At Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, we address skin conditions that significantly impact our patients’ lives, such as eczema and psoriasis. These two conditions, while often mistaken for one another, have distinct characteristics and demand different approaches for effective management. Our goal is to make these differences clear and outline what you can expect from the treatments we offer.
Eczema is the name used for a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. It can be any of a range of rash-like conditions that can cause discomfort and irritation. A chronic issue for many, eczema can vary in severity and duration from patient to patient, manifesting in occasional flare-ups interspersed with periods of no symptoms.
The most notable symptom of eczema is an eczema rash, which is dry, flaky skin that is intensely itchy. This rash often shows up on the elbows, behind the knees, on the face, or on the hands. Over time, the affected areas may become thickened and leathery due to persistent scratching.
There are several types of eczema, each with distinct triggers and symptoms. Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent form. It typically starts in childhood and is often linked with asthma and hay fever. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to contact with irritants or allergens, while seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects the scalp and face and is characterized by scaly patches.
Eczema frequently develops in early childhood and can persist into adulthood, though some individuals may outgrow it. The condition is more common in individuals with a family history of eczema or other atopic diseases, such as allergies or asthma. Environmental factors, like pollutants and allergens, can also impact the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease that results in a fast accumulation of skin cells. This causes scaling on the surface of the skin, often appearing as thick, silver-white patches. The condition is mainly caused by an immune system that is too active, accelerating the life cycle of skin cells.
The primary symptoms of psoriasis include patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales, most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. These patches can be itchy or sore, and the skin around the joints may crack and bleed in some cases. The severity of the symptoms can fluctuate with environmental triggers and stress.
The most prevalent type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, characterized by dry, elevated, red patches of skin (plaques) topped with silvery scales. Guttate psoriasis often begins early and presents as small, scaling lesions shaped like water drops on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. Additional varieties include inverse psoriasis, affecting skin folds; pustular psoriasis, commonly found in adults; and erythrodermic psoriasis, an extreme form that can be life-threatening and leads to extensive redness covering most of the body.
Psoriasis can start at any age, though it most commonly develops between the ages of 15 and 35. It is equally likely to affect men and women and can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop the condition, and stress, cold weather, and smoking are known to exacerbate its symptoms.
If you examine pictures of eczema and psoriasis, you will observe distinct differences in their appearance. Eczema usually manifests as red, inflamed, cracked, and rough patches, sometimes with blisters. In contrast, psoriasis presents as thicker, red patches covered with silver-white scales. These variations aid dermatologists in promptly identifying the particular skin condition during a visual assessment.
The triggers of eczema or psoriasis are distinct, even though both conditions involve inflammation. Eczema is often associated with an overactive immune response to irritants and allergens, which disrupts the skin barrier. Psoriasis, however, stems from an immune system malfunction that accelerates skin cell turnover, leading to its rapid accumulation on the skin’s surface.
One difference between eczema and psoriasis is the locations it affects. Eczema frequently affects the inner elbows, behind the knees, and the neck. Psoriasis often presents on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
The age at which symptoms first appear can indicate whether a person has psoriasis or eczema. Eczema commonly begins in childhood and may improve with age, whereas psoriasis usually starts between the ages of 15 and 35 and tends to persist throughout life. Both conditions are prevalent worldwide and can be influenced by genetic factors.
Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis carry different long-term health implications. Eczema can lead to skin infections due to the breakdown of the skin barrier and frequent scratching. Individuals with psoriasis are at a higher risk for other health issues, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Awareness of these potential complications is important for managing both conditions effectively.
Topical corticosteroids are an eczema treatment that reduces inflammation and alleviates itching. These are available in various strengths and are typically used during acute flare-ups to control symptoms effectively.
Regularly moisturizing the skin is vital in managing eczema, as it helps restore the skin barrier and prevent dryness. Thick, ointment-based moisturizers are often recommended because they provide a barrier that aids in keeping the skin hydrated.
When typical treatments are insufficient, additional eczema treatment options may be considered. These include calcineurin inhibitors, which modify the immune system’s response to reduce inflammation, or biologic drugs, which target specific areas of the immune system.
Modifying daily routines can help with eczema management. This includes adopting a skincare regimen suited to sensitive skin, using hypoallergenic products, and reducing stress levels, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.
For mild to moderate psoriasis, topical creams that contain corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues are commonly used. These creams help to reduce inflammation, slow the production of skin cells, and remove scales, improving the appearance of the affected skin.
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, involves the medically supervised exposure of skin to ultraviolet light. This method proves beneficial for numerous psoriasis sufferers by slowing the rate of skin cell turnover and alleviating scaling and inflammation.
For moderate to severe psoriasis that may not respond well to topical treatments alone, systemic medications are an option. These are oral or injectable drugs that work throughout the body.
Biologics are treatments derived from living cells that specifically block certain immune system interactions that contribute to psoriasis. These medications are typically prescribed for individuals who do not respond adequately to other treatment forms and can offer significant symptom relief.
Managing eczema and psoriasis effectively enhances daily comfort and skin health, and at Westover Hills Dermatology, we provide comprehensive care right here in San Antonio, TX. We use the latest approaches to treat skin conditions so that each patient can receive the best care for their symptoms. To learn more about how we can help manage your eczema or psoriasis, please call us at (830) 261-3212 or contact us through our website for more details.
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