Key takeaways

  • Psoriasis and eczema both lead to dry, irritated skin, but psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell growth, while eczema is often triggered by external factors.
  • Psoriasis can cause thick, raised, scaly patches that may appear red, white, gray, purple, or ashen depending on skin tone, while eczema typically results in dry, itchy skin and rashes in skin folds or on the face, hands, and feet.
  • While there is no cure for either condition, treatments focus on managing symptoms: psoriasis treatments range from topical creams and light therapy to oral or injectable medications, and eczema can be managed by avoiding triggers and keeping the skin moisturized.

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system causes skin cells to grow faster than usual. Dead cells build up on the skin’s surface instead of falling away.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes swelling, dryness, rashes, and itchiness. The exact cause is unclear.

Read on to learn more about psoriasis and eczema, including their symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.

View the slideshow below for photos of psoriasis and eczema.

There are several types of psoriasis, and the symptoms can vary. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, representing 80% to 90% of psoriasis cases.

Plaque psoriasis causes areas of thick, raised skin called plaques. These areas may be:

  • scaly
  • itchy
  • differently sized

It is important to note that psoriasis can present differently depending on the color of a person’s skin. It can look:

  • red
  • white
  • gray
  • purple
  • ashen

Some common symptoms of eczema include:

  • dry skin
  • itchy skin
  • rashes inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the face, hands, and feet

Eczema is most common in babies and children, but it can affect adolescents and adults.

Psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune mechanism, and genetics plays a role.


In addition, certain fungi and viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), are associated with psoriasis. Understanding exactly how requires further research.

Certain factors can trigger psoriasis episodes or worsen ongoing ones.

Some examples of these triggers include:

  • infections
  • dry, cold weather
  • sunburn and hot weather
  • excess alcohol consumption
  • smoking
  • stress
  • certain medications, such as lithium and some high blood pressure medications

Healthcare professionals do not know the cause of eczema, but it tends to run in families.

Below are some examples of triggers that can cause eczema to worsen:

  • hormonal changes
  • cold, dry weather
  • pollen
  • pet fur
  • dust mites
  • harsh or highly fragranced soap, detergent, or shampoo

To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination.

This will pay close attention to where the skin changes have developed, as this can help differentiate between eczema and psoriasis. For example, psoriasis is more common on the elbows and knees, while eczema is more likely to occur in the inner elbow, behind the knees, and on the face.

The doctor may be able to diagnose eczema or psoriasis based on the appearance of the skin.

In some cases, they may send a sample of the skin for laboratory analysis to rule out other possible causes. They may also refer the individual to a dermatologist.

A person may be able to relieve mild-to-moderate psoriasis symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized. It is best to avoid harsh soaps and very hot water.

A doctor may prescribe one of the following medications to treat moderate to severe psoriasis:

  • Topical corticosteroids: These medicated ointments or creams work by reducing inflammation and itching.
  • Coal tar: This topical product can help reduce inflammation and scaling. Over-the-counter and prescription versions are available.
  • Salicylic acid: This is an ingredient in medicated shampoos and topical solutions. It can remove the scaliness of skin, which may help other medications work better.

Light therapy, or phototherapy, is another treatment for psoriasis. This involves controlled exposure to UV light, which slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.

If these treatments do not work, oral and injectable medications are available. These include:

  • oral retinoids
  • methotrexate (Trexall)
  • cyclosporine (Gengraf)

A doctor may also prescribe biologic medications. These address the cause of psoriasis by targeting the immune system. Examples of biologic medications for psoriasis include:

Eczema is a lasting condition that may get better or worse with time. It tends to affect children in greater numbers than adults, though some children may “outgrow” their eczema.

A person may go for quite some time without experiencing symptoms, then have a flare-up. Many factors can trigger flare-ups, including allergic reactions. For people with eczema, avoiding known allergens may help prevent flare-ups.

A person can reduce eczema symptoms by keeping their skin clean, moisturized, and dry.

Other strategies for reducing or preventing eczema include:

  • avoiding harsh soaps and highly fragranced products
  • applying topical corticosteroid creams to itchy areas
  • taking an antihistamine
  • applying cool, wet compresses to the skin to reduce itchiness
  • avoiding hot temperatures
  • not taking long, hot baths or showers

If eczema is severe and does not respond to home treatments, a doctor can prescribe medicated creams and ointments to reduce symptoms and their occurrence.

In addition to topical corticosteroid creams, the doctor may prescribe calcineurin inhibitors. Examples include tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream. However, a person should use these with caution, as they carry warnings about a possible risk of cancer.

Excessive itching can break the skin, which can become infected. If this happens, the person may need to apply a prescription antibiotic cream or take an oral antibiotic.

It is possible to have both psoriasis and eczema, and a person may need to use different treatments for each.

However it is uncommon to have both conditions at the same time.

Examples of other conditions that can resemble some presentations of eczema and psoriasis include:

If a person has skin symptoms and the cause is unclear, they should receive medical guidance.

Psoriasis and eczema are different health conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as dry, itchy skin.

The two have different causes and treatments. However, using topical medications, avoiding triggers, and keeping the skin clean and moisturized can help ease symptoms of either condition.

Speak with a doctor if a person has concerns about psoriasis or eczema. The doctor can inspect the skin to confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.