Differentiating between Dermatitis and Psoriasis

[ratatat]

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Hi,

How would I differentiate, visually, between psoriasis and dermatitis? I understand that psoriasis is supposed to be scaly, but sometimes dermatitis looks scaly too. Is there a clear way to differentiate the two, or am I destined to utilize guesswork?

Thanks for your assistance

 

[christina30]

Hi,

How would I differentiate, visually, between psoriasis and dermatitis? I understand that psoriasis is supposed to be scaly, but sometimes dermatitis looks scaly too. Is there a clear way to differentiate the two, or am I destined to utilize guesswork?

Thanks for your assistance

psoriasis specifically has silvery/white scales.

Also: Auspitz sign (pinpoint bleeding when a plaque/scale is lifted or peeled)

I'm pretty sure dermatitis usually presents as itchy, red papules w/ swelling (and sometimes vesicles) more often than as scaly plaques a la psoriasis.

 

[vanbamm]

In severe cases of psoriasis, the joints of the hand (DIP, PIP) will be affected asymetrically and may present with a 'pencil-in-cup' deformity, and there may also be swelling of the fingers or toes (sausage digit).

Also in some cases of psoriasis, the nails may appear to become deformed and become pitted and yellow. Some patients will also have infections of the conjunctiva concurrently with the skin deformity.

When in doubt, because there is no blood test that can be done, it is really best just to refer to a dermatologist who can better diagnose and may have to actually remove a patch of the skin and examine it.

 

[ratatat]

Thanks a lot, guys!