Dermatologists say these four skincare conditions are often misdiagnosed. Got a rash? Don't freak out. Before you reach for a slew of steroids and creams to cure it, keep in mind that treating unexpected skin irritation begins with a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, because irritated skin often shares the same symptoms, it can be one of the hardest conditions to identify. We asked dermatologists to break down four of the most frequently misdiagnosed skincare conditions— eczema , rosacea , psoriasis, and dermatitis—and how to differentiate them.
According to Naissan O. Because these conditions can occur at any age and at any time, knowing which condition you have ultimately boils down to the location, appearance, and symptoms of your skin irritation. Amy S. Ross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with the American Academy of Dermatology, points out that some people will experience flares, where symptoms are more pronounced and then go away, or have chronic conditions that require constant care.
As soon as you notice an instance of skin irritation, it's important to keep a close eye on the area. There is no harm in trying an emollient cream, topical hydrocortisone, or antifungal cream for a few days. Put simply, psoriasis is a condition in which your immune system gets angry at your skin and attacks it. The most common variation is plaque psoriasis, which appears as thick, raised plaques on the skin.
These plaques are often silvery in nature—and very, very itchy. If you're dealing with a suspected case of psoriasis, it may be safer to see a dermatologist from the start. While a variety of topical treatments may help improve symptoms of psoriasis, it's important to understand that your case is internal.
These vary from person to person, but may include chemicals found in the environment and in products, such as soap. Rosacea often runs in families, although the exact cause of this condition is unknown. Some possible causes include:. For that reason, treatment for both conditions centers upon symptom control. Eczema and rosacea are more easily managed when you can identify and avoid your specific triggers.
Eczema affects around 20 percent of infants. If your baby has a rash or dry, irritated skin that itches, they should be seen by a pediatrician. Their doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and provide treatment. Skin conditions can worsen over time when not treated appropriately.
You may need to see a specialist, such as a dermatologist, who can differentiate between eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, plus prescribe medications that reduce flare-ups. Eczema and rosacea are two chronic skin conditions that flare-up and recede.
Environmental triggers and stress may have an impact on both conditions. Eczema is most commonly seen on certain parts of the body, although it may also occur on the face. It usually starts in infancy or childhood, but may also affect adults.
Both conditions have similar symptoms, such as itchy, red skin. There are also symptoms that are specific to each. People report drinking alcohol can cause an eczema flare.
There is little research about alcohol's effects on eczema, but alcohol can affect the skin. A dry, scaly scalp might be scalp eczema. Learn what symptoms to look for, causes, how to treat the condition, and how to prevent flare-ups. Topical steroid creams are one of the most commonly used eczema treatments. We explain what they are, how to use them, possible side effects, and more.
PUVA is a treatment for severe atopic dermatitis that hasn't responded well to other options. PUVA combines phototherapy and medications called….
The hallmark symptoms of eczema are itching and inflamed skin. However, other symptoms may include inflammation, hyperpigmentation, rash, or oozing. Hale is frequently sought out and extensively quoted by national broadcast, print and online publications. Red, irritated skin can be a mystery. Is it rosacea? Are you simply a delicate flower? To understand the difference between common redness-related skin conditions, we went to Elizabeth K.
Hale, M. Ayla: What are the most common redness-related skin conditions you tend to see, and what causes them? Rosacea is a very common diagnosis, particularly in women with lighter skin types as they age.
Often, these people have flushed or blushed easily their whole lives and have very sensitive and reactive skin. As they age, some threshold is crossed where the skin almost becomes tired of the frequent flushing, and blood vessels burst, resulting in a chronically ruddy appearance. This type of rosacea often presents itself for the first time when people are in their 30s or 40s and becomes more prevalent with age.
In addition to facial redness and sensitive skin, these people experience breakouts papules and pustules. Often, people who were plagued with acne when they were younger transition to acne rosacea as they age.
Eczema is probably even more common than rosacea, and while rosacea is more of a facial problem, eczema presents itself in rashes that can appear all over the body. People are especially susceptible to it during the dry fall and winter months, when the skin barrier dries out and the skin becomes more reactive to common allergens. Self-sensitized skin is something that I see every day.
Ayla: A lot of people think they have sensitive skin naturally. Sometimes a reading of transepidermal water loss will quantify how much moisture skin is retaining and how sensitive it is.
Some products and brands have specifically been designed to treat rosacea, since this condition is so common — a lot of these products contain plant-based ingredients like calendula. And, if the look of flushed skin is bothersome, some makeup brands carry products with a green tint to them that can help offset any redness.
Applying a nice, creamy moisturizer right after showering or washing your skin will help keep that moisture in. Ayla: When you should you see a dermatologist, and what types of treatments are available for these conditions? It can require several sessions, but it definitely helps. Note from Ayla: We carefully choose all of our products and regimens to avoid irritating or sensitizing your skin, since that irritation and inflammation can actually speed up the aging process.
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