Red, Itchy, Scaley Skin? 5 Clues to Spot the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema

What do psoriasis and eczema have in common? Both are red, scaling skin conditions, and can look similar.

Here's how to tell the difference:

1. They occur in different places

• Eczema tends to show up in the skin’s creases, like inside your elbows or behind your knees. Spots of eczema can also form on your face or neck. Some adult sufferers have patches on their hands and feet.
• Psoriasis is seen in the more exposed surfaces of the skin, rather than in the folds. It often forms over the knees or elbows. The belly button is another area, as well as the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.

2. They look similar, but there are notable differences

• Both conditions are red in color, but psoriasis tends to be more well-defined. While psoriasis is a deeper red than eczema, the scale pattern can appear to have a silver color.
• Patches of eczema are poorly defined and have different types of scale depending on the stage of disease.

3. They have different symptoms

• Eczema is associated with a significant degree of itching. Sometimes there is associated clear drainage.
• Patches of psoriasis do not have drainage, and sometimes there is no associated itch.

4. They are linked to different conditions

• Eczema often shows up alongside asthma and seasonal allergies. Kids with eczema are more likely to have other allergies, including pet or food allergies.
• Psoriasis is linked to a severe type of arthritis. If you have psoriasis with joint pain, that’s called psoriatic arthritis.

5. They both run in families, but one more than the other

• Eczema tends to have a stronger genetic link. Parents with eczema tend to have children with eczema.
• Psoriasis can also be inherited, but the genetic condition isn’t as strong. While children can get psoriasis, it’s more commonly seen in adults.