Eczema vs. Other Rashes

Having a skin condition can disrupt many areas of your life, impacting both your comfort and confidence. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of common conditions, you can make more informed decisions about your health and seek treatment more quickly.

One of the most well-known skin conditions is eczema. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which affects about 10% of Americans. However, many skin conditions display similar signs and symptoms, which can make it challenging to identify the one you have.

How to Identify Eczema

To tell the difference between eczema and other rashes, it’s important to break down their unique characteristics. An eczema flare-up is defined by itchy, dry skin and a rash, which can appear anywhere on the body. Environmental factors such as weather, clothing, skin and body care products and allergies can all play a role in triggering symptoms. Eczema rashes may be:

• Scaly.
• Itchy.
• Red, gray or dark in color, depending on age and skin tone.
• Thick and leathery.

In some cases, swollen or inflamed rashes may result in clear discharge.

If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have eczema, a doctor can help verify the condition. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests or a skin biopsy to determine a diagnosis.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema

Psoriasis can come in several forms, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. Typically, it covers a small area of the body and may appear in areas such as the elbows, hands, feet, face, back or scalp.

While psoriasis can be an itchy or painful condition, the biggest difference between it and eczema is that it is usually characterized by thicker, more pronounced rashes. Affected areas may be red, white or silver. Joint pain can also accompany this uncomfortable condition.

Rosacea vs. Eczema

While eczema can appear anywhere on the body, symptoms of rosacea usually appear on the face. The affected areas may be swollen or discolored, sometimes with small bumps. Types of rosacea include:

• Papulopustular rosacea: This condition may cause discoloration and blisters on the face.
• Phymatous rosacea: This form of rosacea causes the nose to appear thickened and enlarged.
• Ocular rosacea: Patients with ocular rosacea may experience severe eye irritation.

Dermatitis vs. Eczema

Dermatitis is a broad term used to describe conditions causing irritation of the skin, and eczema falls under that umbrella. The type of dermatitis you have will impact your experience and treatment. Some common types of dermatitis include:

• Contact dermatitis: A rash caused by an allergic reaction or skin irritant
• Neurodermatitis: One or two dry, itchy patches on the skin that may appear anywhere on the body
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Flaky, itchy rashes usually found on the face or scalp
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis: A type of eczema characterized by blisters on the hands and feet
• Diaper dermatitis: A rash that develops in the diaper area
• Perioral dermatitis: A scaly, flaky rash appearing around the mouth

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have any skin concerns, book a consultation with Rendon Center today. We’re committed to doing whatever we can to help our patients look and feel their best!