Psoriasis vs Eczema: Know the Difference

We all want to feel comfortable in our skin, but some conditions make that easier said than done. With the number of Psoriasis and Eczema sufferers on the rise, millions of people are left with itchy discomfort and unavoidable embarrassment. Although these conditions share similar symptoms, they’re not identical. So, what’s the difference between Psoriasis and Eczema, and how can each condition be treated? Let’s find out!

What’s Psoriasis?

Characterized by small bumps that worsen into red patches with loose scales, Psoriasis often leads to itchiness and irritation. Affecting both the face and body, it can appear on the ears, neck, forehead, legs, elbows, knees or even the nails.

While it remains a somewhat mysterious condition, there appears to be a genetic link for Psoriasis. It causes skin cells to grow at a faster rate, resulting in those notorious patches. It’s not contagious, but it can be triggered by minor skin injuries, infections, stress, smoking and some medications.

What’s Eczema?

Known clinically as atopic dermatitis, Eczema is a chronic skin condition that often develops in children. Common symptoms include dry, itchy, cracked or red patches of skin. Scratching these areas can lead to crusty, scabbed patches or oozing puss.

While it’s not contagious, most Eczema sufferers have at least one family member with the condition, suggesting a genetic correlation. Other potential causes include abnormal immune system function, skin barrier defeats and environmental triggers like pollution and cold climate.

It’s important to remember that these conditions are nothing to be embarrassed about. Even celebrities like Britney Spears, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman have suffered from Eczema at one time or another. Singer LeAnn Rimes once commented that her parents needed to use “topical steroids all over her body during the day and night” just to ease her discomfort.

Treatments for Psoriasis and Eczema

Now that we know the difference between Psoriasis and Eczema, what can we do about it? Both conditions can be clinically treated with either topical or oral medications. Some sufferers also use home remedies, which can help reduce symptoms.

For Psoriasis, dermatologists often prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream during the first stage of treatment. If there’s no change in the condition, they move onto light therapy and in some cases, may prescribe oral medication.

As for Eczema, topical corticosteroid creams are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some doctors also recommend antibiotic or barrier creams that help protect the skin against irritants.

Prior to using any type of chemical medication, be sure to consult your dermatologist to discuss proper use and any potential risks.

Using Natural, Nonirritating Soaps to Ease Skin Conditions like Psoriasis and Eczema

For some patients, over-the-counter medications simply aren’t an option. When used for extended periods of time, the skin may stop reacting to prescribed treatments. Believe it or not, some products can actually be harmful for some skin types, aggravating the problem further.

Instead, we suggest getting back to basics and trying natural, handmade body products! Safe for all skin types, they smell great and come with a long list of benefits.

Luxurious Lathers offers Honey and Oat Goat Milk Soap as well as Oatmeal Foaming Body Scrub to calm and moisturize irritated skin. Take a look at one of their loyal customers who suffered with Eczema and Psoriasis for many years:

After she was prescribed various medications with no results, she opted for their natural treatments. The result was soft, hydrated skin with a noticeable reduction in dryness – and a big boost of confidence!

The best thing about handmade soap? Each Luxurious Lathers product is specially crafted to target different needs. Featuring safe, all-natural ingredients from around the world, you’ll feel clean, moisturized and indulgently pampered!