Do I have psoriasis, eczema or is it something else?

It is not always easy to know if you have psoriasis or if there is any other type of rash or ailment. Below we have explained the most common types of psoriasis and how to distinguish the different types.

Learn to distinguish between psoriasis and other skin rashes.

Psoriasis vulgaris

Plaque psoriasis is by far the most common type of psoriasis, it is characterized by its scaly rashes which are very delicate and can start to bleed if you itch it. The most common is having the rashes on the knees, elbows and scalp, but the rash can be found all over the body. You can also feel cold and frozen as the body temperature can be disturbed by the rash.

Inverse Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis does not scalp, but you get a red and shiny rash that you can find in the skin folds, for example in the groin, kneecap or elbow. It can also be found in the genital area or under the breasts. This type of psoriasis occurs mainly among people who are overweight.

Guttat psoriasis

This type of psoriasis can be found all over the body and the rashes look like small dots or drops. This psoriasis is most common in younger people and can be triggered by streptococci. In some cases, guttat psoriasis can go away over the years but often plaque psoriasis occurs after guttat psoriasis has settled.

Nail psoriasis

About 50% of people who have some type of psoriasis also get it on their nails, it looks much like nail fungus but is treated with other types of drugs.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This form of psoriasis is unusual but very serious, you get big rashes and severe scaling. You get a lot of pain and itch a lot, in the worst case, erythrodermic psoriasis can be life threatening.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is also an unusual form of psoriasis that is characterized by small blisters all over the body.

Palmoplantar pustulos psoriasis

Palmoplantar pustulos psoriasis or PPP as it is also called is a disease that appears with blisters that contain where on the soles of the feet or in the palms. This type of psoriasis is more common in women than in men.

Skin rashes similar to psoriasis

Seborrheic eczemaor dandruff dermatitis is similar to psoriasis. The symptoms are red and scaly rashes that itch, it can sit on the scalp, around the eyes, on the chest or in the kneecap, armpits or groin. Sometimes you do not need any special treatment but it can go away by itself. The difference between psoriasis and dandruff is that the psoriasis rash is more marked and sharply delimited to the skin, while the spleen is more diffuse.

Numular eczemaor coin eczema as it is also called can also be easily confused with psoriasis. Both give sharply delimited rashes, which are red and mountainous, but there are some differences. The rash is usually thicker when it comes to psoriasis, nummular eczema usually starts on one arm or leg, while psoriasis usually sits in the scalp, elbows and skin folds. Numular eczema is often itchy and it can get fluid from the rash. You usually have very dry skin in general if you have numbular eczema.

Who should I turn to for answers to what my skin rash is?

To determine if you have psoriasis, it is best to go to a dermatologist, so you get the right treatment for you. You can start by going to your local health center and then be passed on to a skincare specialist. It is important for a doctor to look at you so they can prescribe the right treatment, whether it is psoriasis or not.

Read about treatments for psoriasis here: https://itsitchy.com/6-common-treatments-that-can-help-your-psoriasis/

Written by Zac Hyde M.D.