Info On Psoriasis

Psoriasis Eczema

Psoriasis or Eczema What’s the Difference

Psoriasis and eczema are similar skin conditions that can sometimes be confused. To get the correct treatment, it is important to discover the eczema and psoriasis differences. Eczema can occur in both children and adults, but it is more common in children than psoriasis. Psoriasis affects mainly adults usually in their forties to fifties. It appears on the elbows and front of the knees, (extensor surfaces) when eczema likes the inside of arms and on the back of the knees (flexor surfaces). Both will appear as rashes on the scalp, while the chronic eczema is found on the ankles more so than psoriasis..

A Doctor Can Usually Tell the Difference

Psoriasis and eczema both cause reddening of the skin in scaly rashes, the result is dry patches that may itch or be painful. They are very similar, the symptoms for each is usually different enough for your medical professional to tell them apart without doing a skin biopsy or other diagnostic testing. Although there is no cure for either, one difference between psoriasis and eczema is that eczema can often clear up while psoriasis is a lifelong condition.

For Some Cases on Hands and Feet

The Hands and feet are the most difficult areas to tell difference between psoriasis and eczema. There may be fungus along for the ride as well. Doing a biopsy of hand and foot rashes may show confusing results, causing the pathologists to be a bit non-specific in the report. A clue to psoriasis of the hands is that nails will show pitting. Nail changes also occur in eczema and fungus cases, but pitting is fairly uncommon. A very good thing is both psoriasis and eczema of the hands and feet will respond to topical steroid creams. The confusion of diagnosing which one does not hinder treatment.

Controlling Psoriasis and Eczema With Diet

Consuming a healthy diet can help control both psoriasis and eczema. One difference is that eczema might be caused by specific kinds of food. A food diary can be kept to learn what foods cause an outbreak of eczema and can be avoided. Sometimes certain foods might make psoriasis outbreaks more severe. A food diary is helpful, but will not cure the psoriasis.

The Difference in the Causes of Psoriasis and Eczema

One difference between psoriasis and eczema is what causes it. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, though there is a genetic component involved. Eczema is known to be an allergic skin reaction. It can be caused by foods, drugs, or environmental factors.

The Difference is the Treatment

There is a difference between psoriasis and eczema in how they are treated. Both psoriasis and eczema are treated with topical creams, ointments, and lotions. Psoriasis needs much stronger medications. Steroids might be prescribed by the doctor. Therapy’s with artificial ultraviolet light called phototherapy isn’t used for eczema but is used for psoriasis.

Symptoms Seem Similar

Some of the symptoms between psoriasis and eczema seem to be very similar. The skin may become red and dry and be itchy. With psoriasis, there is a buildup of scales made up of dead skin cells. These are whitish scales over the reddened area. Scales are not a factor with eczema.

A Visit to the Dermatologist

Both diseases are best treated by your doctor, a visit to your dermatologist for more advice on the eczema and psoriasis can help also. Eczema and psoriasis do not have a cure, but they can be treated. A healthy lifestyle can be a factor and proper medications are necessary to deal with the conditions. It is best to work with your doctor and dermatologist to find the best solutions for you.

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	Separating truth from myth can be hard when it comes to skin problems. Apart from medical advice, there seems to be a puzzling array of creams and potions, herbal remedies and alternative treatments...