Differences between Eczema, Psoriasis, Couperose and Rosacea

Similar, But Different

Rosacea, Eczema & Psoriasis: At-a-Glance

• Occurs primarily and most commonly on the face; may spread from the center of the face to ears, chest and back.
• Characterized by a hypersensitive, blushing reaction; severe blushing/flushing; hotness; redness; bumps; swelling
• Tiny pustules resembling pimps or blackheads appear within areas of redness, caused by enlarged blood vessels
• Common in fair-skinned people & strikes 3 times as many women as men
• Triggers include temperature extremities and changes; sunburn; menstruation; stress; alcohol and products containing alcohol; roughness with the face (i.e., exfoliating, scrubbing, rubbing); hot foods and beverages; spicy foods; caffeine; etc. Also be wary of what medications you take – some may cause reactions.
• Often indeterminable to Couperose

• Associated with allergic reactions
• Occurs anywhere on the body but more commonly in skin folds, cheeks, backs of the hands, tops of the arms and front of the legs
• Characterized by cracked, discolored, blistered, red, scaly skin.
• Symptoms include itching; rangers in severity. Skin may weep a clear fluid.
• At increased risk of developing skin infections
• Usually begins at 5 years old; 40% of children typically grow out of eczema
• Hereditary condition especially if prone to allergies & asthma
• Triggers include temperature changes; dry skin; common allergens; household irritants; foods (i.e., eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, dairy); stress; etc.

• Most common type: plaque psoriasis
• Occurs anywhere on the skin, but more typically on the elbows, knees, and scalp
• Characterized by thick, red patches – plaques – covered in silvery-white scales of dry skin flakes
• Symptoms include itchiness, tenderness, intense discomfort; scaly scalp resembles dandruff; nails are pitted, ridged and loose
• Develops at any age, but more often in adulthood
• Hereditary condition
• Triggers include stress, infections, etc.

Rosacea vs. Eczema vs. Couperose vs. Psoriasis: Which is it?

Couperose vs. Rosacea

It is similar to Rosacea in that individuals of either condition are left with a prolonged red complexion – thus making redness a defining factor of both Rosacea and Couperose. Despite their similar appearances, the conditions themselves differ enough to be separated into separate categories. Keep in mind that Rosacea often looks more irritated than Couperose skin – making appearance one of the easier ways to tell the two apart.

Couperose skin, like Rosacea, is red in color; its defining factor, however, is that it is widespread with broken capillaries. Skin often feels tight and irritated. This condition is commonly found in fair-skinned individuals living in cold climates under daily exposure to harsh elements.

Rosacea can be Couperose, but in addition to the aforementioned characteristics, Rosacea skin includes lumps and bumps. It is often described as looking like acne skin, instead with a widespread redness that extends beyond the central bump. Skin is easily irritated and become more inflamed with alcohol consumption, spicy foods, etc.

Visit our Couperose and Rosacea Consulting Centers for more information!

Rosacea vs. Eczema

Rosacea appears almost exclusively on the center of the face, near the nose, forehead, cheeks and eyes. Eczema, however, can flare-up on all parts of the body, in areas ranging from the face to the hands and feet.

In essence, if you are experiencing dry skin and irritating flare-ups on other parts of your body – not just on your face – it is most likely that you have eczema and not Rosacea.

Flare-ups in both Rosacea and eczema are red in appearance. Eczema, though, is characterized by drier, scaly skin coupled with an intense, itching sensation. More serious forms of eczema skin may experience flaky skin, inflammation and weeping of clear fluids or blood.

Rosacea causes inflammation as well, but will also show individual, dilated blood vessels, red flushing or blushing on the face, pimples, bumps and lumps, dry eyes, sties and increased sensitivity around the eye area.

Eczema occurs with very dry skin, and is often common amongst young children and later outgrown. Rosacea is typically found in fair-skinned individuals, and is more commonly attributed to adults – women more than men.

Both are common and treatable (though not curable) skin conditions with a proper and efficient skincare regimen. Keep skin moisturized at all times; with eczema skin, target moisturizer all over the body, and focus on the face for Rosacea skin.

Visit our Rosacea and Eczema Consulting Centers for more information!

Eczema vs. Psoriasis

Both skin conditions are types of dermatitis - “inflammation of the skin.” Skin is red, inflamed and often itchy. Lesions may develop as well. Individuals with thin, dry skin are more prone to developing one of the two.

Eczema skin is characterized by crusty sores, thickened skin, pimple-like eruptions and at its extreme, lesions. Skin can be oozing and crusting at its worst, making it easily prone to infection.

Psoriasis is similar to eczema, but often more serious in its symptoms. It produces salmon to red colored lesions with its hallmark silvery-white scales that flake off and cause the raw skin to bleed.

Whereas eczema is commonly considered a childhood condition as it is often outgrown, psoriasis is found only in adults. Skin irritants and allergens cause eczema, whereas psoriasis is attributed to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental irritants. There are no silvery-white scales that flake off in eczema that are characteristic of psoriasis skin.

Eczema is considered more of a symptom than an actual disease, and is best treated by dealing with the underlying cause. Researchers and doctors attribute a strong link between allergies and eczema; thus, minimizing exposure to any allergens and skin irritants is key in helping control symptoms. Psoriasis, however, may be controlled by prescription drugs.

Visit our Eczema and Psoriasis Consulting Centers for more information!