Eczema vs Psoriasis: What’s the Difference?

Eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common skin conditions in New Zealand. They can look similar as both may cause red, inflamed, itchy skin, but they are very different in terms of their causes, triggers, and treatments. While self-diagnosis is common, misidentifying one condition for the other can lead to ineffective treatment or worsening symptoms.

Understanding the key differences between eczema and psoriasis can help you seek the right support, manage symptoms effectively, and avoid unnecessary complications.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema (or dermatitis) refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. The most common form is atopic dermatitis, which often begins in childhood and is linked to allergies, asthma, or hay fever.

Eczema can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that weaken the skin’s natural barrier. This makes the skin more prone to moisture loss, irritation, and inflammation.

Eczema may also be associated with an overactive immune response, where the skin becomes hypersensitive to everyday substances like dust mites, soaps, or fragrances. It affects people differently—some may have occasional mild flares, while others deal with chronic and severe symptoms that impact sleep and quality of life.

Common signs of eczema:

• Red, dry, itchy skin

• Cracked or rough patches

• Oozing or crusting in severe cases

• Commonly affects the face, neck, hands, and inside elbows or knees

Triggers can include soaps, detergents, stress, heat, allergens, environmental irritants, and even sweat. Eczema tends to flare up periodically and may subside in between episodes, often without warning.

Many children may outgrow their eczema, but it can persist into adulthood or develop later in life. Chronic scratching may lead to thickened, leathery skin and open sores, increasing the risk of skin infections.

If you suspect that you might have eczema, you can get in touch with Pocket Lab for online eczema consultation and treatment.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin's ability to regulate cell turnover. In a healthy skin cycle, new skin cells form and replace old ones every 28 to 30 days. In psoriasis, this process accelerates drastically, sometimes to just 3–7 days which results in a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface.

Psoriasis is thought to be triggered by an overactive immune response. It often runs in families and can begin at any age, but typically appears in early adulthood. Triggers can include stress, illness, certain medications, injury to the skin, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Common signs of psoriasis:

• Raised, red patches with a silver-white scale

• Clearly defined edges

• Often affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back

• Can crack, bleed, or cause discomfort

• In severe cases, plaques may cover large portions of the body
  

Some people also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful joint inflammation. Psoriasis can impact mental health as well, contributing to depression or anxiety due to its visible nature.

Book a consultation to learn more about psoriasis diagnosis and treatment, including how Pocket Lab can help.

Eczema vs Psoriasis: Key Differences

Condition	Eczema	Psoriasis
Cause	Immune system overreaction, often allergy-related	Autoimmune reaction causing skin cell overproduction
Appearance	Red, dry, itchy patches; may ooze or crust	Thick, red plaques with silvery-white scales
Borders	Less defined	Clearly defined
Itchiness	Often intense	May itch or sting; sometimes painful
Common Locations	Face, hands, often inner elbows and knees, behind ears	Scalp, often outer elbows and knees, lower back
Triggers	Irritants, allergens, stress, temperature changes	Stress, infections, cold weather, medications
Onset	Often begins in childhood	Often begins in early adulthood
Other Symptoms	Skin thickening from scratching	Possible joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)

Can You Have Both Conditions?

Yes, although rare, it is possible to experience both eczema and psoriasis at the same time. Some people develop a mixed presentation known as psoriasiform dermatitis, which shares features of both conditions. Because these conditions overlap visually, it can be difficult to tell them apart without a professional diagnosis.

Accurate identification is essential because the treatments differ. For example:

• Eczema management often focuses on hydration, moisturisers, allergen avoidance, and topical corticosteroids.

• Psoriasis treatments may include vitamin D analogues, immunosuppressants, phototherapy, or biologic therapies.

Both may benefit from stress management and lifestyle changes. However, using the wrong treatment can delay relief or cause side effects.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your skin symptoms, a consultation with a GP can help you understand your condition and receive evidence-based treatment options.

Speak to a New Zealand-registered doctor via Pocket Lab for help with eczema, psoriasis, or potential skin infections.

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Flare-ups

Whether you have eczema or psoriasis, there are some common strategies that can help reduce flare-ups:

• Moisturise regularly: Use fragrance-free emollients to maintain the skin barrier.

• Avoid known triggers: Identify and avoid personal irritants, allergens, or products that worsen your condition.

• Manage stress: Stress can make both eczema and psoriasis worse. Consider relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or counselling.

• Stay cool: Overheating and sweating can aggravate eczema, while cold weather may trigger psoriasis.

• Choose gentle products: Avoid soaps with harsh chemicals or artificial scents.

• Treat infections early: Broken or inflamed skin can lead to secondary infections.

If symptoms continue despite these strategies, you may require prescription treatments or referral to a specialist.

When to See a Doctor

You should book a consultation if:

• You have red, inflamed, or itchy patches that aren’t improving

• Your skin is cracked, oozing, or shows signs of infection

• You experience joint pain or stiffness along with skin symptoms

• Over-the-counter creams haven’t worked

• The condition is interfering with your daily life or mental wellbeing

Early medical advice can make a significant difference in managing chronic skin conditions. A doctor can provide a treatment plan tailored to your skin type, triggers, and health history. Get expert support with Pocket Lab’s online doctor consultations.

Final Thoughts

Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions, but they stem from very different causes and require specific treatments. While they may look alike in early stages, understanding their unique patterns and triggers can help you take the right steps toward relief.

With access to online consultations and modern treatment options, you don’t need to wait to get help. The sooner you act, the more control you’ll have over your symptoms and long-term skin health.

Ready to get answers and feel confident in your skin again? Book an online doctor consultation through Pocket Lab today.