Pop quiz: Can you tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema? As if these chronic skin issues werent frustrating enough, they can also be incredibly confusing. Both eczema and psoriasis cause red, scaly areas on the skin, and to the untrained eye, they can look similar, board-certified dermatologist Alan J. Parks, M.D., tells SELF. Heres how to figure out which is which, along with the best ways to actually treat these annoying skin conditions.
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, per the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms of plaque psoriasis are most often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals and may include:
There are other, less common forms of psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis, which often begins in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by a strep infection, appears as small, droplike lesions. Inverse psoriasis shows up as a smooth, shiny, red rash in body folds, such as under the arms or breasts. Pustular psoriasis, which can present on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, is characterized by noninfectious, pus-filled blisters, according to John Hopkins Medicine. The most severe, and rarest, type of psoriasis is erythrodermic psoriasis, which results in widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. It can cause severe itching and pain, and if you think youre having an erythrodermic psoriasis flare-up, you should seek medical attention immediately. (FYI: You can find more information and photos of each type from the Mayo Clinic here.)
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 (AAD) 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:
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. (FYI: You can find more information and photos of eczema from the Mayo Clinic here.)
These two skin problems have different causes and can appear in different stages of your life. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans, according to the AAD. It happens when the skin cells go through their life cycle more quickly than normal. Typically, it takes about a month for skin cells to regenerate, but in people with psoriasis, this process happens every three to four days, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Psoriasis typically strikes when someone is between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, but it can affect anyone at any age. What we do 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 Wu, M.D., tells SELF. It tends to run in families, but there may not be straightforward patterns of inheritance. One well-known trigger is strep throat infections, but not all new cases of psoriasis result from strep throat.
Eczema is much more common than psoriasis. According to the most recent estimate available, more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.
A textbook case of eczema begins during infancy or early childhood, Dr. Minars says. There are some controversies as to whether eczema is primarily an immune-mediated disease or a skin-barrier-defect disease, Dr. Wu says. Like psoriasis, it also tends to run in families, suggesting that there may also be a hereditary component.
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 (HPA) 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.
While theres no cure for either condition, they can be treated. If youre diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema, your doctor may recommend:
Although psoriasis and eczema are both frustrating, irritating conditions, they shouldnt be life-ruiners. If youre struggling with managing your psoriasis or eczema, see a dermatologist, who can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
Related:
Originally Appeared on SELF
Here is the original post:
How to Tell the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema - Yahoo Lifestyle
- Eczema: Read About Symptoms and Medications - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Eczema and Your Skin | Eczema Types, Symptoms, Causes, and ... - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Kangen Water Testimony - Eczema, Weight Loss, Headaches - Video - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Controlling eczema - Video - October 17th, 2014 [October 17th, 2014]
- Eczema update! - When To Seek Medical Attention - Video - October 18th, 2014 [October 18th, 2014]
- My Makeup Routine For Eczema & Psoriasis - Video - October 18th, 2014 [October 18th, 2014]
- Dyson launches humidifier to combat eczema and psoriasis - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Sanofi, Regeneron Begin Phase 3 Study For Eczema Drug Dupilumab - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Ayurvedic treatment for Atopic Eczema - Video - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- How To Treating Eczema at Home? EASY! Find it On This Video - Video - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Topical BioMedics Announces "Soothe the Skin They're in," a New Program for Children Who Suffer with Eczema - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Vitamin D Might Help Kids With Eczema - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Edguard tube cream for acne, eczema, scars and pregnancy blemishes - Video - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Cara Veldman #1848200 Eczema Cream - Video - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologists clinical trial for sufferers of eczema ongoing - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema - A recurrent rash everyone complains about - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- My Essentials for Dry Skin & Eczema - Video - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- Taking a 'Selfie' May Help With Dermatology Care, Study Shows - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- EP.2 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- EP.1 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Home remedy for eczema - Beat eczema - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Trailer - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Family First: Calming the symptoms of severe eczema - October 25th, 2014 [October 25th, 2014]
- what causes eczema - Eczema Free Providing ... - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - Treatment - NHS Choices - Your health ... - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - NHS Choices - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Eczema Treatment Options : How To Cure Eczema & Home Remedies For Eczema - Video - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future - October 29th, 2014 [October 29th, 2014]
- How SELFIES can help cure skin conditions - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema linked to bone fractures, injuries in new Northwestern study - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Adult eczema may be unrecognized risk factor for fracture, other injuries - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Mom Tips: Relief for Baby Eczema - Video - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- BEST BABY ECZEMA PRODUCTS - Video - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema Tied to Bone Fracture Risk in Study - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Accident prone eczema patients - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema girl's agony is over thanks to allergen-busting extra washing machine rinse cycles - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- Helping Healing Eva's Eczema with Applied Kinesiology - Video - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- Eczema May Increase Risk of Injury - Video - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- treatmyeczema - November 2nd, 2014 [November 2nd, 2014]
- My Eczema Care Routine March 2014 | ... ... - November 2nd, 2014 [November 2nd, 2014]
- The Psoriasis Eczema Skin Puzzle #42 - Video - November 3rd, 2014 [November 3rd, 2014]
- Can some patients' bodies become 'addicted' to topical steroids? - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- How To Treat Eczema Naturally Review DO NATURAL REMEDIES REALLY WORK - Video - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- I Will Beat Anyone I Find Eczema On His/Her Body - Video - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- Proper amount of bathing and moisturizing your baby may help prevent skin disease - November 8th, 2014 [November 8th, 2014]
- How to get rid of super dry skin psoriasis, eczema and more! - Video - November 12th, 2014 [November 12th, 2014]
- Easy Homemade Remedy For Eczema - Pulse Daily - Video - November 13th, 2014 [November 13th, 2014]
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video - November 15th, 2014 [November 15th, 2014]
- aveeno eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 16th, 2014 [November 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis & Eczema : Rain soul by Johnny - Video - November 16th, 2014 [November 16th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy moisturising cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 17th, 2014 [November 17th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy reviews | Sample Promo - Video - November 18th, 2014 [November 18th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergies, especially for children with eczema - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergy in children with eczema during infancy - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- 10 Tips to Manage Psoriasis and Eczema this Winter - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologist excited over eczema clinical trial results - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Why I am sharing my eczema journey and what I deal with everyday living with eczema - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Formulated Eczema - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Moisturizer 10 Fluid - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Childhood Eczema Cure With Kangen Water - Testimonial - Video - November 22nd, 2014 [November 22nd, 2014]
- Natural Remedies for Eczema - The Best Eczema Treatment - Video - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema in Kids - Read More About It - Video - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Hypoallergenic labels may not be accurate - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Danielle Sheehan's life transformed after Botox eradicates her eczema - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema's effects can be bone-deep - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New recommendations for treating kids with eczema - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema cases rising among U.S. children - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema Cases Rising Among U.S. Children: Report - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New guidelines released for treating kids with eczema - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- TCM Recipe Natural Herbal Eczema Cream Review - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New product to heal eczema to use topically and progress pictures - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- 15 Proven Natural Cures for Eczema - Baby dermatitis: how ... - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- Aveeno Moisturizing Bar - Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- How to psychologically & physically confront eczema in you. - Video - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- Woman, 21, left looking sunburnt by severe eczema finally has the perfect complexion - thanks to a 'magical' cream - November 27th, 2014 [November 27th, 2014]
- Aveeno Baby Sunscreen - Aveeno Baby Coupons - Aveeno Baby Eczema - Video - November 27th, 2014 [November 27th, 2014]
- How I cured my eczema in just over 10 days and you can to. My personal review - Video - November 28th, 2014 [November 28th, 2014]