Psoriasis vs. Eczema: What's the Difference?

Wondering about the differences between psoriasis vs. eczema? These two conditions aren't related but can mimic similar symptoms and can even occur at the same time.

In fact, the most common causes of itching, redness and skin irritation include psoriasis, eczema and some form of dermatitis. And they're pretty common. One in 10 people will develop eczema during their lifetime and 7.5 million people suffer from psoriasis in the United States alone.¹

While both conditions may cause skin itching, it is usually more intense for those suffering from eczema. Psoriasis patients may also experience joint pain due to psoriatic arthritis and will tend to have patches of well-defined red, raised skin with silvery-white scales on lighter skin tones and purple on darker skin tones.² Psoriasis symptoms also tend to appear more frequently on the scalp, knees, elbows or soles of the feet.³

Here, we'll look at the differences between these common skin conditions, what causes them and how to treat them.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes extremely itchy, red and dry skin, and is most common in children, although it can also affect adolescents and adults. For those with eczema, the itching is sometimes so intense that individuals scratch at the area excessively, causing the skin to bleed.⁴

Eczema isn't contagious and is common in those with a family history of it. Eczema is typically a chronic condition that can flare up due to a number of reasons. However, children who suffer from eczema may "grow out of" this condition later in life.⁴

While eczema can cause extreme itching, avoid scratching the skin because this can lead to skin infections and open sores. Instead, keep the skin moisturized and use the correct products for your skin type to help keep the skin barrier healthy. This is especially important as you age, because the skin barrier can weaken when you get older.⁵

Eczema symptoms⁶

• Extreme itching
• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Scaly skin
• Blisters on the skin
• Leathery skin patches
• Skin swelling

Eczema triggers

Dealing with the itching, redness and discomfort of eczema is tough, but determining what the trigger or triggers for this condition are may help you avoid them in the future. Possible triggers of eczema include:⁷

• Allergic reactions
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Dryness
• Contact with harsh chemicals or scented products
• Sunburn
• Sweating
• Extreme temperatures
• Irritating fabrics

Eczema vs. dermatitis

Eczema and dermatitis are terms that people sometimes use interchangeably. Dermatitis technically refers to skin irritation of any kind, while eczema refers to dermatitis that is chronic.⁸

Typically, eczema refers to a type of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis, although it can also refer to other types of dermatitis like contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.⁸

Treatment for both eczema and dermatitis involve getting rid of skin inflammation, redness, itchiness and improving the overall health of the skin barrier.⁹

Eczema treatment options

In terms of treatment, consult with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and ensure that it's eczema that you're dealing with and not a type of skin cancer. If allergies are to blame for your condition, the doctor may order an allergy test to determine the trigger for your eczema so you can avoid it.

After determining the cause of your eczema, the doctor may recommend a variety of treatments for it. These treatments include:¹⁰

• Antihistamines
• Topical corticosteroid creams or oral steroids
• Medicated anti-itch creams
• Reducing sweat-inducing workouts
• Using sunscreen
• Not taking hot showers or baths
• Avoiding harsh cleansers or fragranced products
• Reducing stress
• Bleach baths
• Moisturizers
• UVB light therapy, also known as phototherapy

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes flaky, red and scaly areas on the skin. Those with psoriasis have an immune system that doesn't function properly, causing the body to produce skin cells too quickly, which pile up and form raised and irritated patches of skin. It primarily affects adults and can first appear later in life, usually between the ages of 45 and 64.¹

People with psoriasis may suffer from additional health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. And those visible patches of irritated skin can cause depression due to the stigma that is sometimes associated with this condition. In addition, psoriasis can also lead to psoriatic arthritis, a painful joint condition.³

Keeping your skin barrier as healthy as possible with moisturizers and moisturizing cleansers can help, as can using sunscreen regularly. Most importantly, keep a positive outlook and talk to your family doctor about medication that can help if you are feeling depressed.

Psoriasis symptoms⁶

• Mild itching
• A burning sensation
• Redness and raised skin patches
• Scaly skin
• Silvery-white or purple skin patches with defined edges
• Flaking skin
• Joint pain

Psoriasis triggers

Although psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, flare-ups can be triggered and made worse by certain things. Possible triggers of psoriasis include:⁶

• Skin injuries
• Stress
• Vaccinations
• Skin infections
• Sunburn

Psoriasis vs. ringworm

While an autoimmune condition causes psoriasis, a fungal infection causes ringworm. Although both conditions cause itchy, red and scaly skin, ringworm is known for having a round, ring-like shape. People with ringworm infections will see a ring of red, irritated skin, with a small clearing in the center.¹¹

Psoriasis is a chronic condition and those suffering from it will see red, scaly patches pop up regularly. The patches of red skin also won't have the telltale ring-like shape of a ringworm infection and, unlike ringworm, are not contagious.

Treatment with antifungal creams will clear up any ringworm infections for good, but not psoriasis.¹¹

Psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis

Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis aren't related but can produce similar symptoms. Both are chronic conditions that are not contagious and stress or changes in the weather can trigger them.

Unlike psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis isn't caused by your immune system. It is a genetic condition caused by a hormonal imbalance, overproduction of oil on the skin or an overabundance of normal yeast on the skin. It's also common in people with a history of dermatitis, rosacea or psoriasis.¹²

For people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms like red, oily, itchy and flaky skin will most commonly appear on the scalp, eyelids, face, chest, back and body folds. In some, the redness on the face may mimic rosacea.¹³ Those with psoriasis may experience small or large patches of crusty, itchy skin anywhere on the body, including the scalp.¹²

Treatments for psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are somewhat similar, including anti-inflammatory creams, shampoos and ointments. To treat seborrheic dermatitis, your doctor may also recommend an antifungal medication or cream.¹⁴

Psoriasis treatment options

Because psoriasis can mimic several types of skin conditions, it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist. The doctor may recommend a variety of treatments for your psoriasis. These treatments include:⁷

• Topical corticosteroid creams or oral steroids
• Anti-inflammatory medications or creams
• Medicated shampoos
• Retinoids

• Biologic medications to suppress your immune system
• Antibiotics
• UVB light therapy, also known as phototherapy
• Moisturizers
• Oatmeal baths

Treatment Costs for Skin Conditions

Whether you're dealing with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or a similar skin condition, you'll need to see a dermatologist. Each visit to the dermatologist will likely average around $150 to $200.¹⁵

Phototherapy sessions, which may reduce redness and slow the growth of skin cells due to psoriasis can cost around $65 per session, requiring upwards of 20 to 36 sessions in a matter of weeks — that's up to $2,340 alone. Medications like prescription shampoos, creams and oral medications that treat psoriasis or eczema can range between $15 and $100 each.¹⁵

The costliest medications that your doctor might recommend are biologic ones that suppress the immune system. These injectable drugs can cost upwards of $6,000 for four doses.¹⁵ How often you need to administer them can vary based on your condition and symptoms but range from twice per week to four times a year — that's up to $12,000 per month in costs.¹⁶

Does health insurance cover dermatology treatment costs?

In some cases, your health insurance may cover some or all of your treatment. This depends on your insurance plan. Treatments like phototherapy may not be covered until you reach your insurance's deductible. Also, newer biologic medications might not be covered by your health insurance, or your insurance may require prior authorization to cover them.¹⁵

Fortunately, you may be able to use the CareCredit credit card to pay for costs not covered by insurance. Some pharmacies across the country also accept the CareCredit credit card to pay for the medication costs your insurance doesn't cover.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dermatology

The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for dermatology visits, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications at locations within the CareCredit network.* Start enhancing your skin today and find a dermatologist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dermatology, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for other cosmetic procedures, dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.