Psoriasis and eczema are often mistaken for one another, as they share many similarities. Understanding their differences can help you stay informed, enabling you to manage your skin condition with greater confidence and reduce your symptoms.
Here’s a closer look at psoriasis vs eczema.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is characterized by raised, itchy patches of scaly skin. It is thought to be triggered by an immune system disorder that makes skin cells grow faster than usual, causing them to build up on top of one another.
Researchers are not sure what causes psoriasis, but emerging evidence suggests it may be driven by a combination of gut inflammation and an imbalance in gut bacteria.
Triggers & Risk Factors
A family history of psoriasis may increase your risk for this condition, as can smoking, which drives oxidative stress to make the disease more severe.
Psoriasis may also be triggered by factors that cause flares. These include:
- Stress
- Cold or dry weather
- Certain medications
- Skin injuries, such as cuts and scrapes
- Infections, such as strep throat
- Heavy alcohol use
Symptoms
Psoriasis commonly forms on the scalp, elbows, trunk, and knees. Symptoms typically vary from person to person, and may include:
- Itching or burning skin
- Raised patches of skin that resemble a rash
- Colorful rashes that may be white, silver, red, pink, purple, or gray
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Rashes that appear for a short time and then go away
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by red, dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It may be caused by genetics, a family history of allergic diseases, or excess exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Some people with eczema also have a unique composition of skin microbiota that puts them at greater risk.
Triggers & Risk Factors
Eczema is commonly triggered by certain environmental factors—many of which are also common allergens. These include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold and mycotoxins
- Pet dander
- Cold, dry air
- Stress and anxiety
- Respiratory viruses, such as the flu
- Certain chemicals, such as soaps, detergents, and perfumes
- Toxic fumes from smoke, automobiles, and factories
Symptoms
Eczema can develop anywhere on the body. Symptoms typically vary from one person to the next and may include:
- Patches of dry, cracked skin
- Itching
- Thickened skin
- Rash that varies in color
- Tiny bumps filled with fluid
- Oozing or crusty skin
- Dark skin around the eyes
Psoriasis vs Eczema: What Are the Key Differences?
Patches of skin that are itchy, dry, thick, and discolored are characteristics of both psoriasis and eczema. Here are some key differences.
| Psoriasis | Eczema | |
| Appearance | Scaly and silvery patches | Red, swollen patches without scales |
| Triggers | Stress, infections, and injuries | Environmental factors such as pollen, soaps, and chemicals |
| Possible root causes | Gut imbalances and inflammation | Genetics, family history, and bacteria |
| Itchiness | Accompanied by burning and stinging | Severe & intense, may lead to raw skin |
| Age onset | Usually in adolescence or adulthood | Usually in infancy or childhood |
Functional Medicine for Psoriasis and Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema may be chronic, long-term conditions, but addressing their root causes may significantly reduce your symptoms and the frequency of flares. Functional medicine focuses on treating the underlying causes of these problems so you can benefit from improved overall health.
Diagnostic testing for psoriasis and eczema with a functional medicine specialist may include:
- Food sensitivity and allergy testing. These tests can help identify food sensitivities or allergies that may be associated with eczema.
- SIBO breath test. SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane you breathe out to determine whether you have sugar intolerance or SIBO—both of which can lead to gut imbalances that contribute to psoriasis.
- Gut microbiome analysis. This test assesses the composition of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract to determine if gut problems may be contributing to the development of psoriasis.
How South Park Functional Medicine Can Help
If you are living with a chronic skin condition, Dr. Mahtani, our functional medicine specialist, can properly diagnose your condition and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Elimination diets, probiotics, nutritional supplementation, and healthy lifestyle changes are effective functional medicine treatments for psoriasis and eczema.
Contact South Park Functional Medicine at 980-414-4600 or email us at reception@southparkfm.com to request a consultation and learn more about how our Charlotte, NC, clinic can help.
