Approximately 3% of adults in the world suffer from eczema or psoriasis, and some people do not even know which one of these skin disorders they have. If you have spots on your skin that are red, itchy, and dry, you probably have one of these disorders, but which one? Here are four key differences between eczema and psoriasis and knowing these might help you understand your condition a little better.

Do You Have Bumps?

While eczema and psoriasis can look very similar, there is one key difference with the way these skin disorders look–bumps. If you have bumps on your dry, itchy spots, then you most likely have eczema, because psoriasis doesn't product bumps.

If you have eczema, you may or may not have bumps. These bumps look like pimples and may ooze, because they are filled with fluid. If you do not have any bumps, you could have either condition.

When Did It Start?

Another key difference with eczema and psoriasis is when the condition begins. Eczema is something that most people are born with. If you have had the condition since you were a child, it is most likely eczema.

On the other hand, people that develop psoriasis usually begin noticing the symptoms sometime during adulthood. Psoriasis rarely appears on children under the age of 15.

Where Are The Patches Located?

The appearances of eczema and psoriasis can be extremely similar; however, each condition prefers certain parts of the body. Eczema is a skin condition that typically appears on soft body parts, such as the back sides of the knees or the inner parts of the elbows.

Psoriasis, though, generally forms on harder parts of the body, where the skin is not as soft. This includes places such as the front of the knees or the elbows themselves.

What Causes Flare Ups?

The final difference to understand is reasons or times when the symptoms worsen. If you can control your skin condition by avoiding certain things, you may have eczema. Eczema symptoms usually worsen when a person eats certain foods or is around things that he or she is allergic to. Psoriasis sufferers do not usually have any control over flare ups, because the symptoms are usually caused by some type of underlying illness.

If you are still not sure which skin condition you have, you can make an appointment with a skin doctor like Dermatology Surgery Center. A skin doctor will not only be able to diagnose the condition, but he or she will also be able to offer treatment options that may reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.