Such conditions make the skin confusing, especially when, like in the case of psoriasis and eczema, both seem to have similar symptoms. Though they are tearing up the skin, hence causing discomfort, the causes, symptoms, treatments, and management plans for two different conditions will differ. Understandably, the differences between psoriasis and eczema are indeed fundamental in the diagnosis and treatment process. This article seeks to explore these differences.
What You Need to Know About Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic or long-term inflammatory disease of the skin. The cells in the skin multiply rapidly and create thick scales and patches, which may bleed when scraped. This is caused by malfunctioning of the immune system, which attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to proliferate rapidly, creating an inflammatory response in the body. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. However, some of the most common places that it appears are on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
What You Need to Know About Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic or long-term inflammatory disease of the skin. The cells in the skin multiply rapidly and create thick scales and patches, which may bleed when scraped. This is caused by malfunctioning of the immune system, which attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to proliferate rapidly, creating an inflammatory response in the body. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. However, some of the most common places that it appears are on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Types of Psoriasis
- Plaque Psoriasis: The most common kind in which plaque psoriasis develops in raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. The patches are painful and very itchy.
- Gestate Psoriasis: This type typically occurs after having a bacterial infection. Its appearance includes small, teardrop-shaped lesions primarily on the torso and limbs.
- Reversal psoriasis: It occurs in folds of the skin at the armpits, breasts, or in the groin. It creates smooth, red plaques.
- Pustular psoriasis: it is characterized by white-centred pustules. The skin may turn red; it may appear as larger patches on one's body.
- Erythroderma Psoriasis: The most acute form of the disease, which affects a large body area, is characterized by wide redness and scales. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening and usually requires emergency hospital care
The Symptoms of the Psoriasis
- Red spots on the skin, covered with thick, silvery scales
- Bleeding cracked dry skin
- Itching or burning and soreness
- Nails can be thickened or pitted
- In arthritic condition of the disease, the joints become swollen and stiff
What You Should Know About Eczema?
Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, which primarily affects children, though it can persist into adulthood. Its characteristics include dry, itchy, inflammation and irritation susceptible skin. Eczema is multifactorial, meaning it consists of elements both genetic, environmental, and immune.
Types of Eczema
- Atopic Dermatitis: It is the most common type, atopic dermatitis, usually present from early childhood and may be accompanied by other atopic diseases, including asthma and hay fever.
- Contact Dermatitis: it is another type in which the human body reacts to a chemical agent so that skin inflammation could be caused by redness and itching.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: showing small, itchy blisters on hands and feet. Sometimes this eczema is due to stress or reaction to some metals.
- Nummular Eczema: This becomes round, coin-shaped patches of inflamed skin, mostly resulting after dry skin or injury.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Although this occurs mostly on oily areas like the scalp and face, where it causes red, scaly patches and dandruff.
The Symptoms of the Eczema
- Dry, fragile skin
- Severe itching may develop, especially at night
- Red, inflamed patches of skin
- Cracked and split skin that may ooze or bleed
- Heavy, leathery skin from continuous scratching
- Main Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema
5 Principal Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema
Eczema and psoriasis have many similarities in their symptoms, but they are also completely different diseases. Very often, a normal diagnosis with proper treatment can be determined solely based on the differences.
1. Cause
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Its cause is unknown. Genetic factors are also responsible since they sometimes tend to run in families. Since there are no absolute causes, environmental drugs and illness, stresses can be considered the triggers of this disease.
- Eczema: Eczema is a disorder, which primarily arises out of genetic, immune system disorders and environmental causes. There is an increased risk if people have the first degree of relatives suffering from atopic conditions. It is typically triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites; irritants such as soaps and detergents; and the environmental factors are extreme temperatures and humidity.
2. Appearance
- Psoriasis: Silvery-white scaled patches are raised, and thick. Patches are usually discrete but may coalesce. Well-defined; often red or dark pink. Dry and crusted; may crack or bleed.
- Eczema: The patches are usually red and inflamed, and are less well-defined than psoriasis lesions. At times, it will be dry and scaly, and weepy, usually following scratching. Eczema causes the skin to chronically thicken if frequently scratched over time.
3. Itching
- Psoriasis: Itching is present but less common and less severe compared to atopic dermatitis. Pain is caused by the thickness of the plaques and mostly burning in nature.
- Eczema: Itching is usually very severe in the case of atopic dermatitis. Most of the patients cannot sleep at night because of itching, and it also affects their work during the day. The scratch usually aggravates the condition, causing an itch-scratch cycle.
4. Location
- Psoriasis: A disorder, whereby psoriatic patches develop anywhere in the body- even upon the scalp, elbow, knee, lower back, and even under the nails. It can also develop around the joints.
- Eczema: Eczema favours body areas such as the face, neck, inside of the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet, but it may appear on any other area. Most of it develops in flexural areas.
5. Age of Onset
- Psoriasis: Symptoms of psoriasis may appear at any age; the average age of onset of symptoms of psoriasis is between 15 to 35 years. Though a majority of children do not have symptoms of psoriasis at birth, children can develop symptoms of psoriasis.
- Eczema: Eczema is present since infancy, though the majority of children improve and "outgrow" eczema by adulthood, while others do not.
Even though it is challenging to know if one suffers from eczema or psoriasis, certain signs and symptoms will be helpful in differentiating between the two.
How Do I Know I Have Psoriasis or Eczema?
It is quite hard to tell whether someone suffers from psoriasis or eczema, but with little knowledge of the health condition, it becomes quite simple, especially when trying to differentiate one from the other.
1. Review your skin's appearance:
If you have thick, red patches covered with silvery scales you probably have psoriasis. Patches usually are well defined and usually appear on elbows, knees, and scalp.
Eczema is typically red, inflamed, less-well-defined patches which feel scaly, dry, or weepy.
2. Review the Itching:
Eczema will feel very itchy. At times, this itching tends to be worse at night. If your itching is unbearable and interferes with your daily life, then eczema may be the reason.
Psoriasis may also itch. They seem to be less scratchy than eczema and can be accompanied by a burning sensation.
3. Consider the Areas Involved:
Psoriasis typically occurs on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp. It may also appear under the nails and make the joints inflamed.
Eczema commonly occurs in parts of the body, such as the face, neck, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.
4. Think About Your Family History:
If you have a family history of atopic diseases (asthma, hay fever), you may be more prone to getting eczema.
Psoriasis also has a genetic element but may not be as directly connected to atopic conditions.
5. Check the Age of Onset:
If you got your skin condition when you were a child and it persisted, then that may likely be eczema.
If your symptoms start any time after adolescence or adulthood setting, it might be psoriasis.
If you do not know or are concerned about your dermatologic condition, you should contact a healthcare professional who will make the proper diagnosis and treatment. A dermatologist will review your symptoms and give you counselling appropriate for your case.
How Can I Support Treating My Psoriasis and/or Eczema?
The treatments used for psoriasis and eczema vary. Here are a few treatments used for each:
1. Topical Treatments:
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory creams or ointments may help reduce erythema, pruritus, and scaling. Importantly, topical use of corticosteroids should always be prescribed in the manner recommended by your doctor to avoid possible side effects.
- Vitamin D Analogues: Topical products containing Vitamin D and calcipotriene may be effective in slowing down the growth rate of skin cells and promoting scaling.
- Retinoid: Topical retinoid derived from vitamin A improves the appearance of the skin while inhibiting plaque formation.
2. Light Therapy: End
- UV Light Therapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light reduces symptoms by slowing skin cell turnover and inflammation. It is usually provided in a dermatologist's office.
- Systemic Treatments: These systemic treatments are required for moderate to severe psoriasis. Some systemic drugs are methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics that target specific parts of the immune system.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle modification can be employed to reduce flare-ups. These include stress management to healthy diet and regular exercise. Constant miniaturization of the skin also keeps the skin hydrated.
3. Treatment of Eczema
- Corticosteroids:
The topical treatment of eczema is about the same as the treatment of psoriasis. It focuses on alleviating the inflammation and itching of the skin disease. Corticosteroids are applied depending on the severity of eczema.
- Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors:
Topical, non-steroidal ointments and creams, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, reduce inflammation without the side effects that come with long-term steroid use.
- Emollients and Moisturizers:
The application of emollients and moisturizers is an important part of treatment. The use of a good moisturizer applied every day helps to restore the skin barrier and decrease dryness.
- Antihistamines:
Oral antihistamines may be useful to help manage itchiness at night and possibly facilitate sleep.
- Behavioural Techniques:
Mindfulness, relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy have been helpful tools in reducing stress, which can be a trigger for eczema flare-ups.
Conclusion
Finally, psoriasis and eczema appear similar; however, they are two different diseases with varied causes, signs, and treatments. Thus, distinguishing among the two types of skin conditions will be important in treating them correctly. If you suspect that you have psoriasis or eczema, see a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis and to schedule treatment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
FAQ 1: What's the simplest difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Answer: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that typically involves chronic red, scaly patches on the skin associated with an over-functioning of the immune system. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, occurs because of itchy, inflamed skin usually associated with an allergy or irritation. While both conditions could produce reddened inflammation of the skin, psoriasis tends to be thicker plaques, and eczema typically is dry, itchy patches.
FAQ 2: What triggers psoriasis and eczema?
Answer: Psoriasis primarily arises due to an autoimmune reaction wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to overgrowth of skin cells. Eczema can be mainly caused by genetic predisposition, environmental irritants-for example, allergens-and disruptions in the natural protective barrier, which makes the skin highly susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
FAQ 3: How do I differentiate between symptoms of psoriasis and eczema?
Answer: The illness carries with it red, elevated patches of skin covered by silvery scales and often includes changes in the nails and joint pains (psoriatic arthritis). Eczema manifests as dry, itchy skin that often turns inflamed and can ooze or crust up when more severe. Eczema can occur at any location on the body, inside the elbows and the creases at the back of the knees. The areas where the psoriasis usually occurs are the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
FAQ 4: Are there medicines that can be used to treat both psoriasis and eczema?
Answer: Whereas not mutually exclusive, there is overlap in the therapy for the two conditions, but more often they will have different therapies. In addition to topical corticosteroids and moisturizers, for example, specific treatments include topical retinoids for psoriasis or systemic (such as biologics) for inflammatory respite, whereas eczema might require antihistamines or topical calcineurin inhibitors to treat inflammation and itch.
FAQ 5: Do I have to go see a doctor if I think I am developing psoriasis or eczema?
Yes, you must see a doctor if you think you are suffering from either of the conditions.