Psoriasis and eczema are two common skin conditions that can cause dry and itchy skin. However, they both have different causes and are treated differently.
If you’ve been experiencing dry and itchy skin, it could be important to know whether you are suffering from psoriasis or eczema. This post delves into the differences between the two.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects 2 to 3% of the world’s population. It causes the skin to malfunction, leading to the overproduction of skin cells. These skin cells build up into thick scales known as plaques.
The cause of psoriasis is unknown. It is sometimes genetic, but can also develop randomly in people with family history of it. Skin injuries, heavy drinking, smoking, stress and cold weather can all potentially lead to flare-ups.
While for most people it is predominantly a skin disorder, psoriasis can also affect other parts of the body. About 30% of people with psoriasis also experience inflammation of the joints. Some people meanwhile experience dry scales around the eyes, which can cause eye issues. Psoriasis may also lead to abnormal nail growth or hair loss.
Psoriasis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for some people. It can be itchy, but this itchiness is mild compared to eczema. Instead, many people complain of a burning sensation on the skin, which combined with joint pain or eye pain can be hard to endure.
How do you treat psoriasis?
There are several different ways to treat psoriasis. The most popular form of treatment is to use over-the-counter topical creams, ointments and soaps. Moisturisers can help reduce dryness, while steroid-based creams can help heal cracks in the skin. Coal tar is meanwhile an old treatment that can help reduce plaques – this is available in the form of soap bars and creams.
Prescription medication will typically have a more drastic positive impact. There are several topical creams that you can explore that use chemicals like methotrexate and acitretin to stop the overproduction of skin cells. Injectable drugs like Humira and Stelara are also popular and effective – injections can be carried out at home or by a doctor.
Making lifestyle changes can meanwhile help you to live more comfortably with psoriasis in the long run. Consider taking steps to reduce stress in your life by taking time to relax in the evening – this could help reduce flare-ups. Quitting bad habits like smoking could also help.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a form of dermatitis that results in dry, red and itchy skin. 1 in 10 people experience eczema in their lifetime. It is particularly common in young children.
Eczema can be a genetic disease caused by poor oil production within the skin, which can be exacerbated by stress. It can also develop as an allergy to various specific triggers that may include certain fabrics, dyes, soaps, detergents, make-ups, air pollutants or foods. Harsh chemicals and dry cold air can also cause contact eczema.
In most cases, eczema is not particularly painful. However, it can be very itchy. This can cause people with eczema to scratch affected areas – leading to scarring and infections.
How do you treat eczema?
Eczema can be reduced by frequently moisturising. Moisturiser creams can help trap moisture in the skin. Some of these creams are steroid-based and can be useful for healing dry and cracked areas of skin.
Several different topical medications can be used to help treat eczema flare-ups. This includes products like Adbry and Dupixent. If skin becomes infected, antibiotic creams can be prescribed by a doctor. There are also creams that can help relieve itchiness.
Of course, the best way to treat eczema in the long run is prevention by avoiding your triggers. This involves taking note of whenever you experience a flare-up and listing the potential causes. If you get rashes after wearing certain clothes, you could be allergic to a certain dye or fabric. If you’ve just started using new shampoo and are getting rashes, it could be an ingredient within the shampoo.
The differences between psoriasis and eczema:
To conclude, here are the big differences between the two conditions:
- Psoriasis causes thick skin scales known as ‘plaques’, whereas eczema causes thinner flaky skin and redness.
- Psoriasis can be mildly itchy, whereas eczema is known to often be very itchy.
- Some people with psoriasis experience burning pain. Eczema is only usually painful if the area has been scratched and got infected.
- Psoriasis and eczema can both be flared-up by stress – but eczema is more commonly triggered by specific allergens like materials or chemicals.
- Psoriasis is harder to clear up with over-the-counter products than eczema.
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