How Is Psoriasis Different from Other Skin Conditions - What to Know
By this time, you might have an idea that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is reflected in your skin. However, did you know that there are six different types of psoriasis and that there are four other skin problems that resemble it?
If you don’t want to be confused, here’s a quick introduction to these other skin conditions that you should know about.
Other skin conditions that look similar to psoriasis
Seeing patches on a scaly skin may make you think that it is already psoriasis, but it’s not always the case. Here are other skin conditions that you should be aware of:
1. Scabies
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by mites that you could pick up from furniture, clothes, or bedding. It is also known as the seven-year itch. Similar to psoriasis and other skin conditions, you will experience itching and small pimple-like rashes. Expect to see scaly patches or thick crusts on your skin too. Scabies is often found on skin that is usually covered by clothing or jewellery—the wrists, elbows, arms, hands, or fingertips. It can be passed through skin-to-skin contact, but it heals as soon as it is treated.
2. Dandruff
Dandruff can be mistaken for skin psoriasis sometimes because both produce skin flakes on the scalp. The difference is that dandruff gives oily, white flakes and it is easier to treat, while if you have psoriasis, you have red patches on your inflamed skin, and this is covered by silver-white scales.
3. Eczema
The dry, red, and flaky skin caused by eczema is the reason it looks similar to psoriasis. The difference can be found in two ways: the location and the intensity of itch. Eczema often appears in places where the skin bends, such as the hands, fingers, elbows, and feet. Psoriasis, on the other hand, can appear in your scalp, palm, and face. Mild itching is experienced when you have psoriasis, but for people with eczema, the itching may be more severe.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis
Another skin condition that looks similar to scalp psoriasis is seborrheic dermatitis. Both are similar in symptoms, such as having red, scaly, and itchy skin. The skin with seborrheic dermatitis will look inflamed, bulging, and oily, and they’d be covered with white or yellowish scales. Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline or scalp.
The six types of psoriasis
1. Plaque psoriasis
Plaque is the most common type of psoriasis, and it can appear anywhere in your body, including the genitals, knees, elbows, or belly button.
2. Inverse psoriasis
This is the type of psoriasis mostly experienced by overweight people. It appears on skin folds and other hidden areas where moisture and sweating are often observed.
3. Erythrodermic psoriasis
It is the most uncommon type of psoriasis. Only three per cent of people with psoriasis have this condition, but it can be life-threatening. Your whole body will be covered with rashes that can be itchy or burning. Medical attention is necessary for cases like this.
4. Pustular Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is also rare, and it can disable the use of your hands and legs when blisters filled with pus show up on your fingers, palms, soles, and toes.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis
This type of psoriasis can also affect your joints. Usually, this combination of scaly, inflamed skin, and swollen joints appears on adults between 30 to 50 years old. It can cause permanent deformity if not diagnosed and treated early.
6. Guttate Psoriasis
This is another rare form of psoriasis. The lesions found in your skin would be smaller and finer-looking like spots around your body, face, scalp, arms, ears, and legs.
Conclusion
Skin conditions may look the same for most people. The symptoms and how they appear are hard to differentiate, especially for the untrained eyes. Before deciding to do self-medication or treatment, it is best to consult with your doctor first to get the proper diagnosis.
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