Psoriasis on the elbows presents as raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin with defined edges. Eczema on the elbows typically causes less defined patches of dry, bumpy, rash-like skin, more commonly on the inner creases.
This article discusses the differences and similarities between psoriasis and eczema on the elbows in terms of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It also answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the conditions.
Psoriasis and eczema on the elbows are two very different conditions; however, they share several similarities. Both conditions involve the immune system, have triggers that can cause symptoms to flare, and neither is contagious.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease
Psoriasis affects over
Read more about psoriasis on the elbows.
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that presents as dry, itchy skin rashes and blisters. It can lead to skin infections. There are several different types of eczema, and each type has an individual set of symptoms.
Eczema affects more than 31 million people in the U.S. It can affect anyone at any age, including newborns as early as a few weeks following birth.
Psoriasis and eczema on the elbows can both be dry and itchy. Although, typically a person with psoriasis on the elbows will experience more intense itching than a person with eczema on the elbows.
Psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis on the elbows can include:
- patches of thick, raised skin with defined edges called plaques
- silvery, white, or red scaly patches
- dry, itchy skin
- a burning sensation
- inflammation
- soreness
- cracking and bleeding
In people with lighter skin tones, psoriasis tends to appear red or pink with silvery-white scales. In people with darker skin tones, it is more likely to appear salmon-colored or violet with gray scales. Psoriasis can appear dark brown, making it difficult to see.
When psoriasis clears on darker skin, a person may see lighter or darker patches of skin where psoriasis once was.
Eczema
Eczema symptoms on the elbows can include:
- dry, itchy, sensitive, scaly skin
- patches of thick, rough, and hardened skin
- possible weeping resulting in oozing or crusting
- inflammation and swelling
Eczema can appear red on lighter skin, while eczema on the skin of color may appear ashen, gray, darker brown, or purple.
Psoriasis and eczema on the elbows can run in the family. Both conditions involve the immune system and can flare up when a person encounters various triggers.
| Eczema on the elbows | Psoriasis on the elbows | |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | – an overactive immune system – genetics – various triggers | – immune system – genetics – various triggers |
| Triggers | – stress – household chemicals and detergents – environmental allergens such as hay fever – cold, dry, or extremely hot weather conditions – skin care and personal care products – metals, such as nickel – fabrics, such as wool or polyester – food allergies | – stress – injury to the skin, such as sunburn or cuts – infections – some medications – cold, dry weather – smoking – excess alcohol or certain foods – some vaccinations |
| Risk factors | – genetics and family history – environmental factors – if a person has allergies – a preexisting immune system disorder | – genetics and family history – obesity – diabetes – hypertension – pollution – stress and anxiety |
Who it affects?
Eczema may begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. It affects male and female children similarly but is more prevalent in adult women.
Psoriasis
When diagnosing psoriasis and eczema on the elbows, they share several similarities. Some of these include:
- carrying out a skin examination
- requesting a medical and family history of the condition
- identifying any possible triggers
| Eczema on the elbows | Psoriasis on the elbows | |
|---|---|---|
| How does a dermatologist diagnose the condition? | – examines the rash – asks a person about the presence of itching – asks a person about the time of onset of their eczema – ask if flares typically follow any patterns – requests a full medical and family history of eczema – identifies possible triggers | – examines the skin – asks if a person is experiencing itching or a burning sensation on the elbows – asks if a person has recently been unwell or been under stress – asks about any medications – requests a full medical and family history of psoriasis – asks if a person is experiencing joint tenderness – identifies any possible triggers |
A person can manage psoriasis and elbow eczema by making certain lifestyle changes, including moisturizing the skin, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers.
Medical treatments can also help a person treat symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema on the elbows.
| Eczema on the elbows | Psoriasis on the elbows | |
|---|---|---|
| What are some alternative therapies or lifestyle changes? | – keep skin well moisturized – follow a diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods – manage stress – wet wrap therapy – light therapy – avoid known triggers | – keep skin well moisturized – maintain a moderate weight – stop smoking if a person smokes – moderate alcohol consumption – wet wrap therapy – limit sunlight exposure – phototherapy – manage stress – avoid known triggers |
| What are some medical treatments? | – antihistamines – pain relievers – topical JAK inhibitor (over the counter and prescription) – topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) – topical PDE4 inhibitors – topical steroids (over-the-counter and prescription) – medicated shampoos – biologics (prescription) – immunosuppressants (prescription) – phototherapy (prescription) | – topical steroids – topical therapies, including vitamin D, retinoids, and tar products – topical TCIs – methotrexate (prescription) – retinoids (prescription) – biologics (prescription) – JAK inhibitors (prescription) – immunosuppressants |
Below are some frequently asked questions.
How do I know if I have psoriasis on my elbows?
If a person has well-defined patches of dry, itchy, silvery skin on the elbows that appear in response to certain triggers, they may have psoriasis on the elbows.
What does eczema look like on elbows?
Eczema on the elbows can look like a dry, red, or gray skin rash, as its appearance depends on a person’s skin tone. It more commonly develops on the inner crease of the elbow, but it can appear on the outer elbow.
Can you mistake psoriasis for eczema?
The untrained eye may mistake psoriasis for eczema as they share several symptoms, including dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. A person must get guidance from a doctor or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Psoriasis and eczema on the elbows share several similarities. They both present dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can flare with various triggers.
Environmental factors and family history can lead to both psoriasis and eczema on the elbows. Lifestyle changes and treatments, including keeping skin moisturized, managing stress, and applying topical creams, can help treat psoriasis and eczema on the elbows.
There are key differences between psoriasis and eczema on the elbows, including appearance, likely age of onset, probability, and itch intensity.
A dermatologist can easily differentiate between the two conditions, and after a full examination, they can diagnose whether a person has psoriasis or eczema on the elbows.