Psoriasis and Eczema: Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and eczema (atopic dermatitis) are two common skin (dermis) diseases that can cause itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin symptoms. While both of these conditions have similar traits, what is the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
There are some distinct differences in the ways they present themselves, as well as how they are treated.
Psoriatic disease is characterized by raised red or white ashen patches of scaly skin and often appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Dermatitis is dry, red patches of extremely itchy skin, which typically appear on the face, neck, hands, and feet. Psoriasis treatment includes topical ointments and creams, while remedies for dermatitis may require oral medications, UV light therapy, and over-the-counter creams to relieve itching.
Symptoms of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) vs. Plaque Psoriasis (PsO):
Is it Eczema or Psoriasis? Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, and psoriatic disease, or (PsO) are two distinct dermis conditions that can cause similar symptoms, but have some differences in terms of presentation.
Dermatitis is a condition that causes dry, scaly, inflamed and itchy skin. It typically appears as patches of red or brown on the arms, legs, trunk, hands or feet. Eczema can also be accompanied by blisters that ooze and become crusty.
PsO is another common dermal condition characterized by red areas of thickened skin with silvery scales on top. These patches often show up on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
In contrast to eczema, PsO is usually not as itchy or painful. It may also be accompanied by joint swelling and stiffness, known as psoriatic arthritis.
While both psoriasis and eczema can cause similar discomfort, they require different treatments. The root causes of both psoriasis and eczema should be supported at the level of diet and lifestyle using a functional medicine approach for psoriasis.
For example, an effective remedy for dermatitis may not be as successful in treating psoriatic disease. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the difference between eczema and psoriasis to receive the most suitable care for your specific condition and symptoms.
One of the major differences between psoriasis and eczema is the type of physical problems they cause.
Dermatitis usually manifests as a red, rash with an intense itch, while PsO typically appears as raised, scaly patches of skin.
Eczema is generally more localized to certain areas, such as around the elbows or knees, whereas PsO can affect large parts of your body.
In addition, people with eczema may experience dermal dryness, swelling, and cracking in their epidermal (outer layer of the dermis). PsO does not typically cause these symptoms.
Another difference between eczema and psoriasis is their duration.
Eczema often flares for a few weeks before subsiding again; however, PsO can become chronic and last for months or years at a time.
Finally, while there is no clear cause of either condition, eczema is thought to be linked to allergies and environmental factors such as temperature changes or contact with certain fabrics and detergents, whereas PsO has been associated with genetics and immune system issues.
In both psoriasis and eczema, topical and oral medications only treat the symptoms and do not address the root cause.
Anyone with psoriasis or eczema should consider a functional medicine approach that looks at the condition’s causes, like food immune reactions, intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” chronic pathogen exposure (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), and chemical immune reactions. It’s also very important to look at vitamin and mineral status, as well as lifestyle factors like sleep and stress.
Though these factors may seem unrelated, they all influence the immune system, and psoriasis and eczema are primary immune system problems. You must identify what triggers the immune response, remove it, and repair damage to the immune barrier systems (usually the GI tract lining)!
Causes of Eczema and Psoriasis (PsO)
While eczema and PsO have similar traits such as red, itchy patches on the skin, they are caused by different factors. Eczema is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors while PsO is an autoimmune disorder which can be triggered by genetics and environmental triggers such as infection and stress.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells, also called dermal cells. This causes dermal cells to grow too quickly, leading to scaly, patches of redness on the skin known as plaques. It is believed that certain genetics may play a role in making people more susceptible to PsO as well as certain environmental triggers including infection and stress. Some medications can also lead to flares of PsO.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, though it is believed to be linked to genetics and environmental triggers such as irritants and allergens. People with eczema tend to have a defect in their dermal protective barrier which allows moisture out and makes them more susceptible to allergens or irritants. Common triggers of eczema flare include soaps, detergents, shampoos, lotions, wool clothing, dust mites and pet dander.
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system resulting in inflammation and increased skin cell production. This causes patches of thick, dry, scaly skin that may be painful or itchy. Stress can trigger flares as well as specific medications like lithium or beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. In addition, people with PsO may be at greater risk for other health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Overall, while eczema and psoriasis share some traits such as redness and itchiness of the skin, their underlying causes are different. Eczema appears to be triggered by environmental factors such as irritants or allergens while PsO is caused by an overactive immune system due to stress or certain medications. Therefore knowing the underlying cause is important for determining appropriate care.
Genetics, Environment or Autoimmune: What Causes Itchy Skin and Overgrowth of Skin Cells?
The exact causes of severe eczema, or atopic dermatitis, and PsO are still unknown. However, it is believed that genetics, environment, and autoimmune factors play a role in their development.
Eczema is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors; while the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that an impaired dermal barrier function can lead to allergic reactions and inflammation.
Common environmental triggers include irritants such as soap, detergents, humidity or heat, allergens such as dust mites and dander from pets, contact with certain fabrics or materials, stress, and hormonal changes.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune response mistakenly attacks healthy dermal cells. It is unclear what triggers this attack but some genetic factors may make some individuals more susceptible.
Exposure to certain environmental agents such as cold temperatures or dry air may also trigger an outbreak of psoriasis symptoms. Stress can also be a factor in triggering an outbreak for both eczema and psoriasis.
The most commonly accepted theory for eczema is that it may be caused by an imbalance in the immune system, combined with environmental triggers such as allergens or irritants like detergents. Genetics may also increase susceptibility to developing eczema.
Psoriasis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Certain genes are believed to increase one’s likelihood of developing PsO, and environmental triggers like stress can trigger episodes of the condition. Autoimmune dysfunction may also play a role in the development and progression of PsO.
Psoriasis: An Autoimmune Disease
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the dermis, causing red and scaly patches to form. It is a chronic condition that can be treated with topical medicines and uvb light therapy, but there is no cure. It’s critical to understand that people have made major improvements in their psoriasis by taking a functional medicine approach! See the picture of one of our client’s hands and feet below.
PsO occurs when the body’s immune response mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, resulting in inflammation and the growth of new skin cells at an accelerated rate. This results in a buildup of excess dermal cells on the surface of the dermis, creating raised red patches covered with white scales.
PsO can affect any part of the body, including the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis), elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. The severity of PsO can range from mild to severe and indications may include intense itching, burning or soreness on affected areas of the dermis. Healing will depend on how severe your symptoms are and can include topical creams, medicated shampoos or ointments to reduce inflammation and slow down cell growth. Uvb light therapy is also sometimes used to help reduce flare.
Living with psoriasis can take a toll both physically and emotionally as it often affects self-esteem due to visible signs of the disease on areas such as hands or face. It is important for individuals affected by this condition to seek out support from family members or friends who understand what they are going through.
Many online communities are dedicated to helping those with psoriasis find emotional support and advice about managing their condition.
Treating psoriasis involves starting by identifying dietary and lifestyle factors that could be driving the condition, controlling inflammation, reducing itching and scaling, and minimizing damage caused by the disease.
Treatment options include topical medicines (creams or ointments applied directly to the affected areas), ultraviolet therapy (which exposes the dermis to ultraviolet light in controlled doses), oral medications (drugs taken by mouth or injected into the body) and biologics (proteins designed to target specific processes in immunity).
Depending upon the severity, lifestyle modifications such as moisturizing regularly, avoiding stress, quitting smoking, and drinking in moderation may also help reduce inflammation.
Living with psoriasis can be challenging due to its visible nature, affecting self-esteem and leading to social isolation. However, many support groups are available both online and in person for those living with this condition and seeking emotional support from others dealing with similar issues.
People with psoriasis can lead happy lives despite this lifelong condition with proper care and treatment.
Taking a functional medicine approach to psoriasis is critical if you want to have a better chance of naturally improving the condition.
Psoriasis causes and risk factors
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, patches of redness with silvery scales. It most commonly affects the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis), elbows, knees, and lower back but can occur anywhere on the body. While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments such as topical creams and oral medications can help reduce symptoms.
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown; however, researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Psoriasis is characterized by an overactive immune response that triggers inflammation in the body which then leads to rapid cell growth in the skin.
The most common cause of psoriasis is an overactive immune response, which triggers inflammation and speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells.
This leads to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Other potential causes include genetics, environmental triggers such as stress, infection, and particular medications.
Risk factors for developing psoriasis include having a family history of the condition, being overweight or obese, smoking tobacco products, and having certain medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS or inflammatory bowel disease.
Stress can also exacerbate existing psoriasis manifestations or even trigger flare-ups in some individuals.
In addition to lifestyle changes and stress management techniques, self care options for psoriasis range from topical medications to ultraviolet therapy and systemic medications in more extreme cases.
It’s important to talk with your doctor about all possible treatments and risks before starting any new regimen.
Studies have shown that certain genes may increase a person’s risk of developing psoriasis, while other factors such as smoking or drinking alcohol can worsen conditions. In addition, some types of infections may trigger or worsen an existing case of psoriasis.
Stress has also been linked to flare as it increases levels of cortisol in the body which can lead to inflammation in the skin.
Overall, while scientists are still attempting to understand all the underlying causes of psoriasis, studies have identified various risk factors that could make someone more likely to develop this condition.
It is important for those with a family history of psoriasis or those who are at risk to receive regular medical care from their dermatologist so they can monitor any changes in their condition and keep it under control.
Eczema and Psoriasis Triggers
Eczema and Psoriasis are two common skin conditions that can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Though these conditions have different causes, they can share similar triggers. Common psoriasis triggers include stress, certain medications, infections, cold weather, dry skin, and certain foods.
Common eczema triggers include allergens like pollen or pet dander, dry skin, soaps and detergents, heat or sweat, environmental irritants like smoke or pollution, and certain fabrics. It’s important to identify the specific factors that trigger either condition in order to take steps to avoid them and help manage the manifestations of eczema and psoriasis.
Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, infection and some medications like beta-blockers, anti-inflammatories, lithium, etc. Changes in climate or temperature can also be a factor in triggering psoriasis flares. Similarly, certain foods such as nuts and gluten can bring on an attack of psoriasis too.
On the other hand, eczema is usually triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pollen or dander. Harsh soaps or detergents can aggravate the condition too; as well as environmental factors like humidity levels or temperature changes.
Additionally, some fabrics like wool or synthetic fibers may irritate sensitive skin leading to an episode of eczema flare.
It is important to identify potential psoriasis and eczema in order to avoid further outbreaks and find relief from these chronic skin conditions.
Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Remedies for PsO can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common therapies include topical corticosteroid creams and ointments, light therapy, oral medications, biologics, and immunosuppressants.
There are a variety of treatments available to those who suffer from psoriasis. Depending on the severity of the condition, some remedies may be more effective than others.
One of the most common options for treatment is topical creams and ointments that can help minimize redness and irritation caused by psoriasis. These can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
Topical creams and ointments are often used to manage mild cases of psoriasis. These treatments work by reducing the redness, itching, and scaliness of the affected area. Milder forms of creams may include coal tar products, topical corticosteroids (cortisone), vitamin D analogs, retinoids, anthralin cream or ointment, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus), salicylic acid products, or other medications with natural ingredients.
Ultraviolet therapy is another form of treatment for psoriasis that is administered in a doctor’s office or at home using special equipment or lamps. This kind of therapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light which helps reduce scaling and redness while stimulating new skin growth. Phototherapy may be done alone or combined with certain topical medicines like topical corticosteroids to maximize effectiveness.
Prescription medications such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs can also be used to treat psoriasis symptoms. These medications are generally taken orally and work to minimize flare and improve skin clarity. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe biologic drugs that target specific areas of the body affected by psoriasis.
Other oral medications such as methotrexate are prescribed when topical treatments are not effective enough on their own. They work by suppressing the immunological response which causes psoriasis flares in the first place. Methotrexate has been proven to be an effective remedy but it comes with many potential side effects and should only be taken under medical supervision.
Biologic drugs are made from living cells and proteins specifically designed to target certain parts of the immune system responsible for causing psoriasis flare. These drugs are usually injected every few weeks as part of an ongoing treatment plan and can help reduce flare quickly in moderate-to-severe cases of psoriasis if other treatments have failed to do so.
Finally, immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine can be used when more conventional remedies do not yield sufficient results in managing severe cases of psoriasis . Immunosuppressants work by suppressing certain parts of your immune system which can help control outbreaks quicker than other types of remedies while minimizing potential side effects associated with stronger medications like oral steroids or biologics.
In addition to these traditional therapies, certain lifestyle modifications can be made to help manage psoriasis conditions.
Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can aid in reducing flares caused by stress.
Additionally, avoiding certain triggers like alcohol, smoking, and certain foods can help keep psoriasis under control.
Finally, practicing good skin care habits such as using non-irritating moisturizers, avoiding fragrances or dyes in skincare products, using gentle soaps, and limiting time in direct sunlight is important.
Does Either Eczema or Psoriasis Ever Go Away?
The answer to the question “does either condition (eczema or psoriasis ever go away?” is, it depends.
Eczema can sometimes disappear completely over time, while PsO tends to be a chronic condition with periods of flares and remissions.
For both eczema and psoriasis, the best way to reduce symptoms and prevent episodes is to practice good skin care such as avoiding harsh soaps and moisturizing regularly.
In some cases, medications such as topical creams or oral medications may also be prescribed by a doctor to reduce flare and control symptoms.
While there is no guaranteed cure for either condition, they can both be managed with the right treatment plan.
However, for some sufferers, their condition may never completely disappear.
On the other hand, PsO tends to cycle in phases over time- meaning flares can come and go over many years. While there is no cure for PsO, some therapies including topical medications and UV therapy are available which can minimize flare and help keep symptoms at bay for longer periods of time.
We highly recommend taking a functional medicine approach to psoriasis becasue it addresses the root causes of the condition rather than covering up symptoms with powerful medications with significant side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ps0 vs. Eczema
Q: Is there a cure for Ps0 or Eczema?
A: Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for either psoriasis or eczema. However, therapies are available to help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. These therapies can include topical creams, light therapy, oral medications, injections, and lifestyle changes such as diet modifications and stress management techniques.
Q: What types of triggers can cause a flare-up in Ps0 or Eczema?
A: Common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups include stress, injury to the skin (such as sunburns or cuts), smoking, alcohol consumption, some medications (such as anti-inflammatories or antimalarials), infections (such as strep throat), hormonal changes (due to pregnancy or menopause), allergies, climate changes (particularly cold weather), and emotional distress. Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include irritants like soaps and detergents, scratchy fabrics (like wool), extreme temperature changes (hot/cold environments), stress levels, allergies/sensitivities to certain foods/chemicals/environmental allergens, dry air/low humidity levels in indoor air environments, perspiration from exercise/heat exposure; certain infections like staphylococcal infections; and excessive bathing/showering with hot water.
Q: How are Ps0 and Eczema treated?
A: Both conditions are typically treated with topical creams or ointments containing corticosteroids, as well as other remedies such as phototherapy or systemic medications depending on the severity of the case. It’s important to find a plan that works best for you so talk to your doctor about what type of care they recommend.
