Confused between eczema and psoriasis? So were we...

If you’re someone who finds themselves describing patches of flakey, dry skin as “an eczema-ish, psoriasis-sy kinda thing”, then you’ve come to the right place.
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While you’ll need a dermatologist to diagnose and treat either condition, we are going to at least assist in helping you identify the differences between the two before you get to that stage.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition which will most commonly show up in the folds of your knees, elbows, eyelids and groin. It can arise from as early as one month after birth and can continue well into your adult years.
Presenting in the form of itchy, red, dry skin, eczema can be triggered by stress or allergies such as irritating chemicals, the weather and even your diet.
When treating eczema, look for ingredients which work to reduce inflammation and repair compromised skin barriers. Fragrance-free moisturisers or products containing ingredients such as oatmeal, avocado and chamomile will be beneficial in soothing irritated skin.
bh recommends: DermaVeen Sensitive Relief Eczema Lotion, Dermal Therapy™ Face & Eyelid Eczema Cream, Oil Garden Eczema Relief Massage Oil
And... what is psoriasis?
While the cause of psoriasis is still relatively unknown, it’s thought to be a result of changes in the immune system. These changes are believed to trigger inflammation and an increased skin cell turnover occurring every 3-4 days (the regular being every 10-30).
Often occurring in two phases, between the ages of 15-35 and then again at 55-60, the condition leaves red bumps covered in thick, white, scaly patches, most commonly on the scalp, lower back, knees, feet and elbows. The raised skin irritations are the result of new skin cells sitting on top of the old ones due to the rapid regeneration.
bh recommends: Dermal Therapy™ Eczema & Psoriasis Cream, Dermal Therapy Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner
The more serious of the two, psoriasis has been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, while eczema is just a surface level skin condition.
And, while neither condition has a magical tonic to cure all, eczema can be known to disappear whereas psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires more long-term care.
Working on a case by case basis, psoriasis is a condition that looks to be managed rather than treated. The most common treatments include prescription steroid creams, medications and light therapy.
Main image credit: Getty
Have you ever experienced either of these skin conditions? What treatment worked best for you?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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34 Member Comments
I unfortunately have psoriasis of the scalp and it will sometimes pop up on my forehead, eye lids or eyebrows. I found that using Lucas Paw Paw Ointment helps soothe the pain and helps get rid of the psoriasis on my face. I haven’t found much that helps with my scalp apart from topical steroids.
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Thanks DanDan I'll try the Paw Paw Ointment now.
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Feel greatful that I don’t suffer from this
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I am so lucky that I don't have this
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Lucky I don't suffer but friends do
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Eczema was awful for me until i changed my diet and never looked back...
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I don't suffer from either. luckily.
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Good information to read. I suffered eczema on my legs long time ago due to weather and stress.Since then i look after my skin by regular moisturising.
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I get both of these conditions. Lucky me. Not :( :(
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I have family members with each of these conditions; so debilitating and no cure is depressing for them
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Good to know. It's sort of like a flu vs. a cold. Similar but one is worse than the other.
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I've been having itchy skin lately and it's driving me crazy, I should go get it diagnosed
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Very interesting read. I suffer from eczema on and off again.
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I have family members with both conditions. Always looking out for products for them.
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That's good to know.
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my hubby has psoriasis, it can be painful
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I don't have either but my daughter gets eczema sometimes.
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I know the difference easily due to family members having psoriasis , tar used to be a remedy but I think that is outdated now.
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No confusion here, psoriasis is much worse condition.
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I guess I'm lucky to have skin that's rhino-tough!
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I have had psorasis for about 11 or so years on my scalp. Never truly goes away but it has days were it is managable and days where it is out of control. it usually gets worse in winter and also during times of stress. Winter and covid has really made my balloon
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My hubby suffers from psoriasis. It get super itch & some products inflame the area. Steroid creams do work but only temporarily.
I think Worldwide we are going to see more cases of eczema because we are washing our hands waaaay more than before. I reckon moisturiser sales will have gone up.
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Luckily I haven't suffered from either but I know family and friends who have eczema or psoriasis.
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Eczema has been my skin issue since I was a child. Thankfully I dont get it anywhere near as badly now as I did when I was a kid.
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Not E or P but I have dermatitis on my scalp.
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