Skin diseases can become quite a hassle for it can restrict social interactions; most are dead itchy so they tend to be a hindrance in daily routines. Eczema and Psoriasis are on top of the list when it comes to these bothersome ailments that can really hinder one’s career opportunities. To make it worse, these two disorders almost have the same symptoms which could lead to misdiagnoses. Lets compare eczema vs. psoriasis.
Really, its hard to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis by just looking at the skin. Eczema in its early stages presents as moist red weeping skin, and in its chronic stages skin is dry and scaly. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is characterized by well demarcated red plaques topped with silvery scales. So you can see how the two may be confused with one another.
The word eczema, along with most medical terms, is a Greek word meaning “to boil out”. Psoriasis also has the same roots and it denotes ‘to itch”. Eczema and psoriasis are both inflammatory disorders and contrary to common belief, neither are contagious. The outbreak of eczema is usually ignited by environmental hazards, chemicals and other forms of irritants like soap, detergents and heavy metals included in commercial cleaners. However, there does seem to be a genetic element to eczema aswell. Psoriasis on the other hand, is believed to be caused by a autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the skin. Due to the autoimmune problems, this inflammatory response is not turned off and the skin get damaged.
Both diseases can appear at almost any part of the body; hands, feet, scalp and genitals but primarily in the joint areas such as the elbows and knees. It is these similarities together with almost mirroring symptoms, that eczema and psoriasis is often confused with one another. Thus, the Eczema vs. Psoriasis comparison becomes rampant.
Both Eczema and Psoriasis exhibit itchiness, rushes, red spots, elevated regions on the skin and swelling in the early stages of their occurrence. Yet as the diseases mature, their symptoms start to vary and the identification of each becomes easier. For Eczema, blisters start to pop up on from the elevated skin surfaces, the skin becomes drier and it starts to crack and bleed. Psoriasis on the other hand, the skin will start to become rougher like that of scabies. This is why they also term Psoriasis as “plague”.
Studies that were recently performed showed that Eczema tends to affect children more than adults and Psoriasis works the other way around. The research revealed that 20% of the children and 5% of the adult population suffers from Eczema while 3% of the adults bear the plague, Psoriasis. These results show that in Eczema vs. Psoriasis, Eczema wins in the number of individuals it infected.
Since no proper medication for Eczema and Psoriasis are yet to be released, alternatives medication and treatments are really popular right now. For eczema, immunomodulators and immonusuppressants are quite in demand. Steroids are also sought after but greater risks come with in. As for Psoriasis, topical steroidal treatments and phototheraphy are what most doctors would recommend to reduce and control inflammation. The best advice is to go see your doctor about the problems you are experiencing.