsies.
Psoriasis Up And Down The Legs
Psoriasis frequently occurs on the legs and knees. Although some psoriasis may cover significant portions of the legs, other types may appear in isolated patches.
The different types of psoriasis have different appearances.
For instance, guttate psoriasis on the legs would appear in many separate, drop-like, small red psoriasis patches. However, plaque psoriasis on the legs often appears in large, shapeless patches with thick red skin or thick white scales.
You May Like: Shea Moisture Eczema And Psoriasis Body Wash
Causes Of The Diseases
Eczema and psoriasis, while two distinct conditions, have something key in common. Both diseases, says Dr. Amy Paller, Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, involve the human immune system, just in different ways.
With psoriasis, the immune system is overactive in a manner that leads to the growth of too many new skin cells, too fast. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing thick scales or plaques that can be dry, flaky and painful. Psoriasis can be triggered or worsened by stress, skin injury, cold/dry weather, medications or infections. Genetics also seem to play a role with psoriasis risks running in families.
While experts dont completely know what causes eczema, a combination of genes, immune system tendencies and triggers are believed to be involved. People with eczema tend to have overly-reactive immune systems that, when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, respond by causing inflammation. Researchers have also found that some people with eczema have a mutation in a gene that plays an important role in the skin barrier leaving the skin more vulnerable to dryness, irritants and allergens . Similar to psoriasis, stress can also trigger eczema and family history can increase eczema risks.
Eczema Up And Down The Legs
Eczema on the legs may often occur in body creases, such as the back of the knee or the front of the ankle. These areas may trap sweat or irritants from clothing and the air.
Close contact of irritants with skin and areas of skin rubbing together create a perfect environment for atopic dermatitis to thrive.
If eczema on the backs of the knees isnt quickly or effectively treated, it can become very irritating and painful. Constant contact from clothing can cause significant bleeding, oozing, and infection.
Don’t Miss: Why Do I Have Eczema On My Arms
Whats The Difference Between Psoriasis & Eczema
Nothing is more satisfying than scratching an intense itch. Likewise, nothing is more frustrating than a persistent itch that evades relief. Psoriasis and eczema are two relatively common skin disorders that cause dryness, itching, and rashes which can become red and inflamed with scratching.
Psoriasis and eczema sometimes look very similar, but its the differences that may help you and your doctor come to a diagnosis. Heres what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for both.
When To See A Doctor For Psoriasis Or Eczema
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that anyone living with psoriasis see a dermatologist. Its especially important to see a dermatologist if your psoriasis symptoms are getting worse, if you develop new symptoms, if your joints start to hurt, or if the treatment recommended by your primary care physician isnt working.
If you have eczema and your symptoms get worse or if you show signs of an infectionred, painful, oozing, or blistery skinthen its best to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youve seen a doctor already and the treatment plan they gave you isnt working, a dermatologist will be able to give you more specialized care.
Read Also: What Is The Medicine For Eczema
Psoriasis Vs Eczema: Genetics
With psoriasis, Genetics seems to play a large role, says Khetarpal. People with psoriasis often have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. About 1 in 3 people with psoriasis have a family member who is also affected, according to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.
Eczema also tends to run in families, suggesting it has a genetic component, too. Its seen more commonly in people with a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. We call it the allergic triad, says Khetarpal. Sometimes someone else in the family has one of these conditions, or the patient may have one, two, or even all three of these conditions.
Psoriasis Vs Eczema: Triggers
In both psoriasis and eczema, certain triggers can bring on a flare. While emotional stress is believed to trigger or worsen both psoriasis and eczema, other triggers are more specific to each condition.
Since eczema is a hypersensitivity, environmental factors can cause a flare. According to the NEA, common eczema triggers include:
RELATED: 9 Psoriasis Dos and Donts
Recommended Reading: Eczema That Looks Like Hives
What Do Psoriasis And Eczema Look Like
Signs and symptoms of psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis appears as thick, raised, red patches on the skin that are covered with white scales made of old, dead skin cells. These plaques can be itchy and painful. They can also crack and bleed.
Psoriasis can affect any part of the skin, but it usually shows up on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. Other forms of psoriasis can occur on the genitals or in your skin folds, like in your armpits . Psoriasis can also just involve the hands and feet .
Up to 35% of people with psoriasis also have nail changes related to psoriasis. This includes:
-
Small pits or holes in the nail
-
Yellow or brown nail color
-
Thickening of the nail
-
Changes to the nail shape
There are several other serious health problems that can be more likely if you have psoriasis. Some of the more common issues include:
Signs and symptoms of eczema
Eczema appears as red, dry patches of skin that are very itchy. Some people with eczema scratch these areas a lot, which can lead to bleeding and thick or leathery skin. Unlike psoriasis, eczema can become infected with bacteria or viruses.
Although eczema can affect any part of the skin, some areas are more common. In infants, eczema usually happens on the cheeks, elbows, and knees. In older children and adults, eczema usually affects the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and the hands and wrists.
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.
You May Like: Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Lotion
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.