Psoriasis and eczema are similar in many ways. Both cause rashes on the skin, can be chronic and can be difficult to treat. But as reported by The National Psoriasis Foundation in its mental health brief on the disease, psoriasis carries a high risk of depression and other psychological complications that are not equally apparent in eczema patients.
Term
Psoriasis is a lifelong autoimmune disease, which means it causes the immune system to attack the body. Eczema can be a chronic condition, but when it appears in an infant, it often resolves itself before the child reaches age 5.
Rash
A psoriasis rash is red and covered by layers of silvery white scales that continually flake off. An eczema rash is red, inflamed and extremely itchy. Either rash can become thick and leathery as a result of excessive scratching.
Triggers
Eczema is often triggered by contact with an irritating substance or with an allergen. Physical and emotional stress, infections, skin injury and certain medications can trigger psoriasis.
Treatment
Eczema is treated by keeping skin well-moisturized and combating the itch and inflammation that accompany an outbreak. Topical treatments can be helpful, though in more severe cases, antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed. Psoriasis treatments include topical applications of tar-based products, systemic corticosteroids and phototherapy, also called light therapy.
Complications
Secondary infections can appear in both eczema and psoriasis patients who scratch their rashes, opening the skin up to viral, bacterial or fungal infection. The Mayo Clinic notes that people with eczema can develop eye complications when the itchy rash appears around the eye. Eye watering, inflammation of the eye lining and conjunctivitis can occur.
Prevalence
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 7 million people in the U.S. alone have psoriasis and, of these, up to 30 percent have psoriatic arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and that 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults develop the condition.
