How do I know if I have eczema or psoriasis?

It’s frustrating when you have a nagging itch that just won’t go away. Maybe the skin in the area is dry, red and raised to the touch. Or it stings and burns, and you’ve scratched the spot so much that it’s bleeding.

What is going on with your skin? Could it be eczema or maybe psoriasis? We discuss the differences between and causes behind these common skin conditions, plus how you can get treatment for eczema and psoriasis.

What is the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

Eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions that can reoccur or flare up when you’re exposed to certain triggers. But they differ in their causes, symptoms, where they occur and how they’re treated.

Eczema is a common skin condition that’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that irritate and cause the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Many people with eczema think they simply have sensitive skin or allergies and don’t realize that it’s a treatable skin condition.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal, resulting in dry, itchy, scaly and raised skin patches. While there’s no known cure, psoriasis can usually be managed, and there are ways to prevent psoriasis flare-ups and reduce symptoms.

Eczema symptoms vs. psoriasis symptoms

Although eczema and psoriasis can have similar symptoms, there are several symptoms that are unique to each condition.

What do eczema and psoriasis look like?

Eczema rashes may look blotchy, scaly or leathery and appear red on lighter complexions and dark brown, purple or grayish on darker complexions. Skin that’s affected by eczema may feel bumpy or raised to the touch and will be very dry and itchy. In fact, even before an eczema rash develops, you’ll likely notice that the area becomes irritated and itchy. But it’s important not to rub or scratch the area as scratching will make the skin more inflamed and irritated, which can lead to bleeding or even an infection.

Psoriasis has a slightly different appearance from eczema. While psoriasis also causes red skin patches, the patches are thicker with silvery scales, called plaques. If you’re wondering “What does psoriasis feel like?” Skin that’s affected by psoriasis will feel very rough and dry and may also burn and itch.

Common places for eczema and psoriasis to occur on the body

Eczema occurs most often on the areas of your body that bend—think behind your knees, neck, ankles, wrists and the insides of your elbows. It can also develop on your hands, especially when you wash them a lot, and in the winter, when the air is drier.

Psoriasis may occur as a few small patches or affect large areas of the body. Common areas where psoriasis appears include the elbows, knees, face, scalp, palms, soles of feet and in skin folds. More rarely, psoriasis can develop on your nails, mouth and lips, eyelids and ears.

Eczema causes vs. psoriasis causes

While the causes of both eczema and psoriasis remain somewhat of a mystery, here’s what medical professionals know.

What causes eczema to start?

The exact causes of eczema aren’t well understood, but certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing eczema include genetics, environmental factors, and the presence of asthma and allergies. Eczema is also likely to reoccur when skin is triggered by irritants like soaps, laundry detergents, disinfectants, scratchy fabrics like wool, and heavily fragranced products like perfumed lotions. If you or someone in your family has a history of sensitive or dry skin, asthma, hay fever or other allergies, you’re more likely to develop eczema.

Eczema can also be triggered by stress, anxiety, heat, humidity and changes to moisture on the skin, like when you sweat a lot or wash and dry your hands often.

You don’t need to worry about passing eczema on to someone else. It’s not contagious