What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?

These are two totally different things. Eczema is a skin condition in which skin is dry, inflamed, and in need of moisture, while psoriasis is the overproduction of skin cells. Psoriasis creates thick, red, flaky plaques, while skin with eczema might be red and itchy, but not thickened like psoriasis. Remember, says Dr. Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist at McLean Dermatology in McLean, Virginia, that “psoriasis has nothing to do with the amount of moisture in the skin.” Hydrating the skin is always a good thing, but that moisture won’t treat the root of the issue with psoriasis. Whereas with eczema, moisturizers are your new best friend.

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Psoriasis

Autoimmune disease in which skin cells build up to create rough, scaly patches.

Also Called

Plaque psoriasis

Looks Like

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Frequently Found On

Elbows, knees, scalp, trunk

Related Concerns

Learn More: Psoriasis