Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema are non-contagious skin disorders with significantly different symptoms and causes.

Eczema (from the Greek ekzein "to boil out") and dermatitis generally appear as dry or weeping, intensely itchy skin with raised areas that look like small blisters. In severe cases, atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms may include crusted-over lesions. Eczema is usually caused by environmental irritants (nickel, detergents, perfumes, hair colorants) or allergies, whereas psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease with a strong genetic component.

Psoriasis (from the Greek psoera "to itch") appears as reddened, rough, raised, and slightly itchy skin covered with silvery, scaly flakes. There is no cure for psoriasis. Common locations are the elbows, hands, feet, and lower back, although some outbreaks include an itchy scalp. Psoriasis can affect the joints and cause arthritis-like symptoms.

How many are affected?

Eczema affects about 20% of children and 5% of adults in the US and UK. Psoriasis affects about 3% of the adult population of the US and UK and is relatively rare in children.

Treatment

If you believe you may be suffering from eczema or psoriasis, see a dermatologist. Your doctor can prescribe strong, safe and effective compounds that can ease your symptoms rapidly

Types of psoriasis

If you believe you may be suffering from eczema or psoriasis, see a dermatologist. Your doctor can prescribe strong, safe and effective compounds that can ease your symptoms rapidly.

• 90% of all cases are plaque psoriasis, in which small, red spots on the skin evolve gradually into larger, irregular patches of reddened, dry skin with a silvery, scaly surface.

• Guttate psoriasis symptoms include small, red, teardrop-shaped areas on the skin of the trunk and limbs. This relatively uncommon form of the disease appears most often in children, frequently after an infection such as strep throat, rubella or varicella.

• Inverse psoriasis symptoms feature red and inflamed areas in the folds and creases of the skin. This is the only form of psoriasis that does not include scaling.

• Erythmodermic psoriasis symptoms consist of a near-total outbreak in which plaque psoriasis spreads to cover 85% or more of the skin.
• Pustular psoriasis symptoms consist of sharply defined, pus-filled bumps on the skin accompanied by headaches, fever and joint pain. This form is exceedingly rare.

• Scalp psoriasis occurs in almost half of all cases and is characterized by a reddened, itchy scalp with powdery, silvery patches.

Is there a Psoriasis Cure?

Unfortunately, no. The disease persists for the lifetime of the person and is characterized by periodic flares and remissions. Stress, diet, and the condition of the immune system all have a connection to psoriasis flare-ups. Although there is no psoriasis cure, there are numerous psoriasis medications. Most effective have been topical corticosteroids administered in conjunction with psoriasis phototherapy, or UVB light exposure.

Emollients and exfoliants are often used to soften the plaques and aid their removal. A traditional psoriasis treatment is lotions and creams containing coal tar. Severe cases may be treated with systemic psoriasis medications, such as methotrexate and cyclosporin. The liver of psoriasis sufferers can be affected by methotrexate, and so its use is usually restricted to severe cases.

Psoriasis Diet

Is there a psoriasis diet that helps avoid flare-ups? Some dermatologists recommend following these guidelines:

• Eliminate alcohol, simple sugars, and saturated fats
• Avoid acidic foods
• Avoid commonly allergenic foods, such as wheat, corn, milk, and eggs
• Take essential fatty acid supplements, including flaxseed oil