Are You Caught In A Maze Differentiating Psoriasis And Eczema?

We often misinterpret while figuring out Psoriasis and Eczema, as they are the skin conditions with almost similar symptoms. However, there are certain ways to differentiate them. Here are some key differences that will resolve your ambiguity.

Symptoms:

Psoriasis

– Psoriasis is an obstinate skin condition in which red patches of various sizes develop on the skin that gets covered with dry, silvery scales.

– The skin becomes inflamed and red eruptions appear on the surface of the skin that begins to itch excessively.

– These areas form thickened areas (plaques) that are covered with silvery scales over the reddened lesions.

– Some may develop psoriasis with joint inflammation that produces arthritis symptoms. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

Eczema

– Eczema comprises various inflammatory skin conditions characterized by dryness, flakiness, heat, and itching that give rise to patches which are red or brown-grey in appearance. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis.

– There may be some amount of hyperpigmentation of the affected parts.

– In some individuals, the itchy rash can produce an oozing and crusting. In other individuals, the skin condition may appear more scaly, dry, thickened, and red.

– Chronic scratching causes the skin to develop a leathery texture because the skin has thickened (lichenification).

Causes:

Psoriasis usually occurs due to the defective immune system, genetic link, cold weather, infections, stress, skin trauma, and certain medications.

Generally, eczema is a response to the environmental factors, genetic tendency, allergic reaction, stress, and contact with irritants.

Age-distribution:

Psoriasis – It can occur at any age, but most often in adults between 15 and 35 years, and in some individuals it may begin later in life, between 50 and 60 years.

Eczema – It is most common in infants and young children. It can also affect adults.

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Location:

Psoriasis – Elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, palms, soles of the feet, genital areas, fingernails and toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and joints.

Eczema –

Infants – forehead, cheeks, elbow, and knees.

Children – forehead, eyes, neck, elbows, wrist, groin, and ankles

Adults – Flexor areas of the arms, legs, and neck, groin, axillary, Dennie-Morgan fold i.e. extra fold of skin beneath the eye, etc.

Mode of treatment preferred:

Psoriasis – Homeopathic treatment, Topical treatment, UV phototherapy, Photo Chemotherapy, and Steroids.

Eczema – Homeopathic treatment, Topical steroids, Emollients, and Antihistamines.

Triggering Factors:

Psoriasis – Red meat, sour food, gluten diet, fatty food, dairy products, processed food, artificially flavored food, smoking, and alcohol.

Eczema – Food allergens like dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat, skin irritants, dust, pollens, etc.

– Written by Dr. Karishma, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah

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