I had the opportunity to meet and be friends with both eczema and psoriasis sufferers since my first diagnosis with psoriasis almost 9 years ago. Psoriasis support group meet ups in Torrance, California was a norm, and I was quite a regular too. We use to discuss on issues related to psoriasis, organize group therapies, and conduct group meditations on a regular basis. This is where I got an introduction to how eczema differed from psoriasis.
To start off, the similarities: both are skin inflammations, can be difficult to treat and can be chronic. Despite their similarities, eczema and psoriasis are two separate diseases with fairly different factors, causes, signs and methods of treatment
The first difference between psoriasis and eczema is the root cause behind them. Psoriasis for the most part is linked to genetics. Psoriasis occurs due to overactive immune system. External triggers like infection, illness, weather and climate, diet and stress can worsen psoriasis, but doesn’t cause psoriasis. Eczema is a type of dermatitis, generally erupts due to environmental factors including products with strong chemicals, bacteria or humidity.
The next difference between psoriasis and eczema is the characteristics resembled by them.
Psoriasis appears as reddish lesions with silvery scales flaking off, and can be itchy. Normally it does cause the skin beneath to bleed. This kind of psoriasis is known as plaque psoriasis (most frequently diagnosed).
On the other hand, eczema may resemble psoriasis with dry skin and itching too, but it doesn’t usually include the flaking quality of psoriasis. Eczema’s main characterizations are raised spots and small blisters. It does have a strong burning sensation and oozing vesicular lesions.
There is also difference between psoriasis and eczema on which part of the body parts they normally affect.
Psoriasis tends to concentrate on the head, scalp, ears, elbows, and knees.
Eczema is mainly concentrated on the neck, face, elbow and knee bends and body folds.
The age bracket for psoriasis and eczema attacks also differs. Eczema often inflicts children, psoriasis have been more prevalent among the adults. One survey showed, about three percent of American and British adults were affected by psoriasis, mean time about twenty percent of children and five percent of American and British adults were affected by eczema.
In terms of treatment difference between psoriasis and eczema, the latter is treated with topical medications, UV (ultraviolet) light therapy, and systemic medication (taken by liquid or injection). Excimer laser treatment is also getting prevalent lately. The treatment requires about four to ten sessions before seeing the results depending on particular cases.
For eczema, antifungal and antiseptic topical medications are the most common method of treatment. Costicosteroids, oral antihistamines, UV light therapy, and immunosuppressants are prevalent treatment methods used to alleviate and cure eczema.
These are some commonly used conventional treatment options for psoriasis and eczema, there are hundreds of alternative or holistic therapies that seems to work just as good as conventional ones.
The difference between psoriasis and eczema may not be skin deep. But the underlying similarity between psoriasis and eczema is that both require attention and care from the sufferer. It’s not possible to cure both diseases without effort. The right regular treatment and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
Regards,
Tulia
