Eczema vs Psoriasis — Know the difference.

Sarah’s skin was itchy, red and dry. She couldn’t stop scratching her hand. After a little online research, she discovered that these skin issues were eczema! But she also discovered that there’s another skin condition called psoriasis that could have visually similar symptoms. She realised that the eczema remedies, probably wouldn’t work for psoriasis skin disease. Eczema and psoriasis may have a similar look, but are fundamentally different.

Both eczema and psoriasis can cause a skin rash –– patches of red, raised, itchy skin and can appear in the same places of the body, such as the hands, legs, torso and scalp. Neither of them is contagious, but both can lead to common skin infections. Eczema occurs because of different allergic reactions. This causes the skin to overreact to certain allergic triggers, such as dyes, fabrics, soaps, animal dander, and other external substances. According to a research study by NIAID, eczema is a chronic disease characterised by dry, itchy skin that can release fluid when scratched. People with eczema may be particularly susceptible to bacterial, viral, and other fungal skin diseases. Despite their similar appearances, there are clues that can help you differentiate between eczema or psoriasis skin disease.

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1. Genetics, environment or autoimmune factors: The biggest difference between eczema and psoriasis are the underlying causes. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease, meaning your immune system gets dysfunctional and your skin cells grow too fast. The cells start to pile up on the top of the skin, forming white and red scaly skin.

The eczema causes can be more complicated and difficult to determine. Both genetic and environmental allergies could play a role in triggering the skin rash. As per a research study by Penn Medicine, on some eczema patients, a gene responsible for creating a protective layer on the top of the skin gets mutated (changed), which leaves the skin prone to infections. Climate can also play a vital role — people living in a dry climate, where they are exposed to environmental allergies, often have the dry skin disease.

2. Subtle differences in itchiness: When you’ve got an irritating, itchy spot, who cares about the subtle difference? But this can help you to determine your skin condition. Psoriasis tends to cause milder itching and, in some few common psoriasis types, a terrible burn. Eczema, on the other hand, can lead to very intense itching. When it starts to become severe, some people scratch their skin so hard that it bleeds. Both skin diseases can show up anywhere on your body, but they have their own favourite areas. Psoriasis causes trouble commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, buttocks and face. Psoriasis can sometimes cause joint stiffness as well as swelling (psoriatic arthritis). It can also affect the nails of an individual (nail psoriasis).

Eczema can also appear in these places, but it most often inflames the skin on the back of the knees, inner elbows, wrists, ankles and neck. Although you can get either disease at any age, eczema affects children more than psoriasis does.

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3. Sunshine can ease psoriasis, but not necessarily eczema: If you have eczema skin, summer might not be your favourite season. Some people with eczema are sensitive to heat. In hot weather, overheating can cause perspiration, which can lead to skin infection flare ups.

However, for most psoriasis patients, abundant natural ultraviolet B (UVB) light from sunshine can be a blessing. UVB light can slow down the abnormal growth of skin cells. But remember — an excess of everything can be bad. If you go sunbathing without using or get exposed to sunlight for too long, overexposure can trigger psoriasis symptoms.

Eczema and psoriasis symptoms can appear very differently in each person. Comparing your symptoms with another patient or online research, won’t always give you the correct answer. Talk to a skin doctor about getting the right diagnosis and treatment for any skin irritation. Lack of awareness regarding the nature of a skin disease causes many people to feel isolated, frustrated and depressed. It is important to understand the nature of the relapse of eczema or psoriasis and monitor your allergic etiology.