Skin Care: Do not Confuse Psoriasis with Eczema

Two of the skin diseases most frequently seen by dermatologists are psoriasis and eczema. In the public mind, these two skin disorders are often confused, and for good reason. Even dermatologists can sometimes have difficulty identifying which condition is present in a patient. Indeed, eczema and psoriasis can appear to look similar. Both show up in patchy areas that can become very itchy.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is characterized by reddish lesions accompanied by silvery scaling that flakes off, causing the skin beneath to bleed. This form of psoriasis is called, plaque psoriasis, is the type most frequently diagnosed. The scales are commonly referred to as plaques, flakes or scales.

Eczema: While eczema may resemble dry skin that also itches, it does not usually include the flaking quality associated with psoriasis. Again, psoriasis tends to be characterized by raised red spots that are rough, and tend to flake as they itch.