Eczema Vs Psoriasis: At What Age Do They Start
Eczema typically begins in infants or young children. Symptoms often improve as a child grows older. Adults are less likely to get it, but it is possible. When this occurs, it is usually due to another condition such as thyroid disease, hormonal changes, or stress.
On the other hand, psoriasis typically appears between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it is possible to get it at any age. It is unusual for a baby to have it.
Psoriasis V Eczema Symptoms
It is usually possible for a doctor to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis just from looking, but sometimes additional testing may be needed at the Harley Street skin clinic to confirm the diagnosis. The effects of these skin conditions can vary, so sometimes they are difficult to tell apart.
- Eczema is usually very itchy. Psoriasis can itch a little, but you could also feel a stinging or burning sensation instead.
- Eczema usually look like rough, red patches, which can become crusty and infected. Psoriasis can cause similar red patches too, but it can also cause silvery, scaly patches and areas of thickened and severely inflamed skin.
- Eczema tends to appear in creases of skin around your joints. Psoriasis is more likely to affect your scalp, face, back, palms, and the soles of your feet. It can also appear in other places, including in your mouth or on your nails.
The symptoms of eczema often appear earlier than those of psoriasis. Most people develop eczema as babies or children, and sometimes grow out of it later in life. Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of about 15 and 35, and it is a lifelong condition.
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.
Also Check: Psoriasis Fotos En Las Manos
Treatments For Eczema And Psoriasis
Treatment for eczema
Doctors usually treat eczema with a corticosteroid ointment or cream. If your eczema is stubborn and doesnt go away, they might prescribe you some immunosuppressants and steroids.
Antihistamines are used for contact dermatitis.
Treatment for psoriasis
Psoriasis needs to be treated differently than eczema. Doctors might prescribe ointments designed specifically for psoriasis that include vitamin D, calcipotriene, calcitriol, or vitamin A as a topical therapy.
If your psoriasis is severe enough, doctors can prescribe phototherapy, which involves using ultraviolet light in controlled doses.
Extremely severe psoriasis is treated with acitretin, methotrexate, or cyclosporine. These are powerful biologic medicines that require careful dosage and oversight by a physician.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually found on the scalp, but it can sometimes appear elsewhere. It causes itchy patches of scaly skin that may look a little greasy but can flake, especially if you scratch.
Seborrheic dermatitis may look different in individuals with skin of color. It tends to be red and scaly on those with light or fair skin tones. On medium and dark skin tones this condition may appear as curved or petal-like lesions along the hairline. It can also cause hypopigmentation or lightening of the skin.
In babies, seborrheic dermatitis may be crusty. Children and babies of color tend to not experience the typical cradle cap appearance of seborrheic dermatitis. Instead they often have redness, a rash, flaking, and hypopigmentation of the affected areas and folds of skin often accompanied by atopic dermatitis.
Babies may also have seborrheic dermatitis around the eyes and nose. If the skin is scratched, theres some risk of bleeding or infection if the thick scale is picked or removed from the scalp.
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some common symptoms. They both result in:
- scaly patches of skin
- flakes that may attach to the hair shaft
- itching
How can you tell the difference? One clue is the scales. Psoriasis on the scalp on lighter skin tones often appears as red or pink and can have silvery-white scales. On darker skin tones, psoriasis is more likely to appear as dark or reddish brown or purple patches with overlying whitish or grayish scales.
Also Check: Loma Lux Psoriasis Side Effects
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.
What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis Vs Eczema
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, per the Mayo Clinic. There are other types of psoriasis as well, but plaque psoriasis is most likely to be misidentified as eczema. The symptoms of plaque psoriasis are most often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals and may include:
- Raised, inflamed patches of skin
- A silvery-white coating of dead skin cells on top of those patches
- Itchiness
- Cracking skin and bleeding
Eczema symptoms are similar but do have several important differences.
Eczema is really the collective name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is why when most people say eczema, they usually mean atopic dermatitis, Todd Minars, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, tells SELF. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can include:
- Dry, itchy patches of skin
- Small red-to-brownish-gray raised bumps
Read Also: Plaque Psoriasis And Joint Pain
Where You Get The Lesions
- Eczema:In babies: Any part of the body can be affected but it is particularly common on the face and scalp. In older children and adults: It tends to affect the skin folds
- Psoriasis: Elbows, knees, scalp and face, lower back, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Psoriasis can also cause pitting and splitting of the nails which does not occur in eczema.
Identifying Eczema And Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, typically characterised by raised itchy skin plaques. These plaques are usually red, itchy, and covered with thick, silvery scales.
Psoriasis is most commonly found on your knees, elbows and scalp, but it can also affect your nails and legs.
In this skin condition, the life cycle of your skin cells speeds up. This builds up dead cells on the surface of your epidermis, causing red, inflamed and flaky patches of skin.
Eczema is also a chronic, non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching. Eczema can cause red, inflamed, or cracked skin. This may be accompanied by hay fever or asthma.
Eczema affects your skins ability to protect it from bacteria and allergens. This leads your skin to respond more forcibly to certain triggers such as dust, skin care products, detergents, animals etc.
Dont Miss: How To Rid Of Eczema On Face
Don’t Miss: Get Rid Of Psoriasis Scars
What Is The Difference Between Eczema And Psoriasis
Comparing pictures online may be hard as it is rather indistinguishable to the amateur eye. Instead of images, examining the expected feelings can identify one or the other. Identification of key symptoms is the first step into getting a proper diagnosis. Eczema is often misdiagnosed as psoriasis upon initial episode. They arent the same disease are using identical treatments may fail to sooth skin. Hindering treatment can result in scarring or general failure to ever get better. This can lead to dangerous infection or permanent damage to appearance. A new diagnosis may help those afflicted with stubborn symptoms that dont seem to respond to topical treatment.
Dont Miss: Do I Need To See A Dermatologist For Eczema
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.
Read Also: What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis Of The Liver
Eczema And Psoriasis: Similarities
When it comes to similarities, both conditions can cause red, itchy skin and other similar symptoms. However, the causes remain different and require different treatments. As a result, its critical to understand the distinctions.
Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when a persons immune system causes skin cells to grow more quickly than they should. Instead of falling off the skin, dead skin cells accumulate on it. A variety of factors can contribute to eczema. Environmental factors, bacterial exposure, allergens, and family history are examples of these.
The Definition Of Eczema
Eczema is not a singular disease. There are different conditions that make up eczema, but youve likely heard of the most common one atopic dermatitis.
This condition arises when your skins barrier is no longer able to function due to damage.
Therefore, youre left with more sensitive skin which then leads to dryness, redness, itchiness and so on.
Eczema typically occurs in infants and young children. Many of those affected outgrow the skin condition while others may see improvement as they age.
You May Like: Can You Get Psoriasis All Over Your Body
What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis And Eczema
What we know is that psoriasis is immune-mediated, meaning there is some imbalance in the immune system, which leads to inflamed skin, dermatologist and National Psoriasis Foundation medical board member Jashin J. Wu, MD, tells SELF. It tends to run in families, but there may not be straightforward patterns of inheritance. One well-known trigger of psoriasis is strep throat infections, but not all new cases of psoriasis result from strep throat. That doesnt mean strep throat in and of itself can cause psoriasis in anyone, but it can trigger the condition in someone who is already predisposed to psoriasis.
Psoriasis can also occur at the site of skin trauma. As the cut or scrape heals, psoriasis lesions develop.4 This is called Koebners phenomenon, says Dr. Sadeghian.
People with eczema have certain genes that are responsible for impairing the skins ability to act as a barrier to irritation. Dr. Sadeghian says that having a family history of eczema means that its more likely youll develop the condition. Neither eczema nor psoriasis is contagious.
Which Is Worse: Eczema Or Psoriasis
Eczema affects children who are incapable of taking care of themselves in these situations. Psoriasis, on the other hand, causes severe deformation of nails. Eczema may sometimes cause intense skin irritation which becomes uncontrollable whereas psoriasis can be connected to diabetes, depression and heart ailments.
After analysing various studies it is safe to say that both psoriasis and eczema are equally disturbing and carry a lot of social stigma and discrimination along with them. It is not possible to say definitively that one is worse than the other.
The Last Word
You must be informed about both eczema and psoriasis, understand their possible triggers, know their characteristics and symptoms to be able to differentiate them, diagnose them and opt for the right treatment.
Make sure you talk to your doctor, understand the treatments to manage the flare-ups. Choose herbal remedies, naturally-formulated products in your daily skincare routine over chemical ones to maintain your skin health.
Read Also: Does Humira Work For Psoriasis
Psoriasis Vs Eczema: Whats The Difference
If you have patches of itchy, inflamed, or red skin, youre not alone.
Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can be uncomfortable but are very common.
Eczema affects up to 15 million Americans, many of whom are infants and young children.
Psoriasis is also widespread, impacting 3% of adults in the United States.
Although eczema and psoriasis are different conditions that require specific treatment plans, it can be difficult to distinguish between them.
Even general practitioners can misdiagnose patients with psoriasis.
So if you have patches of symptomatic skin and are unsure what is going on, its important to make an appointment with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis.
In the meantime, this article will help you learn more about psoriasis and eczema, including the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors for each.
Ill also explain the triggers for psoriasis and eczema, as well as how to prevent flare-ups and when to see a doctor about a skin condition.
Is Psoriasis Contagious
You can’t “give” it to anyone, and no one can “catch” it from you.
“You can touch psoriasis all day long,” High says. “As a dermatologist ⦠I see at least one person if not a few people with psoriasis , and I don’t have it.” High adds, “My wife doesn’t have it. I didn’t bring it home. I don’t do special laundry. I don’t undress in the garage or anything like that.”
Also Check: Best Coal Tar Shampoo For Psoriasis
When To See A Doctor
If you suspect that you have psoriasis or eczema, its vital to make an appointment with a dermatologist so they can diagnose you and recommend a treatment plan.
With the proper medication, you can manage your condition and get your itch and inflammation under control.
Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you are experiencing:
- An itchy rash that doesnt get better with moisturizer or OTC creams
- A rash or blisters that are oozing, full of pus, or bleeding
- A rash that is accompanied by a fever, dizziness, increased weight gain, or rapid heart rate
- Deep grooves or pockets in your fingernails or toenails
- Pain or tenderness in your back, hands, or feet
- Skin itch or pain thats new worsening or spreading
- Stiffness in your joints
- Swelling or skin that is hot to the touch
If you are experiencing severe or rapid swelling in your skin, tongue, lips, or face skin that is painful to touch wheezing and shortness of breath, you may require emergency care.
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?
to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
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
Don’t Miss: How Does Salicylic Acid Help Psoriasis
What Cures Eczema Fast
It is best to follow the medical advice of your dermatologist and other doctors for the treatment of both eczema and psoriasis. It is also worth remembering that there is no cure for these skin conditions. However, your dermatology office can prescribe medications and other treatments to keep you comfortable and prevent flares.
Each Has A Different Response To Sunlight
Those with eczema may also have a different experience in the sun and heat compared to those with psoriasis. People with eczema are often more sensitive to heat, as sweat can cause the skin to flare up. On the other hand, individuals with psoriasis can benefit from natural ultraviolet B light in sunshine.UVB light helpsto slow the abnormal growth of skin cells and is even used in formal medical treatments for psoriasis.
However, as with anything, too much exposure can end up being a bad thing. Spending too much time in the sun can lead to dryness and trigger psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, when spending time in the sun, it is important to do so in moderation and use a healthy amount of sunscreen.
With experience and careful attention to detail, it may be possible to distinguish between the two skin diseases. Even if it is not possible to tell the difference visually, a dermatologist can perform a biopsy to provide more certainty and direct you to specific treatment options. If you believe that you have either psoriasis or eczema and have not yet received a diagnosis, you should consider contacting a dermatologist for proper guidance.
Don’t Miss: What Does Psoriasis Look Like On African American Skin