Eczema and psoriasis are two skin conditions that can cause discomfort and irritations. Eczema is a chronic condition that causes skin inflammation, while psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin to produce too many skin cells. Both conditions can occur on the hands and cause symptoms such as dryness, itching, and scaling. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between hand eczema and hand psoriasis, including what triggers these conditions, common signs and symptoms, and possible treatments.
What is Hand Eczema?
Hand eczema is a common condition that affects about 10% of the population. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as contact with irritants or allergens. Some of the common triggers for hand eczema include exposure to chemicals, frequent hand washing, and low humidity. Symptoms of hand eczema include redness, itching, dryness, and flaking of the skin. In severe cases, the skin may become cracked and bleed.
How to manage hand eczema?
One of the ways to manage hand eczema is to avoid triggers that cause the condition to flare up. This may include wearing gloves when working with chemicals, using mild soaps and moisturisers, and avoiding excessive hand washing. In addition, certain foods may help to reduce eczema flares. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe eczema symptoms.
Another natural remedy for hand eczema is Harakeke, also known as New Zealand Flax. Harakeke has been used for centuries by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Harakeke contains a range of bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These compounds can help to soothe and protect the skin, reducing inflammation and preventing infection.
What is Hand Psoriasis?
Hand psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects about 2-3% of the population. It is caused by an overactive immune system that causes the skin to produce too many skin cells. This leads to the build-up of thick, scaly patches on the skin. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but it is thought to be related to genetic and environmental factors, such as stress and infections.
Symptoms of hand psoriasis include thick, scaly patches on the skin, redness, itching, and cracking of the skin. These symptoms can be painful and may affect daily activities such as typing or gripping objects. Treatment for hand psoriasis may include topical creams, phototherapy, and oral medications.
Differences between Hand Eczema and Hand Psoriasis
Although hand eczema and hand psoriasis share some common symptoms, there are also some differences that can help to distinguish between the two conditions. For example, hand eczema is typically triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens, while hand psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. In addition, hand eczema usually appears as red, itchy, and dry patches on the skin, while hand psoriasis results in thick, scaly patches that may be painful and affect daily activities.
Hand eczema and hand psoriasis are two skin conditions that can cause discomfort and irritation. Although they share some common symptoms, they are caused by different factors and require different treatments. Avoiding triggers, using mild soaps and moisturizers, and eating a healthy diet may help to reduce eczema flares. Harakeke may also be a natural remedy to soothe eczema and psoriasis symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of hand eczema or hand psoriasis, it is important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/hand-eczema/ https://nationaleczema.org/blog/eczema-or-psoriasis/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630198/​https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11397431/​