It’s not always easy to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis – especially when it comes to Black skin. While they’re similar skin conditions, there are a few distinct differences that will make it easier to tell which one you’re dealing with.
While both skin conditions itch, those who have them describe them much differently. Eczema has an intense itch that might not ease no matter how hard you scratch. With psoriasis, the itching is more of a burning sensation.
There’s also a difference in their appearance. Eczema can cause red, inflamed, and swollen skin. There may be leathery patches and the affected areas might become scaly, crusty, or oozing. The affected skin in psoriasis may look silvery and scaly but the inflammation is worse than in eczema. Your skin may also get thicker and the thickened sections can be called plaques.
It’s typical for eczema to affect adults on the inner elbow, neck, wrists, ankles, and behind the knees. Babies may also see it on the chin, cheeks, arms, back, legs, and chest. If you have psoriasis, you’re more likely to see it on your elbows, knees, scalp, face, lower back, soles, palms, nails, mouth, eyelids, ears, and skin folds.
Eczema and psoriasis share certain triggers like skin products, stress, hormone changes, food allergies, dandruff, and heat. However, any form of skin damage such as cuts, sunburn, or vaccinations can trigger a psoriasis flare. It’s typical to start showing the signs of eczema at an early age whereas most people get diagnosed with psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 35.
Finally, the conditions are associated with different diseases. People who have eczema may also have asthma or hay fever. Psoriasis, however, can be related to serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
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Another difference you should note about eczema and psoriasis is how they look on Black skin. In many cases, the description you’ll see of the two conditions is how they appear on lighter skin tones. For example, in eczema, lighter skin tones may appear as red or inflamed skin. Black Americans, on the other hand, may see dark brown, purple, or grey patches. Additionally, you’re more prone to papular lesions that look like small bumps on the torso, arms, and legs. Sometimes, the skin may feel warm to the touch.
Psoriasis can also appear as light to dark brown, purple, or gray patches. Sometimes, though, there’s no color change at all. You may also notice that the skin is thicker, swollen, shiny, smooth, or scaly.
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The first step to managing your psoriasis is sticking to the medical regimen that your doctor has prescribed. There are a variety of available treatments including oral and topical drugs.
In some cases, you may need an injection to keep your symptoms under control. However, there are also a few things you can do to manage your psoriasis and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
When bathing, it’s good to use lukewarm water and mild soaps while gently scrubbing your skin. Keeping your skin moist is helpful so experts recommend applying a moisturizer after your bath. The type of product you use may vary depending on how dry your skin is naturally so you should shop around to see what works best.
Moisturizers also help when you’re having a flare-up so apply it liberally. It can also help to cover the affected areas while you’re sleeping. In the morning, you can gently wash away the flaking skin.
Though your skin will be itchy, it’s best not to scratch it as that can make the problem worse. Using an anti-itch cream or ointment on the area is a better idea. You should also ask your doctor about getting a little sun. While phototherapy is a possible treatment for psoriasis, that’s in a controlled environment. Sometimes, sun exposure and the resulting heat can make your condition worse.
When you’re inside, you should use a humidifier if the air is too dry. It’s also important to keep cool and wear breathable clothing that doesn’t irritate your skin. Most people stick to cotton but you may have some luck with linen and cotton as well.
The differences between eczema and psoriasis can be subtle but they’re easy to spot once you know what to look for. Once you identify that your skin condition is psoriasis, it will be essential to get officially diagnosed so you can start an effective treatment program.
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