Psoriasis vs Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are common skin diseases which affect people all over the world. The first one is a condition that affects the life cycle of the skin cells. Primarily, it triggers a rapid build up of cells on the skin surface, giving rise to bouts of symptoms. Also, it is a chronic skin disorder, which requires long-term treatment. Eczema is also a long-lasting condition. It is characterized by an itchy inflammation of the skin, and known to be more common in children. The basic differences between the two conditions have been explained in the following table.

How are Psoriasis and Eczema Different from Each Other?

Psoriasis
Causes	There are these cells in the body known as T lymphocytes or T cells. They are assigned with the job of eliminating foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. Due to certain reasons these cells become overactive, and start attacking the healthy cells of the body. Now this malfunction triggers the immune system to go into an overdrive and produce new skin cells, and more T cells, and this goes on like a cycle. Usually, new skin cells take about a month to reach to the top of the epidermis. So as newer cells continue to move up, older cells die, and rise to the surface, and flake off after sometime. But in psoriasis, new skin cells move up to the surface within days, and this causes a build up of dead skin cells on the surface. Scientists are not sure of what causes the T cells to malfunction, but they have narrowed down a list of triggers. These may include: Sore throat Emotional stress Genetic factors Smoking tobacco Exposure to frost Injury to the skin Chronic immune disorders such as HIV Alcohol abuse Side effects of certain medications
Symptoms	Usually, psoriasis symptoms vary from person to person, but the common ones include: Formation of red patches on the skin, which are covered with silvery scales. Although these patches may appear anywhere, they commonly affect areas such as the knees, scalp, hands, elbows, feet or lower back Development of spots small in size, but scaly in appearance Affected areas of the skin may get dry, and even bleed The above symptoms may be accompanied by itchiness, burning sensation and soreness Nails may get thicker, and ridged Joints may swell, and become stiff
Treatment	There are several options for treating the disorder. It involves the use of topical medications, therapy, oral and injected medications too. The goal of the treatment is to disturb the cycle that is causing the cells to grow in a rapid manner. And it also attempts to make the skin smoother, by getting rid of the scaled skin. If we talk about home remedies for psoriasis, then doctors advise to take a bath on daily basis, keeping the skin moisturized, keeping a cover for the affected areas at night while sleeping, and using medicated cream or ointment as directed. Also, it is important to get exposed to the sun, but only by small amounts, and avoid the triggering factors.

Eczema
Causes	No specific causes have yet come to light. Like it is in the case of psoriasis, even eczema is believed to be a result of malfunctioning immune system. Experts say that the symptoms that are caused in eczema, occur as a result of an overactive immune response to an irritant. Unlike what most people think, stressful factors do not cause this skin disorder, but they worsen it. Other triggers could include: allergens such as house mites, pollen, and dander foods such as eggs, cow's milk, soya products, wheat and nuts cold weather frequent washing hormonal changes
Symptoms	Common signs and symptoms include: The person may experience itching, which may get intense at nights There would be gray colored patches on the skin. These may also be brownish in color The skin may become red, hot, dry, thicker, scaly and sensitive
Treatment	For a mild case, using nonprescription anti-itch creams, in conjunction with some self-care measures, is good enough to reduce inflammation, itching, and prevent future flare-ups. For severe cases, the doctor may recommend the use of other medications. This could be accompanied by light therapy. The self-care eczema home treatment measures include applying cool and wet compress on the affected area, and taking a warm bath with baking soda mixed in the water. Using a humidifier also helps as moisture in the air would keep the skin from getting dry and flaky. Identify and avoid triggers which seem to aggravate the condition, and wear light-cotton clothing.

That was all for some basic points to help you with the subject on psoriasis vs eczema. In case you should require more in-depth information on the same, then a dermatologist would be a good source to seek.