People often confuse psoriasis and eczema. They are both skin conditions with some of the same treatments. For proper treatment, you need to know the eczema and psoriasis difference. Eczema affects mainly the young. It is often though to be a child's illness and it can clear up with time. Psoriasis rarely clears up but may go into remission. It affects many adults in their forties and fifties.



The skin reddens and becomes dry in both eczema and psoriasis. These patches can be painful or itch. Neither psoriasis nor eczema has a cure. Eczema, however, is likely to clear up with time. Psoriasis may occasionally go into remission, but it is a lifelong disease.

A healthy diet can help control both psoriasis and eczema. One difference, however, is that eczema might be caused by specific kinds of food. A food diary can be kept to learn what foods cause an outbreak of eczema and can be avoided. Certain foods might make psoriasis outbreaks more severe. A food diary is helpful, but will not cure the psoriasis.

One difference between psoriasis and eczema is the cause. The exact cause of psoriasis is uncertain, though there is a genetic component involved. Eczema is an allergic skin reaction. It can be caused by foods, chemicals, or environmental factors.

A notable difference between psoriasis and eczema is the treatment. Both psoriasis and eczema are treated with topical creams, ointments, and lotions. Psoriasis requires stronger medication. Steroids might be prescribed by the doctor. Therapy with artificial ultraviolet light called phototherapy isn't a treatment for eczema but is used for psoriasis.

With so many differences, the only similarities seem to be in the symptoms. Both conditions lead to skin that is dry, red, and itchy. The skin may crack and bleed. Psoriasis has scales which are formed of dead skin cells that build up and form a whitish cover over the red patches. These scales are not found with eczema.

Whether you think you have eczema or psoriasis, you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment and they will provide more insight on the eczema and psoriasis difference. Eczema and psoriasis might not have a current cure, but they are treatable. Work with your doctor and live a healthy lifestyle for the best control of your condition.