Eczema and psoriasis are two different skin conditions that can lead to the development of inflamed and itchy areas of the skin. These two conditions are different in many important ways, however, and rarely occur together.
Symptoms
Although psoriasis and eczema both lead to itchy and red skin regions, psoriasis causes raised red patches of the skin that are often coated with silvery scales, the Mayo Clinic explains. Eczema, on the other hand, is typically marked by the appearance of smaller red bumps that may ooze fluid if they are scratched.
Cause
Eczema is caused by an irritating substance getting underneath the skin where it causes inflammation and redness to occur, the American Academy of Dermatologists explains. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is caused by the immune system attacking the skin cells themselves, resulting in hyperproliferation, which results in the formation of psoriatic lesions.
Complications
Psoriasis can be particularly debilitating because it can also affect the joints, resulting in psoriatic arthritis, the Mayo Clinic explains. Psoriasis can also damage the nails, resulting in pitted and thickened nails. Eczema does not usually cause any problems aside from skin lesions.
