What is the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions that can cause inflammation, irritation, and skin discoloration. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two:
- Appearance: Eczema is characterized by poorly demarcated red, dry areas with fine scale, while psoriasis appears as red, well-circumscribed lesions (called plaques) with heaped-up, white scaling. Eczema may also cause rough, leathery patches, while psoriasis often presents as silvery and scaly raised patches.
- Location: Eczema tends to develop in the folds and creases of the skin, such as behind the knees, on the neck, in the creases of the arms, and on the face. Psoriasis typically develops on the outer surface of the skin in areas like the scalp, front of knees, and belly button.
- Age of onset: Eczema is more common in children and may improve as they get older, while psoriasis tends to be a more lifelong condition. Eczema usually starts in childhood, while psoriasis typically appears between ages 15 and 35, but can also occur at other ages.
- Itching: Eczema causes intense itching, while psoriasis tends to cause mild itching.
- Associated conditions: Eczema is often associated with dry, sensitive skin and a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever. Psoriasis is linked to other serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or depression.
A dermatologist can often diagnose eczema or psoriasis after an exam and visual assessment, and may order tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment can help manage symptoms for both conditions, regardless of the specific diagnosis.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis? Comparative Table: Eczema vs Psoriasis
Comparative Table: Eczema vs Psoriasis
Here is a table comparing the differences between eczema and psoriasis:
Feature | Eczema | Psoriasis |
---|---|---|
Symptoms | Dry, itchy skin; rashes in skin folds, typically in the inner creases of the arms, on the face, hands, neck, or behind the knees | Thick and raised skin areas called plaques; scaly skin |
Appearance | Affects skin folds, such as inside surfaces of arms, behind knees, and on neck | Affects outer surfaces, such as elbows or scalp |
Triggers | Stress, dry weather, cold weather, bug bites, bee stings, allergic reactions in the skin, harsh soaps, dry skin | |
Itching | Very itchy | Not usually as itchy |
Types | More common in children | Less common in children, more likely to affect face, buttocks, and scalp in children |
A dermatologist can often diagnose eczema or psoriasis after an exam and visual assessment, asking questions about your health, symptoms, and allergies, and examining your skin and nails.
Read more:
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- Plaque Psoriasis vs Psoriasis
- Paget’s Disease vs Eczema
- Eczema vs Ringworm
- Vitiligo vs Psoriasis
- Pityriasis Rosea vs Psoriasis
- Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff
- Fungal Infection vs Psoriasis
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- Lichen Planus vs Lupus Erythematosus
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- Hives vs Scabies
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