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How To Distinguish Eczema From Psoriasis?
Question: What are the causes of exema and how can it be distinguished from Psoriasis.
Brief Answer:
Psoriasis- silver or red scales, may have pain, never wet/oozing
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Eczema is a reaction pattern caused by inflammation of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin)
It can be due to (1)allergic reactions- can occur due to foods, drinks dust, pollen, detergents, soaps etc
(2)autoimmune (the body fighting/reacting against itself)
(3)idiopathic (cause not known)
(4) or inflammatory.
There are different type of eczema: (1)allergic contact eczema/dermatitis- contact with a particular agent causes allergic reaction in the skin
Can be anything- foods/drinks/chemicals.
EG some persons may get in response to wheat products, peanuts etc
(2)irritant contact eczema/dermatitis- contact on the hand or elsewhere to particular chemical causes a problem eg contact with hair products on skin causes skin to be inflamed or use of a particular soap irritating the skin
(3)seborrheic dermatitis- affects mainly scalp,face, upper trunk
(4)dyshidrotic eczema- affects hands and feet, most commons on the hands.
(5)nummular eczema- coin shaped rash occurs
(6)asteatotic eczema- itching dry cracked skin , occurs with excess loss of water from skin
(7)venous statsis dermatitis- occurs in persons with poor venous circulation in legs
If the eczema is due to an allergy then allergy testing can find out the cause.
DIFFERENCES between eczema and psoriasis
There are differences in causes, age , genetics etc but in terms of appearance
(1)PSORIASIS normally causes scaly plaques (have a red or silvery scaly appearance.
It is normally shedding a lot, never wet
Though can occur in different areas, psoriasis tends to occur outside elbows or on knees
May also have changes in nails and eyes as well.
Can sometimes be associated with discomfort
Due to genetic factors, autoimmune.
Acute attacks can be due to cold , infections, trauma , alcohol and certain meds.
(2)ECZEMA- can sometimes be wet due to oozing lesions, no silvery scale present though can sometimes be flaky as well
No associated pain
Psoriasis- silver or red scales, may have pain, never wet/oozing
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Eczema is a reaction pattern caused by inflammation of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin)
It can be due to (1)allergic reactions- can occur due to foods, drinks dust, pollen, detergents, soaps etc
(2)autoimmune (the body fighting/reacting against itself)
(3)idiopathic (cause not known)
(4) or inflammatory.
There are different type of eczema: (1)allergic contact eczema/dermatitis- contact with a particular agent causes allergic reaction in the skin
Can be anything- foods/drinks/chemicals.
EG some persons may get in response to wheat products, peanuts etc
(2)irritant contact eczema/dermatitis- contact on the hand or elsewhere to particular chemical causes a problem eg contact with hair products on skin causes skin to be inflamed or use of a particular soap irritating the skin
(3)seborrheic dermatitis- affects mainly scalp,face, upper trunk
(4)dyshidrotic eczema- affects hands and feet, most commons on the hands.
(5)nummular eczema- coin shaped rash occurs
(6)asteatotic eczema- itching dry cracked skin , occurs with excess loss of water from skin
(7)venous statsis dermatitis- occurs in persons with poor venous circulation in legs
If the eczema is due to an allergy then allergy testing can find out the cause.
DIFFERENCES between eczema and psoriasis
There are differences in causes, age , genetics etc but in terms of appearance
(1)PSORIASIS normally causes scaly plaques (have a red or silvery scaly appearance.
It is normally shedding a lot, never wet
Though can occur in different areas, psoriasis tends to occur outside elbows or on knees
May also have changes in nails and eyes as well.
Can sometimes be associated with discomfort
Due to genetic factors, autoimmune.
Acute attacks can be due to cold , infections, trauma , alcohol and certain meds.
(2)ECZEMA- can sometimes be wet due to oozing lesions, no silvery scale present though can sometimes be flaky as well
No associated pain
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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