Most people in the USA suffer from itchy, dry, and red skin which are common signs of skin diseases like Psoriasis, Eczema, etc. They buy healing cream, ointment, and lotion from the market to treat such chronic skin conditions. Although both psoriasis and eczema have similar signs, there is psoriasis vs eczema differences.
In addition, both can cause rashes, red patches, and itchiness on the skin that might appear on other parts of the body such as hands, scalp, knees, etc.
In this blog, we will differentiate between psoriasis and eczema on the basis of their definition, type, causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) auto-immune disease in which the immune system becomes more active than its normal state (excessively active). This abnormal level can cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly.
This chronic disease can cause skin patches which in turn become scaly and inflamed. It most often appears on the scalp, hands, elbows, knees, etc.
In addition, it can affect different parts of the body such as the belly button, buttocks, nails, palms, and heels.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is another skin disease in which the skin becomes dry, itchy, and bumpy. The medical term for this chronic skin condition is Atopic Dermatitis (skin inflammation). It is also an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, irritation, and redness on the skin.
This skin disease can occur in people at any age. In this condition, the patches of the skin become dry, rough, and inflamed with blisters which can cause itching and bleeding. Also, in this condition, the skin becomes weak and is unable to retain skin moisture and to protect the body from skin-related problems.
Comparison: Psoriasis vs Eczema
Psoriasis Types:
Psoriasis is of various types in which plaque psoriasis is the most common type. There are other types of this chronic skin condition such as-
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Inverse Psoriasis
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Eczema Types:
Atopic Dermatitis is a common type of eczema. In addition, there are several types of skin disorders, which are as follows:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Nummular Eczema
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
These chronic skin conditions mostly occur in adults rather than children.
Causes: Psoriasis vs Eczema
Psoriasis-
According to dermatologists, this skin disease depends on both genetic and environmental factors. However, genetic factors play a vital role in contributing to the development. It may have different causes and risk factors that can affect the life of a person.
On the basis of genetic factors, the main cause of psoriasis is an autoimmune response to mainly attack on healthy skin cells which can lead to inflammation, redness, irritation, and skin discoloration. It may also cause gray, purple, or ashen patches and also red or pink patches with silvery-white scales.
This chronic skin condition also depends on a few environmental factors like stress, skin injuries, infections, and other medications which can trigger or worsen the condition of psoriasis in people.
In addition, psoriasis is dependent on other factors such as lifestyle, hormonal changes, and immune dysfunction which can exacerbate the skin condition. It may lead to comorbidities (multiple chronic conditions) such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety.
Eczema-
This skin disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that can contribute to skin barrier impairment, immune system dysfunction and allergic reactions.
In this chronic health condition, the immune system plays a vital role in the development. As, we mentioned above, it may affect skin cells which acts as a hurdle to retain moisture and protect the body from other environmental factors such as sweating and irritation.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that is represented by inflamed, itchy, and red patches of the skin. Some people do not have genetic mutations or their families suffer from this skin disease. It is because of a protein gene mutation known as filaggrin, which is also linked to this skin condition.
It can also be caused by some aspects which include wool, dust mites, foods, pollen, cosmetics, soap, dry climate, mold, dog or cat dander and other things.
Symptoms:
Both psoriasis and eczema may affect any body part. However, psoriasis tends to develop on skin’s outer surface, while eczema usually develops in skin folds and creases.
Psoriasis-
The symptoms of this chronic skin condition may differ depending on the type of psoriasis a person may have. But, there are some common symptoms of this skin disease which includes:
- Dry and cracked skin
- Red patches of the skin
- Swelling
- Itching
- Silvery-white scales on skin surface
- Joint pain
- Irritation
- Nail color changes
It may appear on other body parts other than scalp which are knees, elbows and lower back.
Eczema-
The symptoms of eczema may vary in individuals depending on its type, severity and appearance. Some common symptoms of this chronic skin condition are as follows:
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Rashness
- Skin discoloration
- Burning sensations
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Skin bumps
- Raised lesions
- Scaly, flaky or crusty skin
- Thick or leathery skin patches
- Skin irritation
- Allergies
It may also appear on other body parts like hands, face, scalp, inside of the elbows and back of the knees.
Treatment: Eczema vs Psoriasis
Psoriasis and eczema health conditions have common symptoms, although these are different skin diseases. Also, they have different treatment strategies.
Psoriasis-
The right treatment for psoriasis may help to reduce symptoms and depend on the person’s condition like age, overall health, and personal preferences. It also depends on its severity and appearance. However, there are some common treatment methods of this skin disease which are listed below:
- Topical treatment medications such as corticosteroids, retinoids (vitamin A) or vitamin D, and coal tar.
- Oral drugs like acitretin, methotrexate, apremilast (Otezla), and JAK inhibitors.
- Light Therapy or Phototherapy which includes both UVB phototherapy and PUVA therapy.
- Injectable medications like biologics and so on.
- Medicated shampoos
- Home remedies such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, coconut oil, garlic etc.
Eczema-
It is a chronic skin condition which tends to affect both children and adults and the condition may worsen over time, if left untreated. A person may experience common symptoms like skin allergic reactions, and to overcome such symptoms he or she must get medical treatment.
The most common ways to effectively treat eczema condition in individuals are described below:
- Emollients or moisturizers, such as lotions, emollients, and petroleum jelly.
- Wet wrap therapy and phototherapy
- Oral antihistamines
- Oral medications such as cyclosporine, corticosteroids, azathioprine or methotrexate.
- Topical Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) and Calcineurin inhibitors
- Biologic medications or drugs
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Both Psoriasis and eczema are different health conditions with similar symptoms. Both differ according to their cause and treatments.
However, keeping skin clean and moisturized and using medications can help to rid the symptoms.
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