Eczema or Psoriasis? How to Tell the Difference

Eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common skin conditions, but they can be tricky to tell apart. Both cause red, irritated skin and itching, but they have distinct triggers, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the difference is key to finding the right care for your skin.

Let’s explore the differences between atopic dermatitis/eczema vs psoriasis, their unique characteristics, and how to manage them effectively.

Eczema vs. Psoriasis: What’s the Difference?

At a Glance

• Eczema (also known as Atopic Dermatitis):
• Around 225 million people worldwide have eczema (Arents, 2023).
• Often starts in childhood (Kruse, 2024).
• Triggered by allergens, irritants, and environmental factors (Kantor, 2018).
• Causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin (Silverberg, 2019).

• Psoriasis:
• Typically develops in adulthood.
• About 125 million people have psoriasis worldwide (Armstrong, 2020)
• An autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell production (Ortiz-Lopez, 2022.
• Results in thick, scaly patches of skin that may appear silvery or red (Badri, 2025).

Symptoms of Eczema or Psoriasis

Eczema Symptoms

• Red, itchy skin: Often feels inflamed and may develop blisters, oozing and/or crusting (Silverberg, 2019). It is more itchy than regular skin rashes, which leads to poor sleep, and it can be painful (Silverberg, 2019). 
• Dryness and cracking: The skin can become scaly and peel, especially during flare-ups.
• Common locations: Found on the hands, face, elbows, and knees. In children, symptoms often appear in the flexures (creases) of the elbows and knees. 

Psoriasis Symptoms

• Thick, scaly patches: These may appear as white or silvery scales on red skin (Bronckers, 2015).
• Raised plaques: The affected areas are often thicker and more defined than eczema.
• Common locations: Typically seen on the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) vs. Psoriasis

Key Differences

• Triggers:
• Eczema is often triggered by environmental allergens like pollen or harsh skincare products, such as soap and ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and fragrance/parfum. It is linked to asthma and food allergy (Silverberg, 2019).
• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and can be worsened by stress, infections, or cold weather. 
• Psoriasis is linked with low calcium levels in the skin and it can be improved with calcium supplementation (Masson, 2021). 
• Appearance:
• Eczema tends to look more red and inflamed.
• Psoriasis is marked by well-defined plaques and thicker, silvery scales.
• Itching:
• Eczema is more likely to cause intense itching.
• Psoriasis can itch but often comes with a burning or stinging sensation.

Treating Eczema vs Psoriasis

Caring for Eczema-Prone Skin

• Moisturise Regularly (AAAAI 2023): Natural eczema treatments include moisturising frequently. Keep your skin hydrated with creams like our Eczema Friend Rash Cream because it restores the skin barrier and relieves milk eczema and dermatitis
• Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid irritants like harsh soaps, fragrances, and diagnosed food allergens.
• Support Skin Health: Use methylated (activated) skin supplements like our AM Activated Multi which is designed for eczema sufferers, to prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with skin rashes, reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Managing Psoriasis

• Targeted Treatments: Prescription creams and our Eczema Friend Rash Cream, which relieves red skin and supports hydration to minimise flaky skin build-up .
• Increase Calcium Intake: Psoriatic skin can be low in calcium so take pure calcium teamed with magnesium and vitamin K2, for enhanced calcium absorption, like our Skin Friend PM Mineral Matrix supplement which is designed to support skin health. 
• Reduce Inflammation: Lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet and stress reduction, can make a difference.
• Support the Skin Barrier: Hydrate and protect the skin with thick, emollient-rich moisturizers such as Eczema Friend and Wonder Zinc.

Living with Eczema vs Psoriasis

Whether you’re dealing with eczema or psoriasis, finding the right care is essential for long-term relief. Products like our lush Eczema Friend Rash Cream, which received an innovation grant due to the unique formulation, are crafted to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them a great option for sensitive skin needs. Plus take targeted skin supplements to prevent the nutritional deficiencies associated with skin disorders. 

By understanding the differences between these conditions and choosing treatments tailored to your skin, you can take the first steps toward healthier, happier skin.

References

Raharja A, Mahil SK, Barker JN. Psoriasis: a brief overview. Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):170-173. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0257. PMID: 34001566; PMCID: PMC8140694.

Armstrong AW, Read C. Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review. JAMA. 2020 May 19;323(19):1945-1960. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.4006. PMID: 32427307.

Ortiz-Lopez LI, Choudhary V, Bollag WB. Updated Perspectives on Keratinocytes and Psoriasis: Keratinocytes are More Than Innocent Bystanders. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2022 May 2;12:73-87. doi: 10.2147/PTT.S327310. PMID: 35529056; PMCID: PMC9075909.

Badri T, Kumar P, Oakley AM. Plaque Psoriasis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430879/

Kruse LL, Mancini AJ. Atopic Dermatitis in Children. Pediatr Ann. 2024 Apr;53(4):e121-e128. doi: 10.3928/19382359-20240205-02. Epub 2024 Apr 1. PMID: 38574071.

Kantor R, Silverberg JI. Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2017 Jan;13(1):15-26. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2016.1212660. Epub 2016 Jul 28. PMID: 27417220; PMCID: PMC5216178.

Silverberg JI. Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2019 Aug;123(2):144-151. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.04.020. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31034875.

Arents, B.W.M., et al., The future is now: the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA). Br J Dermatol, 2023. 189(6): p. 761-763. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37566747/

Bronckers IM, Paller AS, van Geel MJ, van de Kerkhof PC, Seyger MM. Psoriasis in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis, Management and Comorbidities. Paediatr Drugs. 2015 Oct;17(5):373-84. doi: 10.1007/s40272-015-0137-1. PMID: 26072040; PMCID: PMC4744260.

AAAAI/ACAAI JTF Atopic Dermatitis Guideline Panel; Chu DK, Schneider L, Asiniwasis RN, Boguniewicz M, De Benedetto A, Ellison K, Frazier WT, Greenhawt M, Huynh J, Kim E, LeBovidge J, Lind ML, Lio P, Martin SA, O'Brien M, Ong PY, Silverberg JI, Spergel JM, Wang J, Wheeler KE, Guyatt GH; Patient Groups: Global Parents for Eczema Research; Capozza K; National Eczema Association; Begolka WS; Evidence in Allergy Group; Chu AWL, Zhao IX, Chen L, Oykhman P, Bakaa L; AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters; Golden D, Shaker M, Bernstein JA, Greenhawt M, Horner CC, Lieberman J, Stukus D, Rank MA, Wang J, Ellis A, Abrams E, Ledford D, Chu DK. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) guidelines: 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters GRADE- and Institute of Medicine-based recommendations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2024 Mar;132(3):274-312. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.11.009. Epub 2023 Dec 18. PMID: 38108679.

Masson L, Saillard C, Ping Man SL, Baggio R, Kammerer-Jacquet SF, Adamski H, Dupuy A. A pustular psoriasis flare treated with calcium supplementation. JAAD Case Rep. 2021 Mar 23;12:40-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.03.024. PMID: 34026993; PMCID: PMC8122144.