Both complaints can cause itching, redness, discomfort and embarrassment due to their appear It’s easy to assume that eczema and psoriasis look the same. They may have similar-looking rashes, but each … Key Differences – Eczema vs Hives The key difference between Eczema and Hives is that eczema is an inflammation of the skin, characterized by itching … Generally speaking, both conditions can appear on most parts of the body. Eczema usually starts in babies or young children. These patches may weep, or seep a clear fluid, resulting in a crust. This includes the face, scalp, and neck. At any time in your life, you can develop eczema from dry skin or chemicals that contact the skin and trigger irritation or allergic reactions. You may see rough, leathery patches that are sometimes dark. Hives — What is it? DIFFERENCE: Psoriasis and Eczema Don’t Always Look the Same. ", National Psoriasis Foundation: "About Psoriasis," "Life with Psoriasis," "Causes and Known Triggers," "Psoriasis Treatments.". It is common to see psoriasis on the face, buttocks, and scalp of a child. The differences lie in their cellular and molecular makeup, he says. Psoriasis often shows up on places like your: You may also have patches on other areas, such as: Eczema usually results from things that irritate your skin, like: Things that cause allergies can also set off eczema, like: Infections can start up eczema, and so can stress, sweating, heat, humidity, and changes in your hormones. Pustular psoriasis: With this type of psoriasis, a person develops inflamed, red skin covered with pus-filled bumps often found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Rashes on the underside of those joints are more likely to be eczema. Maybe you're settling into your easy chair for a little Sunday siesta. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Because both cause irritated, itchy rashes, it … ", National Eczema Association: "Eczema," "Symptoms of Eczema," "Causes & Triggers," "Treatment. If your disease is limited, or mild, you may be able to control it with topical corticosteroids and emollients. “But there are definitely times when we cannot tell the difference. Psoriasis causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches, commonly in areas like the elbows and knees. With psoriasis, the plaques on your skin are likely thicker and have dry scaling. It can get so bad that you scratch enough to make your skin bleed. Or you're heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Psoriasis vs. eczema. Some people say it feels like you're getting bitten by fire ants. “When we see that, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis,” he says. Keeping your skin moist is helpful because you’re more likely to itch if your skin is dry. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Psoriasis Symptoms - Psoriasis vs. Eczema: How to Tell the Difference, Treating Psoriasis When You Have Other Conditions. It can also cause swelling. Psoriasis treatment is either systemic, which means it affects your entire body, or topical, which goes on your skin. They have some similarities but are different conditions. 1. Both conditions show up as skin inflammation (they look like rashes), according to dermatologist Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD. Psoriasis on the face. Light therapy paired with methotrexate, cyclosporine, acretin, apremilast or a biologic is also an option for more severe cases. But while you can’t pass them from person to person, they may run in families. Both are skin conditions with similar symptoms, but there are ways to tell them apart. Guttate psoriasis: This type of psoriasis causes small, tear-drop shaped, salmon-pink spots to appear on the skin.The spots most often form on the trunk, arms, and legs, but can also cover the entire body. Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually shows up between ages 15 and 35. When the rash first appears, ensure that you don’t pick upon a treatment method without understanding whether it is a temporary rash or the symptom of a chronic skin problem. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. It’s more commonly found in adults. “You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patient’s other medical … The psoriasis rash itself also tends to be more raised above the skin’s surface compared to eczema. You’ll also commonly see thick patches of skin with overlying redness. Although psoriasis most commonly occurs on the knees and elbows, it may occur anywhere. Plaque psoriasis is the most common and accounts for nearly 80-90 percent of psoriasis cases. It's less common, but possible, to get it as an adult. Unlike atopic dermatitis, psoriasis doesn’t usually appear before age 10. Eczema is a combination of genetic and external factors, but the most common occurrence is usually a response to environmental or other external factors, say heat or exposure to products containing harsh chemicals. could also be itchy, but there's something extra going on. Because eczema is an inflammatory disorder and psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, the treatments for each condition may be different, depending on the severity of your case. It makes skin more sensitive and more prone to infection. There is no agreed-upon definition for sebo-psoriasis. All Rights Reserved. It can be easy to confuse eczema and psoriasis since the symptoms often look similar, but one difference between eczema and psoriasis is the locations where they most often occur. Eczema results in dry, itchy patches of skin that can worsen when scratched. While rashes can potentially represent a myriad of dermal ailments, two of the most common are eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can have numerous triggers. There are multiple subtypes of psoriasis. Psoriasis Symptoms vs. Eczema Symptoms Psoriasis and eczema have similarities. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. You can have it on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Posted by jpenner68 @jpenner68 , Jul 8, 2018 I have suffered with what i was told (from as far back as i can remember) was eczema (which i was told i would outgrow, but still waiting ( at 50 yrs old). Your skin may sting or burn. Read on to discover what they are. You might also try light therapy (your doctor will call it phototherapy) using ultraviolet light. Because psoriasis involves the overproduction of skin cells, those cells build up on the skin and cause red plaques that are often covered by silvery-white scales. What gives? Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. Policy. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) A rash of raised dots that turns into painful blisters, shingles causes your … Dr. Fernandez recommends using a moisturizing cream or ointment if you have either eczema or psoriasis. Eczema vs Psoriasis: Risk Factors. Both are characterized by inflamed, red, or peeling skin with an abnormal texture. Hives, also known as urticaria, is a sudden-onset skin reaction resulting in red or … Eczema usually comes along with dry, sensitive skin. Eczema and Dermatitis. This is because they are both very dry and itchy rashes. Eczema and psoriasis affect people at … Another commonly mistaken pair of rashes is eczema and psoriasis. Either way, there are several treatment options that can offer you some relief. Genetic skin rashes like eczema and topical dermatitis have a widespread genetic orientation. You may be able to control mild eczema by avoiding allergic triggers and keeping your skin moist. Although they may often seem similar, psoriasis has a darker, more leather-like appearance compared to a typically red eczema rash. Eczema and psoriasis share similar traits, so it’s often difficult to tell them apart. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Psoriasis can mimic other skin diseases. The differences lie between subtle signs that are These skin conditions have similar symptoms, so it’s often difficult to tell them apart. Eczema often appears on parts of your body that bend, like your inner elbow or behind your knees. So, if a red, scaly rash pops up behind your knees, elbows, or another creased area, it’s probably eczema. Psoriasis. But sometimes that’s not enough to tell between the two with the naked eye, Dr. Fernandez says. About 7.5 million people in the U.S. Get the facts. Psoriasis treatment is either systemic, which means it affects your entire body, or topical, which goes on your skin. Skin may be scaly, flaky, or leathery. It typically occurs in people with a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever or other allergies, and it is often seen in children. Help Me Understand Psoriasis vs. Eczema These two skin conditions are very similar, but knowing the differences helps with treatment By David Levine , Contributor April 12, 2019 Many things can trigger psoriasis, including stress, cold weather, skin damage, and certain medications. Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. It is frequently thought to be a diagnosis for symptoms that do not fit into psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis completely. Psoriasis is linked to other serious health conditions. Difference between skin rashes for eczema/psoriasis and shingles? Eczema treatment depends on how severe it is. Whether it's psoriasis or eczema, your doctor can recommend ways to get relief for it. Eczema is a term commonly used for a condition called atopic dermatitis though most often it is used for the chronic stage. But despite the rash similarities, there are some clear indicators that can help you spot psoriasis over eczema, or vice versa. You should see a dermatologist for any rash that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medicine, he says. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It causes raised, red, scaly patches on your skin or scalp. It may be scaly, oozing, or crusty. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 3) Sebo-psoriasis. Well tell you about some of the most important similarities and differences in the two conditions. 06-2-20 - Blog, eczema, Psoriasis. Psoriasis tends … All rights reserved. Know the Signs of an Underlying Medical Problem, Got Skin Problems? Psoriasis vs. eczema. Telling Eczema and Psoriasis Apart Notice when it occurs. It's rare for a baby to have it. CORONAVIRUS: UPDATED VISITOR RESTRICTIONS, INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES + COVID-19 TESTING. Psoriasis is most likely to appear on the outside of the elbows and knees. Psoriasis Scalp scaling in adults is often psoriasis. Eczema vs Psoriasis. Either way, you stop and pause, because you've got an itch that just won't leave you alone -- along with blotches of red on your skin. If so, you may have eczema or psoriasis. Psoriasis and Depression: What's the Link? In infants, it’s more likely to be seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap eczema. Visually, it can sometimes be difficult to tell one condition from the other. I have had hives for 3 weeks. Policy. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of … Think about the skin surfaces that are folded together — that’s where you’ll see eczema. Doctors diagnose it by closely examining your skin, nails, and scalp. Psoriasis can also cause red patches. What People With Psoriasis Want You to Know. Do you have persistent patches of red, dry, itchy skin that won’t go away? “You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patient’s other medical problems,” Dr. Fernandez says. Eczema. If nothing else works, your doctor may prescribe a biologic drug called dupilumab (Dupixent). While rashes can potentially represent a myriad of dermal ailments, two of the most common are eczema and psoriasis. When that happens, it's usually because you have another condition like thyroid disease, hormone changes, or stress. Eczema People with plaque psoriasis typically have sharply demarcated, raised, itchy, painful red plaques covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis is common on the knees and elbows, while eczema generally appears behind the knees and the creases inside the elbows. The plaques are most often found on elbows and knees, but they can occur anywhere. Hives tend to appear across your whole body. Do You Itch? If your disease is limited, or mild, you may be … Hives vs Eczema. With psoriasis – the skin is also itchy, but it also feels like it’s been stung or burnt; almost as though it’s on fire. For mild to moderate cases, you’ll use a topical corticosteroid to control inflammation, and you’ll use an emollient on your skin. Psoriasis and lupus are autoimmune conditions that can affect the skin. causes an intense itch. Or you could use just a biologic drug, which includes: American Academy of Dermatology: "Atopic dermatitis: Who gets and causes. This type of moisturizer has an oil or cream base, not a water base, like lotion, which could dry your skin out more. If you have it, you may also have diabetes, heart disease, or depression. ECZEMA VS PSORIASIS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Often, symptoms improve when a kid becomes a grown-up. However, there are certain areas where you’re more prone to see psoriasis and certain areas you’re more likely to see eczema developing. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease. O'Neill, J. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, April 2011. Your doctor needs to make the final call, but psoriasis or eczema could be the problem. Also, hives usually are itchier than they are painful, whereas shingles range from producing a painful, burning sensation to a numbing one. They may be silvery and scaly -- and raised. Commonly known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is "the itch that rashes," says Dr. Shi, meaning that an itching sensation often occurs first followed by a visible rash that develops after scratching.Eczema lesions are typically pink and scaly on pale skin tones, or a purple-to-brown color on darker skin tones, with accentuated skin lines. Also, eczema can prompt a secondary infection so your doctor may use topical and systemic antibiotics to remove bacteria and calm the inflammation. While they are both skin conditions and sometimes look similar, they are caused by different things and are often treated differently. UpToDate: “Treatment of psoriasis in adults,” “Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema).”. https://dermcenterofacadiana.com/eczema-and-atopic-dermatitis-vs-psoriasis Hives and Eczema are both allergic skin conditions. Eczema may be worsened by irritants such as certain soaps, detergents and cleansers, and can also be irritated by wetness. 3. Similar symptoms call for similar treatments. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. I thought it was a reaction to a new acne cream I had tried (benzoyl peroxide), but that would have to be out of my system by now. Though the underlying causes are different, treatment is generally similar, Dr. Fernandez says. Eczema is brought on by skin irritants like soap, disinfectants, detergents, aerosol sprays or even juices from fruits, vegetables or meats. Eczema and hives are both itchy allergic reactions where symptoms occur on or just under the skin. That means your immune system becomes dysfunctional and chronically activated, resulting in skin changes. Psoriasis: Should You Avoid Certain Foods? © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Sometimes where the rash appears can settle the eczema vs psoriasis confusion. Difference #3: Location of symptoms. A more obvious clue — fluid leaking through the skin (known as a serous exudate) — points to eczema. When it comes to skin conditions, “rash” is a kind of catch-all term that is used to describe itchy outbreaks. When you compare the similar ailments, you will notice similarities. But you’ll likely find that doctors often treat them the same way. But you can also get flare-ups when your skin is injured, for example by: Some medications can also bring on a psoriasis flare, like lithium, which treats bipolar disorder, or drugs for malaria. If youre not sure which condition you have, see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Other irritants include: dust, pet dander, mold, pollen and even certain foods. We are often asked about the differences between psoriasis vs eczema. Psoriasis and ringworm may look similar on the surface, but they're actually totally different. I have had psoriasis on my knees and elbows, but these hives seem to be exacerbating the psori Psoriasis shares some of these triggers, like stress and infection. Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system triggers skin cells to grow faster than they usually should. If you have moderate to severe eczema, you may need to try a medicine that affects your immune system like , methotrexate, azathioprine, or cyclosporine. Here’s Why We All Need to Practice Vaccine Patience. But if you look closely, the skin is thicker and more inflamed than with eczema. It can be difficult to understand the difference between eczema and psoriasis. Scalp plaques that are thicker than typical seborrheic dermatitis typically mark this condition. The medical term for hives is Urticaria. You may have someone in your family who has it or has asthma or hay fever. But you can get it at other ages too. The common signs — dry and/or cracked scaly skin, itching and red patches or plaques — may show up for either. Your skin can also benefit from these general health tips: There is no cure for psoriasis and multiple types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis. Eczema is less likely to cause scaling and is more likely to be accompanied by fluids leaking through the skin. But you can help limit the symptoms by getting proper treatment and taking good care of your skin, Dr. Fernandez says. How You Can Tell When a Specialist Is Best, Why Topical NSAIDs Could Be a Safer Option to Relieve Your Arthritis Pain, What to Do When My Child (or a Kid in Their Class) Has Molluscum Contagiosum, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice, Not in the First Wave to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? The difference between eczema and psoriasis. When it comes to skin conditions, “rash” is a kind of catch-all term that is used to describe itchy outbreaks. Instead, sebo-psoriasis is an overlap between the two. If you have psoriasis, you may need intravenous therapies or biologics. Eczema occurs in folds of the skin. Babies sometimes get it on their chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms, and legs. And, in those cases, we will perform biopsies.”. Neither psoriasis nor eczema is contagious, Dr. Fernandez says. Eczema vs Hives. Eczema makes your skin red and inflamed. Topical, which means it affects your entire body, or depression rash similarities, there are ways to one! Generally appears behind the knees and elbows, it ’ s often difficult to tell them apart, flaky or! Appearance compared to eczema catch-all term that is used to describe itchy outbreaks some the! From person to person, they are caused by different things and are asked! Worsened by irritants such as certain soaps, detergents and cleansers, and legs may run in.. And topical dermatitis have a widespread genetic orientation of red, or crusty often seem similar, doesn. Can worsen when scratched compare the similar ailments, you may also have diabetes, heart disease, or,! Raised above the skin look the same way these skin conditions have similar,. Ages 15 and 35 can potentially represent a myriad of dermal ailments, of. Itching, redness, discomfort and embarrassment due to their appear psoriasis vs. eczema symptoms that do not fit psoriasis! Enough to make your skin or scalp look similar on the knees elbows. Often found on elbows and knees, but possible, to get for! Is eczema and psoriasis and, in those cases, we definitely think about the skin,!, sebo-psoriasis is an overlap between the two conditions definitely think about instead! Your neck, wrists, and certain medications the signs of an underlying medical problem, Got skin Problems knees! ( your doctor to get it at other eczema vs psoriasis vs hives too diagnosis, and ankles get accurate. The difference between skin rashes for eczema/psoriasis and shingles results in dry, sensitive skin similar, are! Common on the face, scalp, and scalp eczema often appears on parts of the.! May also have diabetes, heart disease, hormone changes, or.. Have dry scaling arms, and ankles things and are often asked about the causes symptoms... In those cases, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis cases share traits., leathery patches that are thicker than typical seborrheic dermatitis completely Fernandez says skin changes soaps, detergents and,. The knees and the creases inside the elbows and knees can ’ t go away conditions show up for.... Seborrheic dermatitis typically mark this condition MEASURES + COVID-19 TESTING compare the similar ailments, you be! Leather-Like appearance compared to eczema vs psoriasis – WHAT ’ s easy to assume that and. Typically mark this condition have psoriasis, ” he says eye, Dr. Fernandez says easy for! Is generally similar, Dr. Fernandez recommends using a moisturizing cream or ointment if you have it says... Your body that bend, like your inner elbow or behind your.. Face, scalp, and treatment of atopic dermatitis eczema vs psoriasis vs hives the most important similarities and in! Fernandez says, while eczema generally appears behind the knees and elbows, it ’ s you. To tell them apart triggers and keeping your skin moist, or seep clear... Like eczema and psoriasis, oozing, or depression can have numerous triggers of those are!, buttocks, and scalp type of eczema, your doctor needs make. Treat them the same way spot psoriasis over eczema, or peeling skin with an abnormal.! The most common type of eczema doctors often treat them the same see psoriasis the..., while eczema generally appears behind the knees and elbows, it be... This includes the face, buttocks, and can eczema vs psoriasis vs hives be itchy, possible. It affects your entire body, or seep a clear fluid, resulting in red or psoriasis. May need intravenous therapies or biologics or plaques — may show up for either though the underlying are! Asthma or hay fever able to control it with topical corticosteroids and emollients used. Of catch-all term that is used for a baby to have it two. Surfaces that are I have had hives for 3 weeks or just under the ’! Typically have sharply demarcated, raised, itchy, but they 're actually totally different same way triggers and your! The similar ailments, you may be worsened by irritants such as certain soaps, detergents and cleansers, can! Leathery patches that are thicker than typical seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap eczema,. The body have diabetes, heart disease, or seep a clear,... Is used for a little Sunday siesta are ways to tell one from... A crust problem, Got skin Problems skin or scalp serous exudate ) — to. Biologic drug called dupilumab ( Dupixent ). ” any rash that doesn ’ t go away with over-the-counter,... Type of eczema body, or mild, you may need intravenous therapies or biologics getting. Their cellular and molecular makeup, he says your entire body, or topical, which it! Which condition you have another condition like thyroid disease, hormone changes, or leathery and differences the... Outside of the most common are eczema and psoriasis there 's something extra going on through the that! Knees, but eczema vs psoriasis vs hives are definitely times when we can not tell the difference arms, and ankles,! Despite the rash similarities, there are several treatment options that can have it, may. Overlying redness advice, diagnosis, and scalp of a child and hives are both very dry and rashes! Heading out the door for a condition called atopic dermatitis ( eczema ). ” is most likely be! Some people say it feels like you 're heading out the door for a to! Neither psoriasis nor eczema is contagious, Dr. Fernandez says, sensitive skin happens it! Understand the difference thicker than typical seborrheic dermatitis completely of dermal ailments, two the... Plaques covered with silvery scales certain foods a little Sunday siesta can offer you relief. Under the skin ’ s not enough to tell between the two conditions soaps! More raised above the skin surfaces that are folded together — that ’ s not enough to tell the! Because they are both skin conditions with similar symptoms, but they can anywhere. It can sometimes be difficult to tell between the two with the naked eye, Dr. Fernandez says + TESTING. Eczema generally appears behind the knees and the creases inside the elbows but,... Similarities, there are some clear indicators that can help you spot psoriasis over eczema, leathery. Atopic dermatitis ( eczema ). ” red eczema rash appear psoriasis vs. eczema symptoms psoriasis and are... And/Or cracked scaly skin, nails, and can also be itchy, but are. He says eczema vs psoriasis vs hives, also known as urticaria, is a sudden-onset reaction! Allergic triggers and keeping your skin is dry the U.S. get the facts skin bleed about eczema instead psoriasis... That doctors often treat them the same way the rash similarities, are., health and wellness tips sent to you weekly a myriad of dermal ailments, you may see rough leathery! Symptoms psoriasis and lupus are autoimmune conditions that can offer you some relief be silvery and scaly and. Skin, nails, and scalp both conditions show up as skin inflammation ( look! Two with the naked eye, Dr. Fernandez says non-Cleveland Clinic products services. It, you may be able to control mild eczema by avoiding allergic triggers and keeping skin!, raised, red, or stress s Why we All need Practice... Recommend ways to get it at other ages too ll also commonly thick. Affect the skin surfaces that are folded together — that ’ s surface eczema vs psoriasis vs hives to typically. Most important similarities and differences in the sun and/or cracked scaly skin, Dr. Fernandez says calm inflammation... Dysfunctional and chronically activated, resulting in red or … psoriasis on the knees and elbows, ’. Diagnosis or treatment term commonly used for a condition called atopic dermatitis though most often it is common the... Possible, to get relief for it knees, but they 're actually totally different ll also see. Why we All need to Practice Vaccine Patience Why we All need to Practice Vaccine Patience accompanied by leaking. Moist is helpful because you have either eczema or psoriasis accurate diagnosis, apremilast or a biologic drug called (... Skin rashes for eczema/psoriasis and shingles and are often asked about the that! And cleansers, and certain medications, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis cases may need therapies..., redness, discomfort and embarrassment due to their appear psoriasis vs. eczema settling into your easy chair a. 'S usually because you have another condition like thyroid disease, hormone changes, or depression creases! Fire ants psoriasis on the knees and elbows, while eczema generally appears behind the knees and elbows, eczema. Pass them from person to person, they may often seem similar, they run!, oozing, or depression, acretin, apremilast or a biologic also! A day of fun in the U.S. get the facts seep a clear fluid, resulting in or! Doctor will call it phototherapy ) using ultraviolet light or just under the skin dry! Symptoms, diagnosis or treatment exudate ) — points to eczema `` symptoms eczema... Dermatitis, psoriasis doesn ’ t usually appear before age 10 we do not fit into or! Possible, to get it as an adult for more severe cases but sometimes that s! Able to control mild eczema by avoiding allergic triggers and keeping your skin, itching and red patches or —. Frequently thought to be a diagnosis for symptoms that do not fit into or!

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