Whats the difference between Eczema and Psoriasis?

[MelbaToast]

Lately I've been wondering if maybe I have Eczema and not P? Then again I don't understand the difference. Right now my body is all rash like and itchy but a while back I had scales. HRMMMM

[chaimFL]

Here is a short answer that Dr. Bagel gave on HealthTalk:

Psoriasis is an immunologically mediated overgrowth of the outer skin resulting in plaques. Eczema is an inflammatory allergy of the skin which results in excessive itching.

[nitegale]

I think but I am unsure of that Psoriasis effects the extensor muscles and Ezcema effects the flexor muscles. In plain english: Psoriaisis is on the outside muscles where Ezcema would be on the inside muscles, for the most part that is.

Marie

[K9pal]

According to my derms, both E and P are very closely related and it's often hard to differentiate between the two without a biopsy. They often are found together as well. I have both, some of it on the same parts of my body at the same time (like the bottom of my feet). It's very frustrating!
Some of the P meds will work on E. Some of the E meds work on P. My scalp problem is definitely P, yet nothing worked on it til I tried Elidel, which is an eczema treatment.
What I have on my arms, legs and torso is very much like what you describe - itchy and rashy. Some of it can be felt (like little bumps) and not seen. It's much worse at this time of year, with all the cold and dry air.
Hope you find something that works for you!

[tvcats]

I'm one of those that have p that itches. Granted it's usually just the inverse p that does, but once in awhile some of the others will also itch.

[Ironchef]

I am under the impression that P is genetically on you..forever (until there's a cure), while eczema comes and goes based on conditions of activating it or acquiring it.

[sidmc72]

About five years ago I had a rash on my hands and then arm pits, finger nails and groin. It took me about two and a half years, five doctors and a whole slew of antibiotics and useless cremes to finally get sent to a dermatologist who looked at it and proclaimed it Eczema in about thirty seconds. He gave me a medicine called Olux (olobetasol propionate) that cleared it right up so I figured he was correct. Unfortunately, about a year ago I started having unexplainable back problems that spread into Joint problems around my body including the small DIP joint on my thumb. My doctor can't figure out what is wrong with me and quite honestly I have about as much faith in doctors as I have in used cars salesman. The pain seems to be on the tendons not in the joints, The blood test do not indicate RA or Lupus and all my doctor can do is give me anti-inflamitories. I haven't been diagnosed as having P from one of these quacks, but reading about P and all your great post I sure keep hearing allot of familiar problems in great detail. I also decided to look at the use for Olux and the only use thier web site listed was for P. So does P ever get misdiagnosed as Eczema? Are the medicines the same?

[shiloh962]

Your joint problems sound like psoriatic arthritis. Seen a Rheumatologist?

[sidmc72]

I just figured this out yesterday by searching WEB MD and finding this site. The more I read the more I think it is PA. I just spoke with my mother and found that she has psoriasis on her foot. Some how I think I got the worst genes of both my parents. The Rheumatologist will be my first call Monday.

Thanks

[RichJ]

hi sidmc72 and shiloh962
welcome to the pfamily. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcoms and glad to meet you.
i have pp on hands and feet. right know not to bad. but know i have red pimpuly like skin in my arm pits, left wrist and back of my knees. it don't itch. yeah. it the same type that i get on my forehead. i have pain around alot of my joints to. i have pa to. i don't know what the red skin is. no derm has ever told me what that is. i had a biopsy on my hand that said that was pp. hope this helps alittle.

have a good night all

richard