Skin cancer and psoriasis are both conditions affecting the skin. Skin cancer is potentially life threatening while psoriasis is not.
Symptoms
Skin cancer is typically focal, affecting a small portion of the skin. For example, a mole that appears asymmetric with irregular borders may be cancerous. It can also change in color and widen in diameter. Unlike skin cancer, psoriasis may affect your entire body. Red rashes with silvery plaques are some of its common features.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic states that ultraviolet light plays a large role in causing skin cancer. Unlike skin cancer, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks its own skin.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic recommends you avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen daily to help prevent the development of skin cancer. Unfortunately, there is no real way to prevent psoriasis, says MedlinePlus.
Complications
Complications of skin cancer include metastasis (spread) to other parts of your body and even death. MedlinePlus states that intense itching, pain and skin infections are complications of psoriasis.
Treatment
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments are available options for treating skin cancer. Over-the-counter cortisone cream and prescription strength medications such as adalimunab help treat psoriasis.
