Eczema and psoriasis are dermatological disorders; both lead to the development of reddened areas or wheals and it is not always easy to distinguish them. Eczema occurs at a young age and is usually accompanied by a lot of itching, while psoriasis is more common among adults and is characterized by the appearance of thickened skin spots. Learn to recognize the differences between the two diseases to treat them properly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identify Eczema
Step 1. Look for red-brown spots
Both eczema and psoriasis cause red areas to form on the skin; however, in the first case there are also brown or gray shades. The skin may also become covered with small, crusty or fluid-filled pimples.
- The red spots may also have small bumps similar to goosebumps.
- The affected areas thicken or develop lumps.
- The color can be more or less dark, depending on the type of eczema, its severity and how long you have been blowing from it.
Step 2. Check for dry skin
The disease often causes dryness, with scaly skin areas that crack on contact; in extreme cases, the skin tears because it is too dry.
The lesions may ooze clear fluids and be susceptible to infection
Step 3. Identify the areas where it occurs
The parts of the body that tend to develop the disorder are hands, wrists, feet, ankles, upper chest area, cheeks and eyelids; you may also notice red spots in the joints, such as the inside of the elbow and behind the knee.
In infants, it typically develops on the face or scalp, as well as at points of friction with the diaper or between the buttocks
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Psoriasis
Step 1. Look for red spots
The most common symptom of this condition is the appearance of thickened, chapped, red and raised skin patches, which are typically covered with silver or white scales. A different type of psoriasis presents with small red dots, but the patient may also complain of swollen areas or the appearance of purulent wheals.
- Raised, scaly areas are extremely dry, can tear and bleed.
- Over time, pus-filled wheals dry out and turn brown or crusty.
Step 2. Make a note of the areas that are susceptible to psoriasis
The area where the red spots appear depends on the variant of the skin disorder that afflicts you; in practice, it can affect the whole body. If you have extensive red, thickened areas with silver scales, the disease could be anywhere, including in the mouth and on the genitals; however, most patients experience rashes on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp.
- Guttate psoriasis presents with small red bumps distributed mainly on the torso, back, arms, legs and scalp.
- The reverse affects with reddened spots in the skin folds, such as groin, armpits, under the breasts, between the buttocks and around the genitals.
- You may also have this condition in your hands or nails; pustular psoriasis affects only the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
Step 3. Pay attention to the pain
The disease is sometimes painful, because the skin spots can transmit burning, pain and discomfort to the touch; some wheals may turn into sore or throbbing blisters, and you may notice that the joints are swollen and aching.
In some cases, the patient complains of skin pain or generalized tenderness
Step 4. Assess if there has been a trigger
Some forms of psoriasis can occur after or in conjunction with certain pathologies; the variant characterized by red wheals could be triggered after some diseases, such as streptococcal pharyngitis.
- Others are accompanied by fever, fatigue, chills, muscle weakness or a general feeling of being unwell.
- Some patients also suffer from tachycardia.
Method 3 of 3: Distinguish Eczema from Psoriasis
Step 1. Make a note of when symptoms occur
Both diseases affect individuals at different stages of life; this factor could help you make a differential diagnosis. Eczema is common among children and infants, while psoriasis is common among the elderly and young adults. If the disorder develops in childhood, it is likely eczema, but if it affects a teenager, it is more likely to be psoriasis.
- Eczema may affect some adults, but it is typically a problem for young children and tends to improve with growth.
- Psoriasis occurs more frequently between 15 and 30 years of age, but there are also patients in their fifties and sixties.
Step 2. Determine the cause
Both dermatological diseases have triggering causes, but they are different from each other. Psoriasis typically results from an unknown underlying disease, but stress, cold, skin lesions, and drug side effects can trigger a rash; eczema is a reaction to environmental elements.
- For example, the latter can affect people exposed to allergens, such as animal hair or dandruff, metal jewelery, perfumes, detergents and so on.
- Psoriasis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and triggers, such as a stressful event, strep throat, cold, dry weather, a cut, sunburn, or abrasion.
Step 3. Observe the intensity of the itch
Skin discomfort is present in both cases, but the different intensity can be a clue to distinguish the two diseases. If you have psoriasis, the itchiness can cause the skin or the inflamed area to thicken.
- In these circumstances, itching is mild or moderate, while the pain to touch is more severe.
- If you have eczema, the itching is severe or intense, especially at night, and may prevent you from sleeping.
