Eczema and psoriasis are both common skin conditions causing inflammation, but they differ significantly in appearance, underlying causes, and typical symptoms.
Key Differences: Appearance and Symptoms
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Dr. Paller describes eczema as "characterized by poorly demarcated red, dry areas with fine scale." This means the redness is often spread out and not clearly defined, with a fine, subtle flaking. It's frequently very itchy and can be oozing or crusty. It often appears in skin folds. [Source: Dr. Paller, National Eczema Association]
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis, as described by Dr. Paller, presents as "red, well-circumscribed lesions (called plaques) with heaped-up, white scaling." The redness is in clearly defined patches (plaques) with thicker, more noticeable white scales. While itching can occur, it's often milder than in eczema, sometimes accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation. Psoriasis tends to appear on outer body surfaces, such as elbows, knees and scalp. [Source: Dr. Paller, Skin Cancer Specialists]
In short: Eczema is characterized by poorly defined, intensely itchy red patches with fine scaling; psoriasis shows up as well-defined, red plaques with thicker, white scaling and may have a burning sensation.
Underlying Causes
- Eczema: Eczema is not an autoimmune disease, but rather an inflammatory skin condition triggered by various factors like allergens, irritants, and genetics. [Source: Medical News Today]
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid skin cell growth and the characteristic plaques. [Source: Medical News Today]
Additional Distinguishing Features
- Itch: Eczema usually presents with intense itching, while psoriasis itching tends to be milder, though can still be bothersome. [Source: Pfizer]
- Location: Eczema frequently appears in skin folds, while psoriasis often affects outer surfaces like elbows, knees, and scalp. [Source: Healthline]
While both conditions can overlap in some symptoms, the distinct visual characteristics, the intensity of itching, and the underlying causes help differentiate them. A dermatologist can provide a definitive diagnosis.
