It’s not your typical light, tingling itch that goes away when you scratch it: Below the surface, it’s hot and inflamed to the touch. The spot is dry and cracked, and it feels tight when you stretch it out.
This description applies to eczema and psoriasis, which can make them a bit tricky to diagnose and treat. Both are chronic skin conditions tied to the immune system that cause redness, irritation, and a deep itch, but they differ in notable ways and require different kinds of support.
Over 31 million Americans have eczema, and 8 million Americans have psoriasis—so nearly 13% of the U.S. population struggles with one or the other. If you’re part of either of these communities, it’s important to understand how they intertwine.
Want to confirm you’re dealing with eczema? The Flare Quiz breaks down the symptoms and tells you your Flare Cycle stage in 60 seconds, so you immediately know which patch your skin needs.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Symptoms and Triggers
When you’re trying to figure out whether you’re dealing with eczema or psoriasis, there are a few distinctions you should note.
Itch and discomfort. Eczema’s itch is notorious for being extremely intense, making it hard to focus on anything else and avoid scratching (especially at night). The psoriasis itch may come with a stinging or burning sensation, like being bitten by fire ants. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, eczema patients may more often complain about itch, while psoriasis patients experience soreness from cracking skin, along with joint pain.
Appearance. It’s not always easy to discern between eczema and psoriasis: At a glance, you may just see red, dry, inflamed patches. But if you look closer, psoriasis features scalier, more raised and defined plaques. Eczema is thinner, bumpier, and the skin may be dry and flaking off. It can also be weepy, meaning it may ooze or crust over.
Common problem areas. One of the ways you can determine which condition you’re managing is where on the body it occurs. Eczema often appears on skin folds, like the backs of knees and inner elbows, along with the face and neck. The areas psoriasis shows up in where eczema usually doesn’t include:
- Palms of your hands
- Soles of your feet
- Fingernails
- Lips
- Ears
Triggers. Both those with eczema and psoriasis deal with flare-ups: Instances when the barrier breaks down and the load becomes too much. Symptoms escalate, and the itch and discomfort heighten. Triggers vary for everyone, but stress and environmental factors affect both eczema and psoriasis. Eczema in particular is set off by fragrance, fabrics, allergens, sweat, and hormones. Psoriasis is triggered by injuries like sunburn and bug bites, smoking and drinking, and certain medications, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Age. Eczema usually develops in babies and during childhood; it rarely comes on as an adult. Psoriasis typically starts between 15 to 35 years old. Both are chronic, but it’s more common for eczema to go away later in life, while psoriasis tends to be lifelong.
Treating Eczema vs. Psoriasis
Limiting triggers, simplifying your skincare, and working with a dermatologist are all ways to manage eczema and psoriasis.
For eczema, you can also help predict flares and support your skin by following the Flare Cycle: Knowing when you’re in Pre-Flare, Active Flare, and Post-Flare allows you to protect the spot and choose the ingredients that your barrier needs—whether it’s calming inflammation or rebuilding the barrier.
The Flare Kit provides you with steroid-free patches with gentle, active ingredients for each stage, so you can give your skin the treatment it’s asking for at the right moment.
FAQs
How can you tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis? There are myriad factors to help you determine which condition you’re experiencing: how the itch feels, appearance, the location, triggers, and more.
What does psoriasis look like compared to eczema? Psoriasis typically appears in raised, scalier plaques, while eczema is less defined and bumpier. It may also weep.
Where do eczema and psoriasis usually appear on the body? Eczema appears most commonly on skin folds and larger areas, while psoriasis shows up on the front of elbows and knees, palms, fingernails, and soles of feet. Both can occur on the face.
Does eczema or psoriasis itch more? Eczema is usually more associated with an incessant itch that’s impossible to ignore. Psoriasis also itches, but with a burning or stinging sensation.