You’ve developed a new annoying itch, and it’s driving you batty.
For most Americans, insistent dry and itchy skin comes from two different conditions: eczema and psoriasis.
But these two conditions can be hard to tell apart and get misdiagnosed for one another quite often.
Scratch the surface of the eczema vs. psoriasis debate by learning the subtle differences between these two skin conditions.
It’s sure to give you a better understanding before your appointment with the dermatologist.
Eczema is the stealthier of the two ailments when it comes to knocking down a cause.
This can make narrowing down the cause more difficult.
Additionally, doctor Jeffery Millstein ofPenn Medicinenoted that the itch between the two conditions is unique.
Eczema, on the other hand, can lead to very intense itching.
When it starts to become severe, some people scratch their skin so hard that it bleeds."
Eczema and psoriasis also affect different demographics.
Eczema is more commonly seen in children and develops earlier in life.
While some kids might outgrow it, others might have it for the rest of their lives.
However, psoriasis also has a few other distinct differences from eczema.
The cells start to pile up on the top of the skin, forming the white scale."
Psoriasis treatmentis also another area where these conditions are drastically different.
UVB light can slow down the abnormal growth of skin cells.
It is used as a medical treatment for psoriasis," noted Dr. Millstein.
This isn’t the case for eczema, though.
Trying totreat eczemawith sunlight can actually bring on a flare-up due to the heat making you sweat.
Psoriasis and eczema can be very similar in look and symptoms.
