Do You Have a Chronic Skin Condition? How to Identify Eczema and Psoriasis

How to Identify Eczema and Psoriasis How to Identify Eczema and Psoriasis

Your skin is red, irritated, and peeling, but why? You could be one of the millions of Americans dealing with a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. Don’t worry though, clear skin isn’t out of your reach!

It’s not always easy to distinguish between irritating skin conditions, but learning to recognize the differences and quickly seeking treatment from a qualified dermatologist are both vital steps on the path to clear and healthy skin.

An Introduction to Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a very common condition that causes a person’s immune system to instruct skin cells to duplicate and grow faster than they naturally should. This excess of skin cells prevents dead skin from falling off like it should. Instead, old, dead, and damaged skin cells accumulate on the skin and cause red, itchy blotches.

You may have plaque psoriasis if you have raised, reddish patches on the skin. While many patches appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp, they can develop anywhere on the body. They feel itchy, but scratching them only causes them to grow thicker.  

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is also a frustrating chronic condition that develops with patches of rough, red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It may look very much like psoriasis. Eczema has many causes such as food allergies, environmental allergens, stress, hormonal changes, and bacteria.

Symptoms of eczema change with age. While an infant’s eczema might appear in the form of a rash along with a scalp and cheeks that bubble up and release fluid, older children tend to get eczema rashes behind the creases of their elbows and knees, along the neck and wrists, and on the ankles.

Treating Your Chronic Skin Condition

The best and most effective way to treat your uncomfortable skin condition is to seek the help of an experienced allergist like Dr. Kratz. He can confirm whether you have psoriasis or eczema and then recommend a treatment plan that might include lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medication.

Call (813) 670-7063 today to make your first appointment at Kratz Allergy and Asthma in Odessa or Port Richey, Florida.