Eczeem versus psoriasis - Wat zijn de verschillen?

Eczema

Eczema tends to run in families, especially in those prone to allergies and asthma.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can crop up anywhere, although common areas are in skin folds and on the cheeks, backs of the hands, tops of the arms, and fronts of the legs.

Eczema Triggers

Triggers for eczema include:

• Temperature changes
• Dry skin
• Irritants (for example, wool, dyes, cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps)
• Foods, especially the major allergens (i.e., eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, and dairy)
• Stress
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Animal dander

Eczema Treatments

When you have eczema, it's essential to keep your skin clean and well-moisturized. Take short, warm (not hot) showers, and use a non-soap cleanser. Applying a moisturizer to the entire body within three minutes of getting out of the shower can go a long way in protecting your skin's barrier.

When skincare is not enough, topical steroids can improve redness and itching, but you should only use them for short periods. Topical immunomodulators like Elidel (pimecrolimus), Protopic (tacrolimus), and Eucrisa (crisaborole) can improve itching and redness.

For moderate to severe cases of eczema that are not well managed with topical prescription treatments or for which topical treatments aren't advised, Dupixent (dupilumab) and Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm), biologic medications given by injection, as well as oral JAK inhibitors like Rinvoq and Cibingoare other treatment options.

In severe cases of eczema, you might need immunosuppressants such as Trexall (methotrexate), Sandimmune (cyclosporine), or Imuran (azathioprine).

Causes of Psoriasis and Eczema

Both eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis are thought to have the same cause: an immune system that kicks into overdrive and mistakenly attacks your own body. But the precise process is different for each condition.

"It's different wings of the immune system," said Emily Newsom, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

In psoriasis, overproduction of certain immune-system chemicals causes the outer layer of skin cells to go through the life cycle—forming then sloughing off—in just days rather than a month. The result is a layer of super-fast-forming cells building up on your skin. That's what causes the thick coating of red, silvery scales on your skin that are characteristic of plaque psoriasis—the most common type of psoriasis.

Eczema affects the ability of the skin to protect against outside irritants and allergens.

A Word From Verywell

Rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema are common skin problems with some shared—and some unique—symptoms, triggers, and treatments. Aside from evaluating these issues, your healthcare provider will also consider other skin conditions that mimic these three. As some can be more serious, a professional evaluation is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema and psoriasis are unrelated skin conditions. One can not progress to the other, however it is possible to have both at the same time. Experts believe environmental and genetic factors cause eczema. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which is when the immune system attacks the body.

Yes. One does not cause the other, but it is possible to have both at the same time. Both can be worsened by some shared triggers.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea: signs and symptoms.
3. Laun J, Gopman J, Elston JB, Harrington MA. Rhinophyma. Eplasty.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Triggers could be causing your rosacea flare-ups.
5. American Academy of Dermatology. Rosacea treatments: acne-like breakouts.
6. American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis: causes.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Psoriasis.
8. American Academy of Dermatology. Medication and lights.
9. American Academy of Dermatology. Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
10. Friedman BC, Goldman RD. Anti-staphylococcal treatment in dermatitis. Can Fam Physician.
11. American Academy of Dermatology. Triggers.
12. Hajar T, Gontijo JRV, Hanifin JM. New and developing therapies for atopic dermatitis. An Bras Dermatol. 2018,93(1):104-107. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187682
13. LEO Pharma. Adbry is now FDA-approved.

Summary

Psoriasis and eczema are different health conditions that can have similar symptoms. The two have different causes and treatments.

However, using topical medications, avoiding triggers, and keeping the skin clean and moisturised can help ease symptoms of either or both these health issues.

1. https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-statistics
2. https://primaryimmune.org/understanding-primary-immunodeficiency/what-is-pi/autoimmunity
3. https://www.ajmc.com/view/overview-of-atopic-dermatitis-article

• Find a Dermatologist
• Understanding Eczema - (English)
• الاكزيما التفاهم - (Arabic)
• 了解湿疹 - (Chinese)
• SỰ HIỂU BIẾT - (Vietnamese)
• Latest Eczema Trials 2024
• EAA Medical Advisory Board

• Corporate Partners
• Use of Eczema Logo
• Calendar of Events
• EAA Media Kit
• EAA Booking Request
• Health Professionals Register