Most people suffer from itchy, red, blotchy skin which persistently causes irritation and discomfort. It could be psoriasis or eczema. These are two skin concerns which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms resulting in some confusion while diagnosis. This is why it is always advised to consult an experienced dermatologist who holds expertise in performing skin examinations and additional tests to help confirm the type of skin condition and also recommend suitable effective treatments to get healthy skin.
If the person thinks that psoriasis or eczema could be the problem, then the doctor can make a final call by looking for things that tell them apart. Here is a guide to differentiating between the two skin issues-eczema and psoriasis’ shared by Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Best Doctor for Psoriasis and Eczema Treatment in Delhi.
How does eczema or psoriasis feel different to the patient?
Eczema itching is dreadful. People tend to have an urge of scratching the irritated skin very badly often leading to skin bleed.
In Psoriasis, the skin itches but also feels like stinging or burning. Some people describe the itching as if some fire ants are biting the skin.
What are the differences in skin appearances?
Eczema results in red, inflamed skin which may be crusty, scaly, or oozing pus or fluids. A person might have leathery, rough patches on the skin which sometimes turn dark.
Psoriasis is characterized by silver, scaly, and raised red patches of the skin. With a closer look, one can notice that the skin is thicker and more swollen as compared to eczema.
Where do they appear more often?
Eczema is mostly located on the body part that can bend or fold like behind the knees or inner area of the elbow. People can also have them on the wrist, ankles, and neck. In babies, this may occur on the scalp, chest, back, chin, arms, leg, and cheeks.
Psoriasis is commonly found on the body sites like knees, palms of hands, lower back, elbows, soles of the feet, face, and scalp. Sometimes, it may appear on lips and mouth, ears, toenails and fingernails, eyelids, and skin folds.
What are their different triggering factors?
Usually, eczema is the result of skin-irritating agents such as certain soaps, disinfectants, detergents, and juices from meats or produce. It can also be set off because of some allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, dandruff, mold, and some food. Other triggers include skin infections, excessive sweating, humidity, stress, heat, and hormonal changes.
Psoriasis can be caused due to some common triggers like infections or stress. Otherwise, flare-ups can arise when the skin gets injured or traumatized. Instances include scratching of the skin, vaccination, and sunburn. Certain medications can also lead to Psoriasis like malarial drugs and lithium drugs.
At what age do they first appear?
Eczema symptoms are often common and begin in babies or young children and the condition may improve with increasing age. It is possible that an adult suffers from eczema, but is less common. If adults get eczema, it could mean that they have some underlying medication such as stress, hormone, or thyroid disease.
On the other hand, psoriasis usually shows its symptoms between 15 to 35 years of age but it is possible to have in other age groups. Rarely, a baby could have psoriasis. If one is experiencing similar symptoms, consult Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Psoriasis Specialist in Delhi to know more about the treatment options for managing this concern.
What health conditions they are associated with?
Eczema can be linked to dry and sensitive skin type or may run in families especially if any family member has hay fever or asthma.
Psoriasis is usually linked to serious health issues like depression, heart disease, and obesity.
Treatment options for eczema and psoriasis:
In either case of eczema or psoriasis, the treatment varies based on the skin condition and its severity.
Mild to moderate eczema can be treated using topical corticosteroids and emollients on the skin. For moderate to severe eczema, Dr. Rajat Kandhari, a skin allergy doctor in Delhi may prescribe immunotherapy drugs and biological drugs. The patient may also get relieved by undergoing phototherapy.
Psoriasis can be treated either systemically or topically. Topical steroids or emollients can be used for mild to moderate psoriasis with limited spread on the skin. For severe cases, light therapy in combination with medications affecting the immune system or a biological drug can be used.
To know more treatment options for eczema and psoriasis management in Delhi, consult the best skin doctor in India, Dr. Rajat Kandhari.
