Atopic Dermatitis Vs Psoriasis
Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are common, long-term skin diseases. Both are noncontagious. Because both the rashes look somewhat similar, the diagnosis may be difficult at the first glance, and a biopsy of the skin remains the last resort. However, certain things that can help differentiate between the two before the doctor orders a biopsy.
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.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Psoriasis On The Tongue
Psoriasis can cause periodic flare-ups of symptoms, after which theres little or no disease activity.
Since you can have psoriasis anywhere on your body, its also possible to have it in your mouth. This includes the:
- gums
- tongue
- cheeks
Lesions on the tongue can vary in color, from white to yellowish-white to gray. You might not notice lesions at all, but your tongue may be red and inflamed. This usually occurs during an acute psoriasis flare-up.
For some people, there are no other symptoms, which makes it easily overlooked. For others, pain and inflammation can make it hard to chew and swallow.
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What Are Eczema And Psoriasis
Many people around the world have aggravating and uncomfortable skin conditions. Two of the most common of these rashes are eczema and psoriasis.
Its essential to understand the symptoms and causes of each of the conditions so that you can talk to your doctor about them when they are diagnosing them.
Both of these skin conditions can look the same. Eczema and psoriasis are different in that they can mean other things about your body or your environment.
One is triggered by allergies and skin reactions. The other triggers because your body is reacting abnormally.
What is eczema?
Roughly 30% of all people are affected by eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that affects mostly adolescents and children.
It can affect adults as well. It is often triggered by an allergic reaction to something you came into contact with. The skin reacts by turning red, swelling, and itching.
What is psoriasis?
Around 7 million people have psoriasis. Psoriasis appears on your skin in the same way that eczema does. The difference between psoriasis and eczema is that psoriasis is triggered by things that are not allergies.
Psoriasis starts beneath the skin. It then grows into patches of thick and red itchy skin that shed scaly dead skin cells.
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Learning The Differences Between Eczema And Psoriasis
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Psoriasis causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches, commonly in areas like the elbows and knees. It is common to see psoriasis on the face, buttocks, and scalp of a child. Youll also commonly see thick patches of skin with overlying redness.
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Eczema tends to appear in the crooks of the knees and the elbows.
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Children who have psoriasis tend to have mild itching. In eczema, the itching can be intense.
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There are many ways for a dermatologist to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis, including what one sees on the skin, the amount of itch, and where the disease appears on the skin.
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What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
Other, less common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
- Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
- Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
- Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
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Objectives Of The Review
The primary objective for the review was to investigate the prevalence, incidence or risk of eczema and psoriasis occurring in the same individual at the same time point. The secondary objective was to investigate the same at any time point. A tertiary objective was to summarise the immunologic and genetic data on coexistence.
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.
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Family Medicine & Primary Care Physicians Located In Long Beach Ca
If a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema is itchy, uncomfortable, or it affects your appearance, simple solutions are within reach. At his self-titled practice in Long Beach, California, primary care physician John Paul Cardin Jr., MD, treats skin disorders to help you achieve the beautiful, youthful-looking skin you deserve. Call his office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Can Eczema Or Psoriasis Be Cured
There is no cure for both eczema and psoriasis. Both are ongoing and lifelong conditions, but some types of eczema and psoriasis can fully clear up. Guttate psoriasis, for example, often happens when you have an infection like strep throat and often goes away when the infection clears up. For some people, it never comes back.
But eczema and psoriasis are different for everyone. Some people have flares more often and severe symptoms while others need more treatment.
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Can You Treat Eczema And Psoriasis The Same Way
Some of the medications that are used to treat psoriasis may help treat eczema and vice versa. This doesnt necessarily mean that theres a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for both conditions though. A dermatologist can help you find a treatment plan that will work best for you based on your individual symptoms and medical history.
How To Tell The Difference Between Eczema And Psoriasis
The most common form of psoriasis generally appears as red, scaly patches of dry skin with an overlying silver scale that may crack and bleed. Eczema patches can be brown-gray or red in appearance, may have pustules, and are typically less well-defined. Eczema tends to form where the skin folds, whereas psoriasis tends to be on the outer parts of the joints. Additionally, while both conditions cause itchy skin, the itching associated with eczema tends to be more extreme and almost universal for people with eczema.
Read more about psoriasis symptoms.
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Causes Of Eczema Vs Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are caused by different problems with the immune system. The cause of psoriasis is an autoimmune reaction wherein the immune system misidentifies cells in the skin as dangerous and attacks them. Eczema is an extreme sensitivity, sometimes caused by an allergy, to certain triggering substances. Common triggers for eczema include animals, fabrics, soaps, metals, and certain medications. In other words, psoriasis is caused when your immune system attacks itself, and eczema is caused when your immune system overreacts to an outside substance.
How Do You Treat These Conditions
Mild cases of both psoriasis and eczema usually resolve with the use of topical cortisone. Meanwhile, moderate or severe cases respond to immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine or methotrexate. Severe cases can also respond to phototherapy or UV light treatment. Eczema can also prompt secondary infections, so doctors might prescribe systemic antibiotics to calm these inflammations.
Besides treating the root of the condition, patients could also use an ointment or moisturizing cream to prevent itching and dryness. Look after your overall health as well eat healthy food, drink enough water, and get plenty of exercise. Forming these habits is a good preventive measure against future flare-ups. Coupled with an effective eczema cream, patients can lead healthy lives free from chronic rashes and dry skin.
There is currently no cure for most types of eczema or psoriasis. However, it is possible to manage symptoms by following a treatment plan and taking care of your skin.
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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.
Eczema Vs Psoriasis Below The Surface
Although the skin symptoms of psoriasis and eczema can look similar, the conditions are very different below the surface of the skin. Eczema is frequently related to allergies many people with eczema also have food allergies, asthma, or both. Psoriasis is a systemic disease, meaning that it affects the whole body. Psoriasis causes inflammation, fatigue, and other symptoms. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause progressive joint damage and lead to disability. Psoriatic disease can also cause uveitis , which can result in loss of vision.
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Difference: Psoriasis And Eczema Dont Always Look The Same
Although they may often seem similar, psoriasis has a darker, more leather-like appearance compared to a typically red eczema rash. The psoriasis rash itself also tends to be more raised above the skins surface compared to eczema.
The many different types of eczema can have different appearances. For example, nummular eczema is characterized by circular lesions. Its hard to generalize when it comes to the overall appearance of an eczema rash.
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Still Unsure Time For Some Help
Most persons will have difficulty discerning the condition. The best bet is to visit a dermatologist. Dermatologists can perform different tests to diagnose the condition clearly. There are no cures for either eczema and psoriasis. Rest assured, the doctor will provide the right medication and advice for the right disease.
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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.
What Are The Treatment Options
Though the underlying causes are different, treatment is generally similar, Dr. Fernandez says. You should see a dermatologist for any rash that doesnt go away with over-the-counter medicine, he says.
- Topical cortisone, especially if you have a mild case.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for more moderate to severe cases.
- or ultraviolet light treatment for severe cases.
Also, eczema can prompt a secondary infection so your doctor may use topical and systemic antibiotics to remove bacteria and calm the inflammation.
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The Differences In Appearances
Eczema makes your skin red and inflamed. It may be scaly, oozing, or crusty. You may see rough, leathery patches that are sometimes dark. It can also cause swelling.
Psoriasis can also cause red patches. They may be silvery and scaly — and raised. But if you look closely, the skin is thicker and more inflamed than with eczema.
Though Psoriasis And Eczema Are Different Conditions Treatment For The Two Is Often Similar
While theres no cure for either condition, they can be treated. If youre diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema, your doctor may recommend:
- Over-the-counter moisturizers
- Topical medications to reduce inflammation, like corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and retinoids
- Oral steroids, like prednisone, which can help calm a severe case when used for a short period of time
- Wet dressings, which involve wrapping the area with a wet bandage to soothe the itchiness
Although psoriasis and eczema are both frustrating, irritating conditions, they shouldnt be life-ruiners. If youre struggling with managing your psoriasis or eczema, see a dermatologist, who can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Psoriasis And Eczema Are Linked To Different Conditions
Eczema usually comes along with dry, sensitive skin. People with eczema may have a family member with asthma or hay fever.
Psoriasis is linked to other serious health conditions. People with psoriasis may have other comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or depression.
Why Is Eczema Confused With Psoriasis
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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The Difference Between Psoriasis And Eczema
Itching is the most common complaint people who suffer from either psoriasis or eczema make. However, it is also one of the ways you might be able to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Psoriasis can cause mild itching with some people reporting a burning or stinging sensation.
Itching related to eczema is intense and often causes the person affected to open wounds. Broken skin can cause infections in these cases, a topical antibiotic cream may be prescribed.
What Can I Expect If Ive Been Diagnosed With Eczema
Nearly half of children with eczema will outgrow the condition or experience great improvement by the time they reach puberty. Others will continue to have some form of the disease. For adults with eczema, the disease can be generally well-managed with good skin care and treatment, although flare-ups of symptoms can occur throughout life.
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Severe And Pervasive Psoriasis
Like most skin conditions, psoriasis can become widespread and very irritating. For instance, plaque psoriasis may cover almost the entire surface of the body.
In extreme cases, inflammation can become so severe that it appears and feels like burns.
Extensive, highly painful, burn-like psoriasis can be life-threatening. This requires immediate attention from a health professional.
Other widespread psoriasis may simply require standard treatment to partially heal or resolve.
Difference Between Psoriasis And Eczema
To know are psoriasis and eczema the same? One should know the difference between both disorders.
Are Psoriasis and Eczema The Same Know The Difference?
A kind of thick white patch is characterized as psoriasis.
On the other hand, red inflammation, peeling, cracked, or blistered skin is known as eczema.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the overproduction of skin cells and creates silver-white scales.
Whereas, Eczema is a result of hypersensitivity reaction and leads the skin to overreact to certain triggers.
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When Eczema Or Psoriasis Is Confusing
From the descriptions above, its pretty easy to see how the two conditions can be confusing. Both are genetic conditions with dry, itchy red patches on the body that are usually worse in drier environments. However, its even more difficult to tell the two apart when both are mild.
Really mild psoriasis and eczema can look and behave a lot alike. Really classic forms of psoriasis are really easy to distinguish from eczema for a dermatologist. But very mild psoriasis can look a whole heck of a lot alike, even clinically, on the skin.
In fact, mild forms of eczema and psoriasis can look so much alike that its not uncommon to not be able to completely distinguish the two.
The hardest is when eczema or psoriasis is on the hands, says Dr. Reimer. In this instance, it can be particularly stubborn and hard to tell the difference.
Sometimes Ill see when dermatologists disagree and someone has a diagnosis of eczema, but they come in to see me, and I think its psoriasis, and vice versa.