Key Differences Between Psoriasis And Eczema

You might confuse psoriasis and eczema due to similar symptoms like dryness, redness, and inflammation. If so, what are the differences between psoriasis and eczema? The short answer is in relation to their definition, symptoms, causes, triggers, and treatments.

In this blog, we will clarify psoriasis and eczema, and offer effective, measurable solutions to support your skin health. 

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which T-Cells become highly active and attack healthy skin cells, leading to an immune system imbalance This dysfunction causes skin cells to grow too quickly. As a result, psoriasis appears as a build up of cells that appear as white scales and plaques.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, commonly atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition related to recurrent infections. When a protective layer of the skin overreacts, the skin is prone to inflammatory responses, causing eczema symptoms.

Psoriasis And Eczema Symptoms Comparison

It’s time to learn the differences between psoriasis and eczema regarding their symptoms and where and when they appear.

1. Symptoms And Appearances

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, 80-90% of patients with psoriasis will develop plaque. This condition features patches of thick, silvery-white coating and itchy plaques. However, psoriasis might present differently depending on skin color and medical history.

Similarly, symptoms of eczema might vary, directly relating to your skin tone, age, and the severity of the other condition. In most cases, you can find the following signs: dry patches of skin, discolored skin, skin flushing, itchiness, and crusted sores.

2. Where Do Symptoms Show Up?

Eczema and psoriasis tend to show up in distinct areas. While psoriasis usually forms on the elbows, scalp, face, buttocks, and knees, eczema is easily found on the inside of the elbows and the back of the knees.

3. When Do Symptoms Appear?

Another key difference between psoriasis and eczema is the age groups typically affected by each condition. Infants and children are prone to eczema, whereas adults between the ages of 15 and 35 often have psoriasis. Despite that, both can afflict patients of any age, even throughout their lifetime.

Differences Between Psoriasis And Eczema Triggers

There is no clear evidence as to what triggers psoriasis and eczema. In fact, some research might diagnose the connection between psoriasis or eczema and potential factors, either internal or external. In particular:

1. Psoriasis

Psoriasis triggers can include infections, stress, damage to the skin, and certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium). Once they present overactive immune responses, flare-ups might arise, causing psoriasis.

2. Eczema

Eczema has similar triggers to psoriasis, in addition to irritants or allergens in products (e.g., disinfectants, soaps, and detergents). Some daily factors like weather, temperature, and humidity can also worsen skin disorders.

What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis And Eczema?

This section will discuss the causes of eczema and psoriasis, aiming to discover their operations and triggers further.

Psoriasis

According to the Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment study by Adriana Rendon and Knut Schäkel, psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune mechanism in the body. Some studies have also suggested potential links to fungal or viral factors, but further research is still needed to fully understand the underlying causes of psoriasis. 

Eczema

The cause of eczema is still unknown. Most people consider environmental factors and genetics related to the development of eczema. Allergens might significantly worsen eczema symptoms, increasing the risk of inflammation and infection.

Psoriasis And Eczema Treatments

The differences between psoriasis and eczema in terms of symptoms, causes, and triggers might require distinctive treatments. Let’s take a look at some helpful suggestions below.

Psoriasis

For mild to moderate psoriasis, there are several treatment approaches that can help relieve discomfort and manage symptoms:

• Apply topical steroids and retinoids;
• Use synthetic vitamin D creams and solutions;
• Consider salicylic acid-containing skincare products;
• Useanthralin and coal tar products;
• Try injection and oral medications.

Eczema

Here are some strategies to manage and prevent eczema:

• Apply topical steroids and retinoids;
• Avoid allergens and irritants to the body;
• Don’t take showers or baths that are too hot
• Use topical steroids for itchy and red patches of the skin;
• Find ways to reduce stress and take steps to manage depression and anxiety;
• Try cold therapies like cold water or wet compresses;
• Don’t have excessive exposure to hot temperatures.

 

A note about topical steroids: While topical steroids can help control both eczema and psoriasis, they may cause side effects, including skin thinning, topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), and dilated blood vessels.

Try Phoilex For Psoriasis And Eczema Relief

Our blog has highlighted differences between psoriasis and eczema, helping you pursue the right treatment path for your skin disorders. Phoilex’s products in particular are developed to offer effective relief from both eczema and psoriasis without the use of steroids. Our products include:

• Active ReLeaf Spot Gel is a serum that can help soothe itchy and flaky patches of sensitive skin. 
• Liverty Dynamic Drops: is a tincture designed to be taken daily, to reduce internal inflammation and promote healthy cell regeneration.
• Dynamic ReLeaf Duo: Combines both Phoilex’s Active ReLeaf Spot Gel and Liverty Dynamic Drops, providing a comprehensive approach to managing eczema, psoriasis, and overall skin health.

While self-care strategies can be helpful, we always recommend professional medical advice for developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.

Explore the rest of our website and discover our gentle, steroid-free solutions and expert tips to support your eczema and psoriasis care journey.

FAQs:

Q: Can psoriasis and eczema occur at the same time?
A: Yes, it is possible to have both psoriasis and eczema simultaneously, though it's relatively uncommon. Since these are two distinct conditions with different underlying causes—psoriasis being an autoimmune disorder and eczema being related to skin barrier dysfunction—they can coexist independently. If you suspect you have both conditions, consult a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

Q: How can I tell if I have psoriasis or eczema based on appearance?
A: Psoriasis typically appears as thick, silvery-white scales and raised plaques, while eczema presents as dry, discolored patches with potential crusting or oozing. Psoriasis plaques are usually well-defined with distinct borders, whereas eczema patches tend to have less defined edges and appear more inflamed. The texture is also different—psoriasis feels thicker and more raised compared to the rough, dry texture of eczema.

Q: What causes the overactive T-cells in psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where T-cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, triggering rapid skin cell production. This immune system imbalance leads to the characteristic buildup of cells that form white scales and plaques on the skin's surface. The exact trigger for this autoimmune response can vary and may include genetic factors, environmental triggers, stress, or infections.

Q: Are the treatment approaches different for psoriasis versus eczema?
A: Yes, treatment approaches differ significantly because psoriasis and eczema have different underlying causes. Psoriasis treatments often focus on slowing down the rapid skin cell growth and managing the autoimmune response, while eczema treatments prioritize restoring the skin's protective barrier and reducing inflammatory responses. Your dermatologist will recommend specific therapies based on your diagnosis, severity, and individual skin needs.

Q: Why does eczema appear on the inside of elbows while psoriasis appears on the outside?
A: The different locations are related to each condition's underlying mechanisms and how they affect the skin. Eczema tends to develop in flexural areas like the inside of elbows and behind knees where skin folds create moisture and friction, triggering inflammatory responses. Psoriasis, driven by autoimmune activity, commonly appears on extensor surfaces like the outside of elbows, knees, and scalp where skin experiences more trauma and pressure.

Q: At what age do psoriasis and eczema symptoms typically first appear?
A: Eczema symptoms most commonly appear in infancy or early childhood, often before age 5, though they can develop at any age. Psoriasis can develop at any age but typically first appears in adults between ages 15-35, with a second peak onset occurring between ages 50-60. The timing of symptom onset is one of the key differences that helps distinguish between these two conditions.

References:

• Penn Medicine. (2022, March 24). Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Similarities, Contrasts and Treatment. Www.pennmedicine.org. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2022/march/psoriasis
• Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms. (n.d.). Www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/symptoms
• Rendon, A., & Schäkel, K. (2019). Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(6), 1475. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20061475