Identifying Eczema and Psoriasis with Pictures

Understanding whether a skin condition is eczema or psoriasis will help you choose the best treatment and manage your symptoms. Both conditions can cause very dry skin, significant discomfort, and impact quality of life, but they do have some unique characteristics. Use the photos below to understand how each condition looks and hopefully, you’ll find a clearer and more accurate diagnosis. 

Signs of Eczema 

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterised by red, inflamed, and extremely itchy skin. It commonly appears in the creases of the elbows and knees but can also affect the face, neck, and wrists. In infants, eczema is often seen on the cheeks and scalp. The affected areas may become dry, scaly, and can even crack or bleed. The intense itchiness can lead to scratching, which worsens the condition and can cause secondary infections. Eczema tends to flare up periodically and can be triggered by allergens, irritants, stress, and weather changes.

Pictures of Eczema

Eczema on eyelids - use Dermal Therapy Eyelid Eczema Cream

Eyelid Eczema

Several types of dermatitis can produce eczema around the eyes and on the eyelids. This causes discoloration, itching, and swelling.
A person itching the eczema on their neck - thinking about effective eczema treatments for neck eczema

Eczema on the Neck

Eczema on the neck appears as red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Avoid additional irritation like woollen scarves, labels, overly tight collars or perspiration.
A person itching eczema in the crease of their elbow

Eczema inside the Elbow

Eczema inside the elbow develops as an itchy, dry, and inflamed rash. It is a form of flexural eczema that develops in the creases of moving joints.
A person examining their hand eczema (Dyshidrotic eczema)

Hand Eczema (Dyshidrotic Eczema)

The main symptoms of hand eczema are dry, itchy and red skin affecting the whole hand, including the fingers.

Signs of Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells, leading to the build-up of cells on the surface of the skin. This results in thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body but is commonly found on the scalp, face, lower back, elbows, and knees. In infants, it may also be present in the nappy area. Unlike eczema, psoriasis patches are often more clearly defined and can be less itchy but more painful. The condition can be persistent and requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Pictures of Psoriasis 

Guttate Psoriasis Image

Guttate Psoriasis

Identified by small, dot-like lesions, often triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis Image

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

A rare and severe form that can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash, causing intense itching or burning.
Psoriatic Arthritis Image

Psoriatic Arthritis

Involves joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, along with the skin symptoms of psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis Image

Inverse psoriasis

Appears as bright red, shiny lesions in skin folds, such as underarms and groin.
Plaque Psoriasis Image

Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common type, characterised by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales.
Pustular Psoriasis Image

Pustular Psoriasis

Features white pustules (blisters of non-infectious pus) surrounded by red skin, typically on the hands and feet or widespread.
Nail Psoriasis Image

Nail Psoriasis

Affects fingernails and toenails, leading to pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discolouration.

Finding the Right Skincare

Once you know which skin condition you have, the next step is to find the right treatment.

For eczema, this might involve:

  • The use of emollients to keep the skin hydrated.
  • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Avoiding known triggers such as allergens and irritants.
  • Implementing gentle skincare routines.

For psoriasis, treatment may include:

  • Topical treatments with keratolytic properties to reduce scaling and inflammation.
  • Phototherapy under medical supervision.
  • Systemic medications to control the immune response.
  • Regular moisturisation to maintain skin hydration.

Q&A on Eczema & Psoriasis

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Eczema & Psoriasis

Eczema and psoriasis are distinct skin conditions with different appearances. Eczema typically shows as red, inflamed, and extremely itchy patches, often in the creases of elbows, knees, and on the face. Psoriasis appears as thick, red patches with silvery scales, commonly on the scalp, face, elbows, and knees.

Psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up the skin cell production process. This results in the build-up of cells on the skin’s surface, forming thick, scaly patches. Genetics and environmental factors, such as stress and infections, can also trigger or exacerbate psoriasis.

Eczema appears as red, inflamed, and itchy patches, often with a dry and scaly texture. It is usually found in areas where the skin folds, like the creases of elbows and knees. Psoriasis, on the other hand, presents as thick, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. These patches are typically well-defined and can occur on the scalp, face, lower back, elbows, and knees.

Psoriasis can start at any age, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it can also occur in infants and young children, though this is less common. Paediatric psoriasis often requires careful management due to the sensitive nature of young skin.

Eczema usually presents as red, inflamed, and itchy patches, often in the creases of elbows, knees, and on the face. Psoriasis appears as thick, red patches with silvery scales, often on the scalp, face, lower back, elbows, and knees. Eczema is often triggered by allergens and irritants, while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Visual aids and a healthcare provider’s evaluation can help accurately distinguish between the two conditions.

Eczema & Psoriasis Facts

  1. Avoid Hot Showers

For both skin conditions, you want to keep your skin as calm as possible. Avoid taking very hot showers and harsh ingredients. 

  1. Know Your Triggers

Understanding the triggers that lead to eczema and psoriasis flare-ups will help you manage your skin conditions. 

  1. The Skin Barrier Matters

Moisturising and creating a strong skin barrier will help lock in moisture and create a calmer environment for your skin condition.

  1. Listen to the Itch

If your skin is irritated and itching, it will usually indicate there’s an underlying concern. Investigate itchiness and changes to your skin condition. 

References

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