Eczema and psoriasis are two of the major skin infections; both conditions might cause inflammation, irritation, or skin discoloration. 

On the other hand, both conditions seem to be the same, which can make it hard for you to differentiate between them. 

But after reading this – you will be able to diagnose it by yourself, as we are going to discuss the most major differences between both. However, this post is not about eczema vs psoriasis. It’s about educating you with its norms.

Let’s explore and learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for eczema and psoriasis you can experience with the dermatology clinic in Abu Dhabi.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin disease. Experts are still hurdling to find the exact cause of eczema; however, NHS indicates that it is because of a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and the immune systems. When it comes to how to diagnose it – for this you may consult with 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease present in the T-cells of your body, mistakenly attacking your healthy skin cells. This makes your immune system create skin cells more promptly to defend. As a result – these extra skin cells pile into the thick, raised plaque known as psoriasis. 

Symptoms to Spot Whether it’s Eczema or Psoriasis 

Eczema and psoriasis can both make your skin dry, flaky, and itchy. This can be painful. However, there are some important differences that can help you tell them apart.

You can suffer from psoriasis.

  • Thick skin 
  • Raised skin plaque 
  • Silvery-white scales with prominent borders.

Plus, you can also see psoriasis in your eyes, nails, and joints. 

Eczema is more likely to cause:

  • A dry rash
  • Small red bumps
  • Blisters, bumps, or rashes that ooze and crust over.

Lastly, you can face itching from both but Eczema can cause you severe itching that may get worse at night. With psoriasis, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation rather than an intense itch.

What Factors Can Cause Eczema and Psoriasis?  

Many factors can cause and trigger your eczema and psoriasis. 

Psoriasis

As mentioned, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when the immune system overworks and starts attacking healthy skin cells. 

Research indicates that it’s an inheritable disease, and genes like human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and HLA- C*6:02 can cause psoriasis. 

Eczema

The most anticipated question is, what causes eczema? Even in this tech era, the causes of eczema are still unknown. They can be genetics, environmental factors, or your immune system. 

What Factors Can Trigger Your Psoriasis and Eczema?

Both might seem to be different, but the triggering factors of both are identical. Explore the list below.   

  • Stress
  • Dry, low-moisture in weather
  • High- cold weather
  • Allergens, such as detergents, harsh soaps, pollen, bug bites
  • Skin injuries
  • Dry skin

Where They Show Up

Eczema usually shows up on the parts of your body that bend, like the inside of your elbow or behindhand your knees. It can also appear on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Babies can sometimes get it on their chin, cheeks, scalp, chest, back, arms, and legs.

Your Psoriasis symptoms might show up in places like your:

  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Scalp and face
  • Lower back
  • Palms of your hands
  • Soles of your feet

You may also have patches on other areas, such as:

  • Fingernails and toenails
  • Mouth and lips
  • Eyelids
  • Ears
  • Skin folds
  • Eczema on the face

What Are the Effective Treatments for Both?

Here are a few of the most effective Psoriasis and eczema treatments. 

Psoriasis Treatment

Your medical consultant can prescribe you different medications according to the condition of your infection. 

  • Topical Corticosteroids: These ointments or creams can help you to reduce inflammations and itching.
  • Anthralin: This topical medication slows down the accelerated growth of skin cells.
  • Coal Tar: This topical product is prescribed to reduce inflammation and scaling. Over-the-counter and prescription versions are available.
  • Salicylic Acid: These acids are ingredients used in medicated shampoos and topical solutions. It can remove skin scaliness, which may help other medications work better.
  • Synthetic Vitamin D Creams And Solutions: Prescription vitamin D creams include calcipotriene and calcitriol, and they can flatten raised areas, slow skin cell growth, and remove scaliness.
  • Topical Retinoids: Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that can slow skin cell growth.
  • Light Therapy Or Phototherapy: This is just another treatment for psoriasis. It can deal with controlled exposure to UV light, which slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.

If creams and ointments don’t help, there are pills and injections that can be used. These include pills like retinoids, methotrexate (Trexall), and cyclosporine (Gengraf), as well as drugs that affect the immune system, such as apremilast (Otezla).

However, your medical doctor – may also recommend biologic medications. These address the cause of psoriasis by targeting the immune system. 

For instance, biologic medications for psoriasis may include:

  • Adalimumab (Humira)
  • Ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • Ixekizumab (Taltz)
  • Guselkumab (Tremfya)

Eczema

Here are some of the treatments for eczema that your dermatologist can suggest for you.

  • Use gentle soaps and products without strong smells
  • Don’t take long hot baths or showers
  • Put special creams on itchy areas
  • Take allergy medicine like diphenhydramine (Histergan)
  • Use cool, wet cloths to help with itching
  • Check for ways to relax and reduce stress, like meditation, yoga, or tai chi
  • Stay away from very hot weather because sweat can make it worse. 

A person can also decrease eczema symptoms by keeping their body clean, moisturized, and dry.

Visit CMC For the Best Dermatologist

CMC is a well-known name at the Medical Clinic Abu Dhabi. We have a team of experienced dermatologists in Abu Dhabi. So, if you have thought of consulting a Dermatology clinic, don’t forget to schedule your appointment today! 

FAQs

What Is Eczema? 

Eczema type of an inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry skin, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. 

What factors can cause eczema?

According to research, there is no specific factors cause eczema, but many say that it can be caused by genetic or environmental basis.

How to cure eczema permanently?

There is no cure for eczema, but Emollients (moisturizers) are used every day to prevent the skin from becoming dry. Topical corticosteroids are creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.

How to treat eczema? 

Treating your eczema involves applying corticosteroid ointment and using different medications like dressing, but care can help you cure it. 

What is psoriasis? 

This is a chronic skin disease caused when your immune system is overworked and your skin cells start working too quickly.

How to cure scalp psoriasis permanently?

Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for scalp psoriasis. Treatments like UV lights and other medications can help you cure it temporarily, as it can be back if you do not have a forbearance. 

What is meant by psoriasis on the skin?

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen, or hot.