Psoriasis Vs. Eczema: How To Know Which One You're Dealing With

Eczema Vs. Psoriasis: What’s The Difference? 

While psoriasis and eczema may both trigger certain symptoms that are similar, there are a few major distinctions between the two that might help you figure out which one you have. 

What Is Psoriasis? 

An inflammatory skin disorder called psoriasis is characterised by skin patches that are red and silver in colour.  often shed from these spots, which can be uncomfortable. Although psoriasis is not contagious, it can be quite upsetting for people who have it. 

This widespread disorder happens when a person's skin cells multiply significantly more quickly than usual. Psoriasis accelerates this process, which normally takes a month to accumulate and lose healthy skin cells.  

Psoriasis can appear everywhere on the body, but the scalp, the creases of the knees and elbows, and the hands and feet are where it is most frequently found. Joint discomfort and pain are possible side effects, and it frequently starts in adolescence or early adulthood. 

Psoriasis comes in a variety of forms, from the most prevalent type, plaque psoriasis, to pustular psoriasis. You can find out exactly which type you might be suffering with the help of a dermatologist.  

Identifying and avoiding triggers that may result in flare-ups is also crucial. The most frequent psoriasis triggers include allergies, sunburn, specific drugs, and cool, dry weather, however these can vary from person to person.  

So what first triggers psoriasis? Unfortunately, scientists are still attempting to answer that question. You are more likely to develop psoriasis yourself if your parents, grandparents, or siblings do. 

What Is Eczema? 

Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin disorder like psoriasis. All ages of people—babies, kids, and adults—can be affected.  

The hydrolipidic layer, the top layer of skin, thins and breaks down as a result of eczema, enabling allergens and irritants to enter and important moisture to exit. This causes symptoms like flaking, dryness, and irritation.  

Eczema does not result in the scaly appearance of the skin like psoriasis does. It might still turn red and swell, though. 

Eczema often impacts the scalp, hands, feet, and face in infants and young children. It typically manifests in the bends of the knees and elbows, on the neck, on babies. And on the wrists, hands, and ankles in older kids and adults.  

Researchers have discovered that eczema is genetically inherited, similar to psoriasis, even though they are unsure of its precise origin. Therefore, there is no actual treatment.  

However, by including natural skincare products into your routine and lowering environmental stressors, flare-ups can be avoided and managed. 

How To Manage Psoriasis And Eczema 

There are significant similarities in the ways that psoriasis and eczema are treated. Although both skin conditions might benefit from a change in lifestyle, psoriasis may require the use of prescription drugs, such as potent topical treatments.   

Let's look at some simple, natural lifestyle and product adjustments you may do right away to control your psoriasis and eczema. 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals 

Making sure all of the products you use are natural and free of dangerous chemicals is one of the easiest methods to lessen environmental stressors.  

Watch out for substances like parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, formaldehyde, and phenoxyethanol that are harsh. It is advised to stay away from these substances as much as you can because they can lead to a number of problems, such as hormone disruptions and more skin irritation.  

Instead, choose products made with clean, natural components like aloe vera, avocado oil, sunflower oil, shea butter, and olive oil. 

At Mustela, we’re incredibly strict about which ingredients are included in — and left out of — our skincare products. This eliminates the stress many parents experience when trying to find the right products for their families. 

You can rest assured that each and every Mustela product is rigorously tested to ensure that it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin. You won’t find any nasty chemicals here! 

Create A Consistent Skincare Routine 

One of the most crucial things you can do to take control of your or your child's psoriasis or eczema is to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Adding moisture back into your little one’s skin is the best way to fight the symptoms of these skin conditions. 

Start by choosing a gentle cleanser that’s suitable for dry, sensitive skin. Our Stelatopia Cleansing Gel is perfect for everyday use thanks to its hydrating formula and natural ingredients! 

Our fragrance-free blend of avocado oil and shea butter gently cleans and soothes your baby’s skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This helps restore balance and protect your little one’s skin barrier. Simply lather up wet skin at bath time, rinse, and pat dry. 

To add even more moisture to bath time, add a few drops of our Stelatopia Cleansing Oil right into your baby’s bathwater. 

While it might be tempting to run a hot bath or shower for yourself or your little one, when psoriasis and eczema are involved, it’s best to stick to cool or lukewarm baths. If the water is too hot, it can strip skin of moisture and hydration, making skin problems worse! 

Finally, remember to pat skin dry after the bath or shower instead of rubbing it to avoid irritation. 

Utilise Emollients 

What exactly are emollients? Simply put, emollients are your new best friend when it comes to treating and managing psoriasis or eczema! 

Emollients are moisturisers that help keep skin hydrated by creating a protective barrier on the skin and preventing moisture loss. They contain occlusives, humectants, and lubricants — like natural butters and oils — to keep your or your little one’s skin happy and healthy. 

Our Stelatopia Emollient Cream and Stelatopia Emollient Balm   provide easy ways to incorporate emollients into your baby’s skincare routine. Sunflower oil and avocado oil work together in our fragrance-free blend to soothe and hydrate your baby’s skin. 

For best results, we recommend massaging into the skin twice daily. 

Increase Sun Protection 

Any skincare regimen must include sun protection, therefore a strategy to treat psoriasis or eczema would be incomplete without it.  

In order to help prevent your child's skin from becoming even more inflamed, it's crucial to lather up all year long. Sunburn can worsen already dry, sensitive skin.   

Psoriasis Vs. Eczema: Our Final Thoughts 

While psoriasis and eczema are frustrating conditions, thankfully, they can be easily managed with some simple additions to your everyday routine. 

By knowing if you’re dealing with psoriasis vs. eczema, you can implement the right products to reduce the irritation they cause. Opt for gentle cleansers, like our Stelatopia Cleansing Gel, and hydrating emollients, like our Stelatopia Emollient Cream and Emollient Balm to lock in moisture.