Eczema and other common skin conditions
1.Eczema vs psoriasis
Whilst both are dry skin conditions, they present in different areas on the body and look very different too.
Eczema normally presents in the skin flexures like the back of the knee or inner elbow. Psoriasis presents on the outer elbow, outer knee, scalp, shin and forearms. Psoriasis plaques are quite distinctive. Thickened patches of skin with a defined red edge, and silvery scaly skin in the middle.
2.Eczema vs scabies
Eczema and scabies are both itchy skin conditions. Eczema is itchy due to the dryness of the skin and possibly where the skin is broken. Scabies is parasitic infection of a mite that borrows into the skin, commonly on the inner wrist. Other areas include skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. Scabies is spread by close physical contact, so skin-to-skin. Eczema is not able to be ‘spread’ or ‘caught’ like this.
3. Eczema and Ringworm
Eczema and ringworm can both be unsightly, and occasionally ringworm can also be itchy. Ringworm is not caused by a ‘worm’ as the name suggests. It is in fact a fungal infection. The presentation is that of a round red ring with this skin outside of the ring and inside of the ring being unaffected. Commonly it is found on the scalp if the barber hasn’t cleaned his tools correctly, but can appear anywhere on the body. Again, ringworm can be ‘spread’ or ‘caught’ if it is active, whereas eczema cannot.
4. Eczema and Contact Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is more commonly known as eczema. Contact dermatitis is when you have a skin reaction to an external agent such as a cleaning product or skincare product. The skin will become itchy, red and maybe inflamed as a result of coming in contact with the chemical you are allergic to. Once the skin has recovered, the reaction will not occur again unless you come into contact with the same chemical again. Eczema is not like this, as it’s a chronic condition. Eczema can make the skin more susceptible or sensitive to contact dermatitis.
5. Eczema and Urticaria/Hives
Urticaria is itchy, red fluid filled blisters that appear on the skin, as a result of histamine being released by the body. This can happen as an allergic reaction for example to pollen or a food stuff you’ve eaten. It can also occur if you’ve been bitten by an insect. Once the allergen has gone or the insect bite has gone down the hives go away. Eczema is an itchy skin condition but looks very different to hives. It also is not normally triggered by allergic reactions.
6. Eczema and heat rash
Heat rash is a pinprick rash normally all over the body which is extremely itchy. It happens when the person gets very hot, normally in the summer time or on holiday in a hot country. This rash doesn’t cause the skin to be dry and doesn’t crack open the skin, as eczema can. Once the person has cooled down and has avoided the sun for a few days, the rash disappears. This doesn’t happen with eczema.
7. Eczema and impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection common in children. It normally presents around the mouth area. Its very yellow, dry and crusty in nature. It is highly contagious too. Eczema can become infected, normally if the skin is broken and the person has scratched the skin. Impetigo is itchy just like eczema. The lower set of images is from an impetigo case that I solved.
8.Eczema and Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection normally affecting the skin in-between the toes. The skin will be red and itchy, and can peel off too. This is caused by the fungus Candida albicans thriving in a warm damp environment. It can be spread easily. Drying between toes, wearing cotton socks, and leather shoes can all help to prevent this condition, as the feet can ‘breathe’ and sweat doesn’t build up. Whilst eczema is an itchy skin condition, it tends to be a dry and not present in between toes.
9. Eczema and Rosacea
Rosacea normally presents as a red ‘butterfly’ type shape across the nose and cheeks. The skin is not normally broken but may be a little dry. The skin is quite sensitive in this area and the redness/ a burning sensation may be triggered by alcohol, spicy foods, being too hot. Eczema normally presents in skin flexures and is not normally triggered by alcohol or spicy foods.
Homeopathy can help with ALL of the above conditions including eczema itself. The body wash I recommend is Elave. The cream I recommend is Weleda Calendula cream.
