How do I know if I have psoriasis or eczema? What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

If you have a chronic skin condition that causes redness, dryness, itchiness, and flakiness, you might wonder if you have psoriasis or eczema. These two conditions have some similarities, but they also have some important differences that can help you tell them apart.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means that your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells. This causes your skin cells to grow faster than normal and pile up on the surface of your skin, forming thick and scaly patches called plaques.

Psoriasis can affect any part of your body, but it usually appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, palms, and soles. Psoriasis can also affect your nails, eyes, and joints.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes your skin inflamed, irritated, and sensitive. Eczema often develops in response to certain triggers, such as allergens, irritants, infections, stress, or hormonal changes.

Eczema usually affects the areas of your skin that bend or fold, such as the inner elbows, behind the knees, neck, wrists, and ankles. Eczema can also affect the face, chest, back, arms, and legs of babies and children.

The symptoms of psoriasis and eczema can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, some general differences are:

• Psoriasis tends to cause well-defined plaques that are red, silvery, and raised. Eczema tends to cause poorly-defined patches that are brown-gray or red and may have pustules.
• Psoriasis plaques are usually dry and flaky, but not very itchy. Eczema patches are usually very itchy and may ooze or crust over.
• Psoriasis can cause a burning or stinging sensation on the affected skin. Eczema can cause a lot of scratching that can lead to bleeding or infection.
• Psoriasis can start at any age, but it is more common in adults. Eczema often starts in childhood and may improve or resolve by adulthood.

The diagnosis of psoriasis or eczema can be confirmed by a dermatologist who will examine your skin and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Sometimes, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions.