Skin Conditions - Eczema and Psoriasis and There Differences
Before you can effectively treat eczema or psoriasis you need to understand the difference between the two. There is a misconception between many people that psoriasis and eczema are the same. This is not the case as both skin conditions have certain causes that are different and these require different approaches to being treated. Understanding these differences will assist you in providing a more precise assessment of the condition to your dermatologist.
There are similarities in that eczema and psoriasis have a genetic or hereditary link however, the differences are more distinct in how each condition is triggered. Knowing the circumstances that causes these triggers will help your dermatologist identify the appropriate treatment that is needed.
The appearance of psoriasis on the skin can have distinct differences to eczema. For example, psoriasis affects the skin by creating lesions on the surface. These lesions can be red in color and as the affected skin is very dry it takes on a scaly in appearance. In many cases with psoriasis a white opaque layer forms on the affected area. Although, eczema can cause similar lesions they tend to be more irritable resulting in the affected area bleeding when scratched continuously.
There are certain differences to how eczema and psoriasis are caused. Studies have shown an increase in both skin conditions. Other medical research has revealed this rising trend correlates with a rise in the world's pollution and the increased use of chemicals in food and skin products. This growing evidence has revealed increased links between allergies and eczema.
In some cases the rashes caused by eczema and psoriasis can appear in different areas of the skin. A common location for psoriasis to appear is the elbows or on the skin around the kneecap area. Eczema tends to be less selective as the skin rashes can appear all over the body.
With proper treatment psoriasis can be controlled and eventually cured. For more chronic conditions phototherapy has proven to help with the treatment of psoriasis. Other treatments can involve the use photo chemotherapy. This can be used in conjunction with psoralene which is a cream used in the treatment of skin conditions. Psoralene is applied to the skin and then UVA light is used to cleanse the affected skin. There is no known cure for eczema however, the condition can be controlled with a range of creams that can contain corticosteroids that help to suppress the symptoms.
In some cases particularly in children the symptoms can disappear as they get older however, for some eczema will remain a problem throughout their lives.
There are similarities in that eczema and psoriasis have a genetic or hereditary link however, the differences are more distinct in how each condition is triggered. Knowing the circumstances that causes these triggers will help your dermatologist identify the appropriate treatment that is needed.
The appearance of psoriasis on the skin can have distinct differences to eczema. For example, psoriasis affects the skin by creating lesions on the surface. These lesions can be red in color and as the affected skin is very dry it takes on a scaly in appearance. In many cases with psoriasis a white opaque layer forms on the affected area. Although, eczema can cause similar lesions they tend to be more irritable resulting in the affected area bleeding when scratched continuously.
There are certain differences to how eczema and psoriasis are caused. Studies have shown an increase in both skin conditions. Other medical research has revealed this rising trend correlates with a rise in the world's pollution and the increased use of chemicals in food and skin products. This growing evidence has revealed increased links between allergies and eczema.
In some cases the rashes caused by eczema and psoriasis can appear in different areas of the skin. A common location for psoriasis to appear is the elbows or on the skin around the kneecap area. Eczema tends to be less selective as the skin rashes can appear all over the body.
With proper treatment psoriasis can be controlled and eventually cured. For more chronic conditions phototherapy has proven to help with the treatment of psoriasis. Other treatments can involve the use photo chemotherapy. This can be used in conjunction with psoralene which is a cream used in the treatment of skin conditions. Psoralene is applied to the skin and then UVA light is used to cleanse the affected skin. There is no known cure for eczema however, the condition can be controlled with a range of creams that can contain corticosteroids that help to suppress the symptoms.
In some cases particularly in children the symptoms can disappear as they get older however, for some eczema will remain a problem throughout their lives.
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