by Samantha Mineroff
The skin is an interesting organ. Unlike others, it’s far more visible and tangible. We can see very clearly what is going on at the surface level. The symptoms can oftentimes be (and annoyingly) obvious. Whether we’re experiencing redness, itchiness, dryness, or any other sensation, we can pinpoint where are irritation is from.
Of course, skin can also be mysterious. What might appear to be a mole or freckle could actually be a sign of something more serious, and vice versa. We can’t always know the full story that’s going on beyond the symptoms.
For example—you start to get an itch at your elbow, and your skin becomes red and inflamed. What’s happening here? Two common dermatologic conditions that you might experience are psoriasis and eczema. They may appear similar at first, but in this article, we’ll help you spot the signs to help determine which is which.
Two common dermatologic conditions that you might experience are psoriasis and eczema. They may appear similar at first, but in this article, we’ll help you spot the signs to help determine which is which.
Psoriasis
You may have seen advertisements for products to help patients with psoriasis. The patients in these ads might appear embarrassed or ashamed of their skin, because psoriasis can appear as red patches across the skin. It has a scaly-like texture, rough and at times painful to the touch.
Like eczema, psoriasis can appear on your elbows, but also on other parts of the body, such as your nails, knees and head. It is also considered an autoimmune disorder, given that this condition doesn’t just affect the skin. It can also cause pain in the joints (psoriatic arthritis).
What to look for:
-raised, red, scaly patches anywhere on the body
-pain in the skin and/or your joints
Eczema
Eczema—also called atopic dermatitis—on the other hand, is not an autoimmune condition. However, it can still be a sign of a hypersensitive immune system.
This condition is generally triggered by environmental factors and can be genetic. You might be sensitive or allergic to certain external conditions like weather, temperature, or seasonal allergens. It can also be brought on by stress.
What to look for:
-itchy, dry, flaky skin
-generally found on elbows, hands, feet, and behind your knees
-small bumps that can break when you scratch them
Similarities and differences
It can be hard to determine which is which given that both psoriasis and eczema are uncomfortable, inflamed skin conditions. They both can appear just about anywhere on the body and may leave you distressed and irritable. That’s why understanding the key differences can be helpful in finding the right treatment for you.
Some key differences include:
-Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, while eczema is brought on by environmental and genetic factors
-Psoriasis can affect more than just your skin—it can affect your joints as well
-Eczema appears itchy, dry and red while Psoriasis is more contained in patches and can be painful