Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Understanding the Differences

Clear Solutions Dermatology Group with Dr. Scott David, Dr. Mark Pomper, and Jason Staback, PA-C, MS, can help people with a myriad of skin conditions, including problems like psoriasis and eczema, in Lewes, Newark, DE, Manchester Township, and Brick, NJ. If you think you have one of these conditions, knowing which affects you is essential. Thankfully, this guide should make that process quite a bit easier.

They Feel Different: Often Very Heavily So

When you have psoriasis, your skin will be itchy but may also sting or burn. Often, people compare it to being bitten by fire ants: that’s how intense this condition can get. By contrast, the other skin disease will create an intense itch that can be so bad you might bleed. However, it’s typically not a “burning” sensation, meaning it’s usually a little less challenging to handle.

They Look a Lot Different: Both are Very Unappealing

Psoriasis is typically a bit more extreme in appearance, causing silvery and scaly skin that’s raised above the surface of your body. These skin patches are often thicker and more inflamed, meaning they can be quite painful. By contrast, the other condition causes red and inflamed skin with oozing, crusty surfaces, welling, and rough, leathery patches.

They Show Up in Different Areas: Watch For These Spots

At Clear Solutions Dermatology Group, Dr. Pomper, Dr. Staback, and Dr. Scott David know that psoriasis most often shows up on elbows, knees, scalps, faces, lower backs, hand palms, feet soles, fingernails, mouths, lips, and eyelids. People who get eczema in Lewes, DE, usually see it on areas that bend, such as the elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles.

They Have Different Triggers: These Vary Heavily

Psoriasis is typically triggered by many of the same things as other skin conditions. However, this disease may also be connected with vaccinations, sunburns, and scratches. Lithium and malarial drugs may also trigger it. As for the other condition, expect triggers like soaps, detergents, disinfectants, meat juices, dust, pets, mold, pollen, dandruff, and foods.

They Start at Different Ages: Know If You’re at Risk

Psoriasis usually develops between 15 and 35, though it may show up at other ages. Babies and young toddlers rarely get this condition. The other disease usually starts in babies and young children and often gets better as they age. 

Therapy To Trust

At Clear Solutions Dermatology Group, Dr. Scott David, Dr. Mark Pomper, and Jason Staback, PA-C, MS, can help manage psoriasis and eczema in  Lewes, and Newark, DE, and Manchester Township, and Brick, NJ. We’ll help you understand which problem impacts you and ensure you get professional-level help to treat it. Call us at (877) 425-7756 to set up your appointment, and we’ll work hard to ensure these conditions don’t ruin your life.