Psoriasis and eczema are dermatological diseases that show certain differences both in etiology and in symptoms and manifestations.

Causes of psoriasis and eczema

Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious disease characterized by increased growth of skin cells that die before they are fully formed. Despite the fact that the etiology of the disease is not entirely clear, the main causes of its occurrence include:

genetic predisposition;

failure in the body’s immune system;

metabolic disease.

The complex of these reasons leads to the fact that exacerbation of psoriasis most often occurs in winter and spring, when the immune system is weakened.

In turn, eczema is a dermatological disease that can provoke:

allergens – food and non-food;

fungi and microbes;

problems with the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system.

Since the leading factor in eczema is an allergic factor, seasonal exacerbation is usually not observed.

How to distinguish eczema from psoriasis

The difference between eczema and psoriasis also takes place in the manifestations of the disease. The main symptoms of psoriasis are pink or burgundy rashes that can occur all over the skin, especially on the articular folds and along the hairline. The localization of the spots is symmetrical, subsequently they are covered with pale gray dry skin scales, which are easily scraped off. In the case of progression of the disease, in addition to the skin, nails and joints suffer from psoriasis.

Eczema, as a disease of an allergic and infectious nature, is more intense than that of psoriasis, the manifestation of symptoms, including:

vesicles (vesicles) with clear or cloudy yellow contents, which can be replaced by weeping crusts (unlike psoriasis, skin flakes are always dry);

stronger than with psoriasis, itching and burning;

severe swelling of tissues;

increase in body temperature is possible.

Eczema most often affects the upper extremities, subsequently spreading below.

More clearly, the difference between the manifestations of eczema and psoriasis can be seen in the photo.

Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and eczema

Only a dermatologist can accurately distinguish eczema from psoriasis, as well as establish the type of disease and its cause, who, in addition to examination, usually prescribes additional studies:

skin biopsy or laboratory study of purulent contents;

blood test (for allergens).

The treatment regimen for both diseases is also selected by a specialist.

To relieve local manifestations of skin problems, drug therapy is used, which includes the use of dermatological ointments and topical creams.