Psoriasis vs. Eczema: What's the Difference?

Everyone experiences occasional bouts of dry skin. But if you notice areas of extreme dryness and other unusual changes, it’s time to take action.

At Park City Dermatology in Park City and Heber City, Utah, Karen Stolman, MD, Steven Kern, MD, and Jessica Collins, DO, lead a team of dermatology professionals offering personalized services in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Working with a skilled dermatologist is the best way to get to the bottom of skin issues. When it comes to psoriasis and eczema, it often takes a trained eye to determine which condition is causing your flaking, irritated, and excessively dry skin.

Similarities between psoriasis and eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are linked to your immune system, although neither condition is a true autoimmune disorder. 

With psoriasis, your immune system triggers overly swift skin cell development. Unable to shed old skin cells fast enough, your skin cells stack atop one another, creating flaky patches.

Researchers believe people with eczema have overly sensitive immune systems that react to substances not normally harmful to humans as well as internal stressors. A new cleaning product, bubble bath, or even a stressful period at work can cause an eczema flare-up. 

Both conditions seem to have a genetic component. If a close family member experiences psoriasis or eczema, your risk level is higher than normal. 

What makes them different

Psoriasis is far less common than eczema, affecting around one person for every four who develop eczema. Psoriasis also tends to develop in the mid-teenage years and early adulthood, while people with eczema usually develop symptoms during infancy or early childhood. 

The appearance of psoriasis is also a bit different than eczema. People with psoriasis often develop raised areas of dry, flaking skin. These areas can take on a white, red, or silvery color. 

Itching is common with psoriasis and eczema, but in the case of psoriasis, you may also notice stinging or burning sensations in the affected areas. 

The primary symptom of eczema is itching, which can be so intense that you scratch or rub the affected areas until your skin bleeds. In babies and small children, parents notice areas where the skin appears flaky and raw. Itching can interfere with normal sleep patterns. 

Babies and children who develop eczema usually have patches of dry and itchy skin in areas of skin folds, like the neck or in the crook of elbows and knees. Adults often have symptoms on the face or hands. 

Psoriasis usually develops on the outside of elbows and knees or the soles of feet, palms, scalp, lower back, ears, or eyelids. 

Treatment can improve psoriasis and eczema

Still aren’t sure if your skin issue is psoriasis or eczema? Even skin health professionals need extensive training and experience to diagnose these common skin conditions. 

The good news is that regardless of which type of skin health problem you face, treatment can help. It’s possible to find lasting relief from dry, itching, and flaking skin. 

The team at Park City Dermatology is here to help, offering private, one-on-one consultations to determine the source of your symptoms and begin a treatment path right away. 

When you’re ready to take action, reach out to Park City Dermatology online or by phone to book a visit.