Learn the differences between psoriasis vs. eczema, including how their causes, treatments, and symptoms compare.
Are you dealing with psoriasis, eczema, or something else entirely?
Dermatologists break down how to know the difference between psoriasis vs. eczemaand how to get help.
What is psoriasis?
This causes skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin.
Fortunately, a psoriasis rash isnt contagious, per the AAD.
board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
What is eczema?
Like psoriasis, eczema isnt contagious.
How do the symptoms of psoriasis vs. eczema compare?
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
It can be associated with nail findings, like pitting, she says.
Eczema is more of light pink to brown color, with a fine white scale, Dr. Wassef says.
Location matters, too, when youre trying to determine whether youre dealing with psoriasis vs. eczema.
Eczema is most common on the backs of knees and fronts of elbows.
What causes these conditions?
board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
There is a difference in what causes psoriasis vs. eczema.
Genetics also plays a significant role in psoriasis.
Eczema is often linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, Dr. Rodney says.
How is treatment different?
Treatment can vary for psoriasis vs. eczema, depending on how severe the symptoms are.
For mild eczema and psoriasis, the initial treatment with topical steroids is very similar, Dr. Wassef says.
It would be important to know which rash you have.
(Meanwhile, youll want toavoid exfoliants.)
Avoiding triggers and allergens is crucial for managing eczema.
How can you prevent psoriasis and eczema?
It can be tricky to fully prevent psoriasis and eczema due to their genetic components, Dr. Rodney says.
But she says that flares and symptoms can usually be managed through lifestyle changes.
If youre dealing with a skin rash and youre not sure whats behind it, talk to your dermatologist.
Solmaz, Dilek et al.
Impact of Having Family History of Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis on Psoriatic Disease.Arthritis care & researchvol.
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