Psoriasis Vs Eczema: Complications
Any condition that impacts the skin barrier increases the chance of infection. This can happen with either psoriasis or eczema but tends to be more common in eczema. In eczema, people are scratching more, so its common to see the skin superficially infected, says Khetarpal.
Psoriasis can also lead to more serious complications. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation .
People with psoriasis are also 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop heart disease than people without the skin condition, says the NPF. Psoriasis is not just inflammation of the skin it causes systemic inflammation and can put you at higher risk for cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke, explains Khetarpal.
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How Is Psoriasis Treated
The type of psoriasis and the severity of the individual’s psoriasis will help to determine what course of treatment will be appropriate. There are a variety of topical treatments that may help improve symptoms of psoriasis, including topical corticosteroids. Other ways to manage and treat psoriasis symptoms include light therapy , systemic treatments, biologics, other medications, lifestyle modifications or alternative and complementary therapies.3
What Causes Psoriasis And Eczema
Causes of psoriasis
We dont know the exact cause of psoriasis, but we do know that its a type of autoimmune disease, meaning that an overactive immune system is involved. The main symptom of psoriasis is thick skin plaques, caused by skin growing too quickly.
Your genes and family history can play a role in whether or not you develop psoriasis. About 40% of people with psoriasis have a family member with psoriasis. And if one parent has psoriasis, a child has about a 30% chance of having it.
Then, there are triggers that can worsen psoriasis symptoms. While each person is different, common triggers for psoriasis include stress and certain infections, like strep throat. Some medications can also act like triggers. Examples include lithium, propranolol , and hydroxychloroquine .
Causes of eczema
The word eczema actually refers to a group of skin conditions that can cause your skin to become red and itchy. Common types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
Often, when people talk about eczema, theyre referring to atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. In fact, over 18 million Americans have atopic dermatitis, 13% of which are children. For this article, well stick to talking about atopic dermatitis.
Like psoriasis, eczema can worsen with triggers. These can include dry skin, stress, and different irritants, like wool and perfumes. Everyday allergens like pollen and dust mites can also be triggers.
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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.
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.
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More Than A Dry Spell
Read Time: 3 minutes
For some, dry skin can be caused by harsh weather, soaps, or even water. This is nothing a little moisturizer cant fix. But for others, dry skin could be the result of a more severe condition. Eczema and psoriasis are the main culprits. Each condition has specific characteristics and needs special care. So how can one tell the difference?
Clinical Significance Of Psoriasis
Physical Comorbidities
Psoriasis has been linked with a range of physical comorbidities including: psoriatic arthritis cardiovascular disease Crohns disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease sleep disorders kidney disease metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease .
Psychosocial and Psychiatric Comorbidities
Risk factors for a variety of psychosocial and psychiatric comorbidities appear to be higher among patients with psoriasis compared with the general population . For example, individuals may become secludedprompting depressionwhen psoriatic lesions appear, thus treatment may promote an improvement in mood partly because of an improvement in psychodynamic issues . Additionally, stress can exacerbate psoriasis, which itself is a stress-inducing disease .
Medications used to treat comorbidities may also exacerbate psoriasis in patients, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem . Management of psoriasis should, therefore, incorporate a strategy to address both physical and non-physical comorbidities .
Burden of Psoriasis
The burden of psoriasis spans physical, psychologic, and social aspects. At present, psoriasis is an incurable disease that is often diagnosed before patients are aged 30 years. Consequently, individuals may live most of their adult life with a chronic, debilitating, and potentially stigmatizing illness , which may not always be acknowledged by clinicians .
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Wear Eczema Friendly Clothing
Protect and soothe your irritated skin by wearing eczema-friendly clothing such as those from Remedywear. Combining eco-friendly TENCEL with anti-bacterial zinc, the result is comfortable, breathable garments that can be worn all day or as an overnight treatment. All garments are specifically designed to combat the urge to scratch by providing a gentle layer of protection in the areas you need it most.
Here are some of our favorites:
Who Gets Neurodermatitis And Why
Neurodermatitis is most common in adults between 30 and 50 years of age and occurs more often in women and people with contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Its rarely diagnosed in children, although a few with atopic dermatitis also develop neurodermatitis.
Psoriasis and anxiety disorders increase risk. Research and clinical experience suggest certain personality types are more prone to developing neurodermatitis, said Yosipovitch. These include having stronger tendencies to conform or be a people pleaser, to hold in emotions, or to be excessively dutiful.
Neurodermatitis can also be triggered by tight clothing , bug bites, nerve injury and dry skin.
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Psoriasis In Inconvenient Places
Psoriasis can develop in very uncomfortable places.
Inverse psoriasis and other types of psoriasis may develop on the genitals, armpits, bottoms of the feet, and skin creases. Psoriasis in skinfolds or the genital area will appear smooth and shiny, but may resemble eczema.
Affected areas often include larger, more solid patches of smoother skin than typical psoriasis. This is likely because of increased moisture in these areas.
Whats The Difference Between Dermatitis And Rosacea
Rosacea can cause red skin that looks like dermatitis. However, rosacea can also cause pimples, and the redness is typically found on your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Have your healthcare provider take a look at your skin to determine if your condition is dermatitis, rosacea, or something else.
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Causes Of Contact Dermatitis
Two types of contact dermatitis include:
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What Is Already Known About This Topic
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Atopic eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common skin diseases and are managed in primary, secondary and tertiary care.
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Observational studies have supported both coexistence and mutual exclusivity of atopic eczema and psoriasis.
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Studies also conflict on the coexistence of other Th1 and Th2 diseases.
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What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is almost like a hybrid dandruff. All dandruff is a result of a fungus that builds up on the scalp. Overtime, this fungus can grow and spread into what is known as seborrhoea. This seborrhoea can also grow on other oil-producing glands like the face or chest.
Unlike more normal forms of dandruff, seborrhoea can cause extreme itching, discomfort, redness and inflammation. It is usually characterized by an oily type of flake that falls off the scalp and spreads into hair.
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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.
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What Is Atopic Dermatitis
Eczematous dermatitis refers to a specific type of reaction rather than a single condition. Eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common cause of eczematous dermatitis. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to irritants or allergens, such as environmental allergens or harsh laundry detergents. While the cause is not fully understood, atopic dermatitis is known to be more common in families with a history of allergies.
Which Itch Is Your Itch
The best way to tell for sure if you have eczema or psoriasis is to get a diagnosis from our experts. Their years of training and clinical experience, plus the diagnostic tools we have on-site at our offices, means that you get an accurate diagnosis, so you can proceed with the most effective treatments available.
To find out whether you have psoriasis, eczema, or need to treat a different kind of itch, contact us today by calling your nearest office or using the online form.
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What Does This Study Add
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There is some evidence that atopic eczema and psoriasis may present in the same individual, both simultaneously and consecutively.
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Coexistence of disease may occur at a level equal or lower than expected.
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Clinicians should be aware of coexistence at diagnosis, when selecting therapies and when reviewing poor response to treatment.
Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is more than just itchy skin, although that is the hallmark symptom of eczema. Patches of dry, itchy skin can create systems of itching, scratching, bleeding, and increased skin infections. Atopic dermatitis can lead to:
- Itchy skin
- Lichenification
- Dry and discolored skin
Atopic dermatitis is chronic and runs in families, and it can come and go over months or years. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can overlap with other types of eczema.
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Eczema Symptoms On The Other Hand Are Similar But Different
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, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at University of Miami School of Medicine, tells SELF.
The American Academy of Dermatology calls atopic dermatitis the itch that rashes to emphasize how uncomfortable this conditions characteristic dry, red, scaly patches can be.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can include:
- Dry, itchy patches of skin
- Small red-to-brownish-gray raised bumps
- Cracked or scaly skin
Contact dermatitis is another kind of eczema, which can be caused by coming into contact with an allergen or an irritating substance, such as solvents, poison ivy, and detergents, the AAD says. The reaction typically affects the part of the body that touched the irritant, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its symptoms are redness or rash, burning or swelling, and blisters that may weep or crust over.
Dyshidrotic eczema is yet another form of this condition. It appears as small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet, and may be triggered by stress, allergies, or exposure to metals like nickel and cobalt, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include pain, itching, redness, flaking, and scaly, cracked skin.
Difference Between Psoriasis And Dermatitis
Categorized under Disease | Difference Between Psoriasis and Dermatitis
Psoriasis vs Dermatitis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that happens when the immune system sends out faulty signals that make the skin cells grow too fast. It is not contagious and has five types:
Guttate, which are small, scaly, red, and tear-drop shaped lesions. They usually appear on the body and the scalp.Inverse, which are smooth patches of skin that appear on skin folds such as in the genital area.Pustular, which appear as bumps that are filled with pus usually appearing on the hands and feet.Erythrodermic, which are accompanied with itching, swelling, and pain. This happens when treatment of plaque psoriasis is suddenly stopped. This type of psoriasis can be fatal.Plaque, which is the most common type of psoriasis, appears as red-and-white scaly patches on the first layer of the skin.
Psoriasis usually appears on elbows, knees, scalp, palms, soles, and the genitals. The fingernails and toenails can also be affected, and psoriasis can cause psoriatic arthritis. It is chronic and in severe cases can completely cover the body.
Dermatitis, on the other hand, is an inflammation or rash of the skin. It is synonymous to eczema which is also a chronic condition. There are several types of dermatitis, namely:
Summary:
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The Dry Skin Of Psoriasis
Not all psoriasis patches appear dry or scaly. At times, large red patches may have no visible scales. However, the patches of psoriasis can build up from dead skin cells to the point of scaling and peeling.
Removal of large scales should not be forced. Gentle removal will prevent breaking the skin and causing bleeding.
Some psoriasis patches may build up a very thick, white layer of dead cells before shedding scales.
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.
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How Is Eczema Treated What Medications Are Used
Treating eczema can be difficult if the cause is something you cant control, like genetics. Fortunately, you may have some influence over your environment and stress levels. Do your best to figure out what triggers or worsens your eczema, and then avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infection and additional flare-ups.
Consider these treatment tips:
If your child has skin problems, such as eczema, you can:
- Avoid long, hot baths, which can dry the skin. Use lukewarm water instead and give your child sponge baths.
- Apply lotion immediately after bathing while the skin is still moist. This will help trap moisture in the skin.
- Keep the room temperature as regular as possible. Changes in room temperature and humidity can dry the skin.
- Keep your child dressed in cotton. Wool, silk and manmade fabrics such as polyester can irritate the skin.
- Use mild laundry soap and make sure that clothes are well rinsed.
- Watch for skin infections. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice an infection.
- Help them avoid rubbing or scratching the rash.
- Use moisturizers several times daily. In infants with eczema, moisturizing on a regular basis is extremely helpful.
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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.
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What Is Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis mimics eczema with the appearance of red, itchy, irritated skin caused by environmental triggers. It can appear on anyone, including those without a history of atopic dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a hypersensitivity reaction, and the most common causes are fragrances, nickel exposure, rubber or other chemicals. Irritant contact dermatitis is not a hypersensitivity reaction. It is caused by direct skin injury from a physical or chemical irritant
How to Treat Skin Allergies: Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is treated similarly to eczema. Sometimes skin allergy or patch testing is needed to identify the offending allergen. Removal of the responsible irritants or allergens should lead to full clearance, unlike eczema which is chronic and can be expected to come and go periodically.