Certain symptoms of eczema and psoriasis can help determine which condition you have. Eczema tends to develop in the skin folds, while psoriasis develops on outer surfaces.
Eczema and psoriasis are two skin conditions that may cause inflammation, irritation, and skin discoloration.
The two conditions are similar, which can make it hard for you to
Some differences in appearances and symptoms could help you better understand which condition you might be looking at.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for eczema and psoriasis.
Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
The exact cause of both conditions is unknown, but the immune system may play a more important role in psoriasis.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which T-cells in your body mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This causes your immune system to create skin cells more quickly to defend themselves.
These extra skin cells pile into the thick, raised plaques associated with psoriasis.
Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom indicates that a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system is responsible for symptoms.
A dermatologist is the best person to assess and provide a proper diagnosis of either condition.
Eczema and psoriasis may both cause dry, flaky, and itchy skin that can sometimes be painful.
However, there are a few key differences.
Psoriasis typically causes thick, raised skin plaques that have silvery-white scales characterized by prominent borders. Symptoms of psoriasis may also affect your nails, eyes, and joints.
Eczema is more likely to cause:
- a dry rash
- small red bumps
- blisters, bumps, or rashes that ooze and crust over
The itching from both conditions may also feel different. Eczema may cause severe itching that might be worse at night. With psoriasis, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation rather than an intense itch.
Where do symptoms appear?
Both conditions may affect any body part, but eczema tends to develop in the folds and creases of the skin, whereas psoriasis typically develops on the skin’s outer surface.
Eczema and psoriasis are more likely to affect the following body parts:
| Eczema | Psoriasis |
|---|---|
| • hands • inside of the elbows • backs of the knees • face • scalp | • knees • scalp • lower back • elbows |
When do symptoms appear?
Eczema typically develops between ages 2 months and 5 years and will resolve by adulthood. However, eczema symptoms can flare up again or even first appear in adulthood.
People of all ages may experience psoriasis. However, most people who receive a diagnosis are between the ages of 20–30 years and 50–60 years.
Eczema and psoriasis may vary in appearance depending on the person.
The severity of your condition, as well as your skin color, may affect how the condition appears. For example:
- Lighter skin tones: Both conditions may cause red or pink patches with silvery-white scales.
- Darker skin tones: Both conditions may cause gray, purple, or ashen patches.
The gallery below can give you a good idea of what these conditions look like on different skin tones.
Eczema and psoriasis have different causes and risk factors.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It happens when your body’s immune system overworks and attacks healthy skin cells.
Researchers suggest psoriasis is an inheritable disease, and a person’s genetic background can affect their risk of developing psoriasis. For example, specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, such as HLA-C*06:02, have associations with the risk of psoriasis.
Eczema
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system may all play roles in the development of the condition.
Research suggests that
A mutation of a protein-making gene called filaggrin also has links to eczema.
However, many people with eczema don’t have genetic mutations or any family members with eczema.
Psoriasis and eczema triggers
Triggers for psoriasis and eczema may cause flare-ups when your symptoms worsen or reappear.
Triggers differ for each individual, but a handful of common triggers may affect both conditions. These may include:
- stress
dry, low moisture weather - cold weather
- allergens, such as detergents, harsh soaps, pollen, bug bites
skin injuries - dry skin
A dermatologist may diagnose eczema or psoriasis by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. They’ll ask you questions about your health, symptoms, and any allergies you may have. They’ll also examine your skin and nails.
In some cases, a dermatologist may order a skin patch test. This is to determine if allergies are causing your rashes, which could indicate allergic eczema.
They may also order a skin biopsy to help them determine which skin condition you may have. This could also help them identify the type of psoriasis and type of eczema you may have.
Can a ringworm infection be confused with eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis are chronic conditions that cause irritation and redness. Ringworm is a contagious infection that causes a distinct circular skin rash.
The three conditions affect the skin, but ringworm differs from eczema and psoriasis. A fungal infection causes it, and it requires treatment with antifungal medications.
Ringworm is transmissible from person to person, whereas eczema and psoriasis are not contagious.
There isn’t a cure for either eczema or psoriasis, but treatment may help relieve symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The right treatment plan will depend on your condition, the severity, and symptoms.
Psoriasis treatments
Common psoriasis treatments may include:
- topical medications, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D, and coal tar
- medicated shampoos
- oral medications, such as methotrexate, acitretin, apremilast (Otezla), and JAK inhibitors
- injection medications, such as biologics
- phototherapy
- at-home remedies
Eczema treatments
Common eczema treatments include:
- antihistamines
- over-the-counter treatments, such as lotions, emollients, and petroleum jelly
- topical medications, such as corticosteroids
- oral medications, such as JAK inhibitors
- injection medications, such as biologics
- phototherapy
Are psoriasis or eczema caused by stress?
Stress isn’t a direct cause of either condition. However, stress may trigger symptom flare-ups in
Can eczema turn into psoriasis?
No, eczema and psoriasis are very different conditions. Eczema can’t turn into psoriasis. However, it’s possible to mistake the two conditions for one another, especially in children. Sometimes, a child can receive a misdiagnosis of eczema and then get a correct diagnosis of psoriasis later.
Can you have both eczema and psoriasis at the same time?
Yes, it’s possible to have eczema and psoriasis at the same time. The conditions do not affect each other, and some people have both conditions.
What causes eczema flare-ups?
Several factors may trigger eczema flare-ups, such as dry skin, pollen, dust, smoke, dry weather, stress, dish soap, and laundry detergents, among others.
It can be challenging to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis.
These two common skin conditions cause inflammation and itching and can have many of the same triggers.
However, there are some significant differences between the conditions.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience a dry, scaly, itchy rash. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for you.