What distinguishes eczema from psoriasis?

The distinction between eczema and psoriasis mainly comes from the type of lesions present in each condition. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, typically manifests as red, inflamed, and often vesicular lesions that can ooze and crust over, particularly in acute stages. These lesions tend to be more fluid-filled and can appear in various forms, depending on the individual's age and the specific type of eczema.

On the other hand, psoriasis is characterized by thick, silvery scales that often appear on well-defined patches. These plaques are usually raised and can be dry to the touch, with less oozing compared to eczema. The presence and appearance of these lesions are critical in differentiating between the two conditions, as they dictate the treatment approach and potential management strategies.

While severity of itchiness, duration of the condition, and thickening of the skin are important clinical features, they are not definitive factors that clearly differentiate eczema from psoriasis. For instance, both conditions can be itchy, and while eczema can cause skin thickening over time due to chronic scratching, psoriasis is inherently associated with notable thickening due to the hyperproliferation of skin cells that characterize the disease. Thus, the type of lesions is the most clinically distinguishing feature between eczema