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Eczema or Psoriasis on Elbows? How to Tell the Difference


The skin throughout your elbow area may feel itchy and look red and dry. This might make you try numerous creams to relieve the discomfort. Your symptoms may point toward either eczema or psoriasis on elbows; however, it’s easy for you to mix them up. Therefore, accurate diagnoses from professional dermatologists are essential because treatment plans for these two conditions show major distinctions. In this article, we’ll find out how to distinguish these two skin conditions.

What is Eczema?

More than 31 million people in the United States experience eczema including newborns (Medical News Today, 2024, What to know about psoriasis vs. eczema on elbows).

If left unmanaged, eczema can escalate to severe cases that involve dry, itchy rashes inflamed enough to develop blisters, inviting infections. Eczema skin inflammation is categorized into 6 types, each having differing symptoms (Medical News Today, 2020, 6 types of eczema: Symptoms and causes).

What is Psoriasis?

In psoriasis, skin cell production is increased, causing inflammation and rapid cell turnover. This leads to well-defined raised, scaly patches and itching in affected areas (Medical News Today, 2024, What to know about psoriasis vs. eczema on elbows).

Most adults suffering from psoriasis in the United States are around 15-25 years old, and approximately 7.5 million Americans aged 20 and older are suffering from psoriasis and eczema (Armstrong et al., 2021, Psoriasis prevalence in adults in the United States; National Psoriasis Foundation, 2021, About psoriasis).

Eczema or Psoriasis on Elbows: What is the Difference?

These key characteristics will help you tell eczema or psoriasis on elbows apart.

Causes

Psoriasis and eczema are both caused by the immune system as well as genetic factor responses to environmental stimuli in different ways (National Eczema Association, 2021, Is it eczema or psoriasis?; Penn Medicine, 2022, Eczema vs. psoriasis: Similarities, contrasts and treatment; WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?)

Feature

Eczema

Psoriasis

Immune Response

The overreactive immune system promotes inflammation.

The overreactive immune system causes a fast accumulation by speeding up skin cell production.

Genetic Factors

Genetic variations can affect skin moisture retention.

Psoriasis risks often run in families.



Appearance

The two skin conditions are characterized by distinctive skin discoloration and texture alteration (National Eczema Association, 2021, Is it eczema or psoriasis?; WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?; Penn Medicine, 2022, Eczema vs. psoriasis: Similarities, contrasts and treatment).

Feature

Eczema

Psoriasis

Skin Color

Red patches on lighter skin and gray or ashen patches on darker skin.

Well-defined, red patches with silvery or white scales on lighter skin and may look violet, gray, or dark brown on darker skin tones.

Texture

Dry, scaly skin, often oozing and crusty.

Thick, raised plaques that are inflamed and painful.



Age of Onset

While eczema emerges in babies and young children, psoriasis predominantly targets adult populations, specifically between the ages of 15 and 35 (National Eczema Association, 2021, Is it eczema or psoriasis?; American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d., What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?; WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?)

Location

These conditions have different locations on the human body, and the locations of skin manifestation from eczema and psoriasis slightly overlap (National Eczema Association, 2021, Is it eczema or psoriasis?; American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d., What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?; WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?)

Feature

Eczema

Psoriasis

Common Areas

The skin folds most affected include the inner elbows and knees.

The outer area of elbows and knees tends to develop psoriasis.

Other Areas

Also on the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Also on the scalp, lower back, and palms.



Triggers

Eczema and psoriasis triggers involve irritating substances, allergies, and other inner factors (WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?; Penn Medicine, 2022, Eczema vs. psoriasis: Similarities, contrasts and treatment).

Trigger Type

Eczema

Psoriasis

Irritants and allergens

Soaps, pet fur, detergent, pollen, dust, molds, some synthetic fragrances, essential oils found in cosmetics, and some foods can all aggravate the condition.

Further irritated by skin injuries like scratches or sunburn.

Environmental Factors

Heat, humidity

Cold, dry weather, smoking

Other factors

Hormonal changes, certain diseases, stress, sweating, infections.

Alcohol, certain medications, sudden cessation of corticosteroids



Treatment

There are some similar approaches when treating both conditions, but what topical medications prescribed are different (WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?; National Eczema Association, 2021, Is it eczema or psoriasis?)

Treatment Type

Eczema

Psoriasis

Lifestyle Changes

Practice a good skincare routine with daily warm baths and moisturizing.

Practice a good skincare routine with daily warm baths and moisturizing.

Topical Treatments (ensure the topical treatments are fragrance free - including essential oils)

Topical emollients, non-steroid topicals. Severe calcineurin inhibitors for severe cases.

Vitamin D, non-steroid topicals, and retinoids. Infectious dermatologists' specialists like biologics for severe cases.

Therapy Options

Phototherapy for severe eczema and psoriasis.

Phototherapy for severe eczema and psoriasis.



How are Psoriasis and Eczema Diagnosed?

In most cases, psoriasis or eczema is diagnosed through an assessment of family and medical history, along with a physical examination. This may reveal inherited factors and previous skin conditions.

Dermatologists examine the rash and ask about the severity of itching when symptoms appear and how often flare-ups occur to diagnose if you have eczema. Also, a comprehensive medical history can help discover the underlying causes of the condition.

On the other hand, dermatologists concentrate on the distinct features of the psoriasis patches. They inquire about itching or burning sensations and any recent illnesses or stress. A thorough medical history and a review of current medicines can also help identify potential risk factors and triggers (WebMD, 2024, How can I tell if it’s psoriasis or eczema?)

Regardless of whether it's eczema or psoriasis on elbows, the first step in managing these conditions effectively is the right care.

Phoilex provides a selection of steroid-free, fragrance free and scientifically crafted products designed to soothe irritated skin and foster healing:

  • Active ReLeaf Spot Gel: Soothes itchy skin, reduces redness, and enhances the skin barrier for intense moisturization.

  • Liverty Dynamic Drops: Targets internal inflammation, supporting healthier skin from within with a blend of herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants.

  • Dynamic ReLeaf Duo: Provide long-lasting relief from itching and redness while helping to manage stress-related inflammation.

Choose Phoilex for Effective Eczema and Psoriasis Care

When it comes to managing eczema or psoriasis on elbows, Phoilex stands out with our range of steroid-free, fragrance free and botanically derived products. With proven results and a commitment to natural healing, Phoilex helps regain your comfort and confidence. Check out Phoilex products today to explore our solutions for your healthier skin.

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