Red itchy patches on your skin may be eczema or psoriasis. Both conditions share some similar symptoms and it can get confusing sometimes. Your dermatologist, Dr. Vernon Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology, can help diagnose and treat your eczema or psoriasis in Peoria, AZ.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, inflamed, itchy patches on your skin. These patches tend to appear on your inner elbows, behind your knees, face, back, hands, and abdomen. Other severe symptoms of eczema include leathery skin patches, bleeding cracks, blistering, and oozing.
You can't get eczema from others as it isn't contagious. It generally has a genetic component and may run in families. Eczema may be triggered by specific allergens present in soap, detergent, dust, and meat. Types of eczema include:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Hand eczema
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is also a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin patches. Psoriasis lesions appear raised, silvery, and scaly. The patches on your skin appear thicker than with eczema. Psoriasis may appear on your scalp, elbows, chest, knees, or anywhere on your body.
The main cause of psoriasis is your body's immune system attacking your skin. Hence, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. However, doctors can't tell you why your immune system is going after your skin. Psoriasis flare-ups may be triggered by skin injuries such as a scratch or sunburn. Types of psoriasis include:
- Plaque psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
The Difference Between Eczema and Psoriasis
Both eczema and psoriasis in Peoria, AZ, share some similar symptoms such as redness and inflammation. However, there are some notable differences too. These differences include:
Cause-Psoriasis is generally due to an overactive immune system. On the other hand, genetics and environmental factors contribute to eczema development.
Itchiness-Both skin conditions usually cause some itching. Psoriasis often causes milder itching while eczema can cause you to scratch till you hurt yourself.
Age-Eczema is a lot more prevalent in children than psoriasis. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that while nearly 1% of kids have psoriasis, about 25% have atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema.
Psoriasis and eczema may have some similarities, but your experienced dermatologist can spot the difference. If you think the lesion on your skin might be eczema or psoriasis in Peoria, AZ, call (623) 977-6700 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mackey of Advanced Desert Dermatology.