Psoriasis Vs. Eczema: What's the Difference?

Are you struggling with an unrelenting, itchy rash? You may be wondering if it’s psoriasis or eczema, two common culprits behind chronic skin irritation.

While they share certain similarities, eczema and psoriasis are distinct conditions. At Shady Grove Dermatology, our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin concerns, offering personalized treatment plans for your specific needs.

Understanding the differences between psoriasis and eczema could be the first step toward healthier skin and a better quality of life. 

What is eczema?

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin disorder that causes itching, swelling, and redness. It can leave your skin feeling dry, cracked, and irritated. 

Over 31 million people in the United States develop eczema in their lifetime. Watch out for these signs:

• Red, itchy patches of skin
• Dry, cracked, or flakey skin
• Bumps or blisters that may leak clear fluid
• Inflammation

While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it’s likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma are more likely to develop it. Environmental triggers may include:

• Allergens, like pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites
• Certain soaps, detergents, or fabrics
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Extreme weather, temperature, or humidity changes

Eczema typically manifests in areas that are frequently exposed to irritants and/or allergens, such as your face, hands, and neck. It may also develop in the folds of your elbows, knees, and wrists, but it can appear anywhere on your body.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when skin cells multiply too quickly. This rapid growth thought to be the result of an autoimmune response, results in thick, scaly patches on the skin.

Here are some common symptoms of psoriasis:

• Scaly, red to purple patches of skin
• An itching and/or burning sensation in the affected areas
• Dry, cracked skin
• Thickened nails
• Joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)

Some patients with psoriasis experience a cycle of rashes that flare for a few weeks or months at a time before subsiding. Like eczema, psoriasis is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Psoriasis and eczema also share some of the same triggers, such as stress, infection, or weather. But psoriasis may also flare up due to:

• Skin injuries, like a cut, scrape, sunburn, or injection
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking and/or secondhand smoke exposure
• Some medications

Psoriasis is linked to several other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. It may also increase your risk of experiencing mental health challenges such as depression or low self-esteem.

How to tell the difference

While psoriasis and eczema share some similarities, there are a few clues that can help you distinguish between the two. Let’s compare the key differences:

Appearance

Psoriasis appears as thick, scaly patches that look red on light skin tones and purple to gray on darker skin tones. These patches are generally well-defined with raised edges. Eczema presents as dry, red, flakey patches that are less defined and have a more diffuse appearance.

Location

Psoriasis frequently affects the scalp, torso, and the outer surfaces of the elbows and knees. Eczema tends to appear in skin folds, such as the creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. 

Itching

Eczema often causes intense itching that may feel impossible to ignore, especially at night. While psoriasis may also cause some itching, it’s usually less extreme. But you may experience stinging or burning in the affected areas during a psoriasis flare.

Don’t let the uncomfortable, frustrating symptoms of psoriasis or eczema hold you back any longer. Call or click to book an appointment with our experts at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, today.