When you have itchy, inflamed skin, all you want is soothing relief that will take away the discomfort. But before you can find the most effective solution, you have to accurately diagnose the condition. Is it psoriasis? Eczema? Dermatitis? While all three conditions can leave your skin red, irritated and uncomfortable, knowing the differences between them is the best way to not only treat your condition, but avoid common triggers and possible flare-ups in the future.
At Kenvue, we’re breaking down each condition and sharing tips and products to help you soothe your skin and get the relief you deserve.
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is simply when your skin becomes itchy, dry or develops a rash, causing swelling and inflammation. There are three common types — atopic, seborrheic and contact.
A common trigger for dermatitis is coming in contact with an irritant like poison ivy or a lotion, although it can also be brought upon through a virus, bacteria, stress or even genetics.
What is eczema?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, so it makes sense that they’re often confused or lumped together. But while dermatitis can come and go, eczema is often a chronic condition, one that affects more than 200 million people around the world.
More than 85% of people with eczema report dealing with itchiness every day. Some also report trouble sleeping and skin that’s dry, sensitive, inflamed and rough or leathery. Though eczema can appear anywhere on the body, adults experience it most on the upper arms, back, elbow and knee creases, and back of the hands, feet, fingers and toes. It can also show up on the skin around the eyes and on the eyelids.
The common triggers of eczema can be anything from genetics, stress, irritants like soaps, household allergens like pets or molds, to certain foods like dairy and wheat.
What is psoriasis?
In the skin condition trifecta of dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, psoriasis stands out as being the most different from the other two. It’s actually a chronic autoimmune skin disease that results in inflammation throughout the body, causing skin cells to regenerate faster than normal and pile up on the skin’s surface. Flare-ups can be unpredictable and come in cycles, with some people having symptoms for a few weeks that then subside for a few months.
Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, anything that affects the immune system may cause a flare-up, such as a skin injury, illness or weather. There are several different types of psoriasis, each with their own set of symptoms, but some of the most common include:
● Patchy rashes
● Soreness, burning, itching
● Skin that is dry, cracked and bleeding
Tips to soothe symptoms
If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms from one or more of these skin conditions, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to discuss treatment options. Your doctor may recommend medication to manage the symptoms, but it’s also important that you take proactive steps to minimize future flare-ups and manage your symptoms when they do occur.
Avoid irritants and allergens
When it comes to eczema specifically, the best prescription is prevention and that starts with avoiding the irritants and allergens that may contribute to an onset of symptoms. This might include:
● Using dye-free and fragrance-free detergents, soaps and shampoos
● Regularly vacuuming and wet-dusting floors and furniture
● Maintaining an even temperature and humidity in your home
● Keeping pets groomed to reduce dander
● Talking to your doctor about any foods you suspect make your symptoms worse
● Limiting exposure to pollution and smoke
Shower and bathe mindfully
Shower or take a bath for 10 to 15 minutes, avoid loofahs and harsh abrasives that can irritate the skin, and never rub your skin with a towel — gently pat it dry instead.
Use lukewarm (never hot) water, and soothing products like Aveeno® Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment For Itchy, Dry Skin, which is from a dermatologist-recommended brand with 100% natural colloidal oatmeal, a long recognized ingredient that relieves itching naturally. Free of fragrances and dyes, the soothing bath treatment disperses in bathwater to relieve itchy, irritated skin due to eczema and more.
Moisturizing is key
Since dry skin is the most common symptom, it’s vital to ensure that your skin remains moisturized with products formulated specifically for sensitive skin. This maintains and restores your skin’s moisture barrier to help soothe itchy, dry skin flare-ups.
Consider Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion with Soothing Oat, a fragrance-free lotion that’s made with a soothing prebiotic oat formula for clinically proven moisturization that lasts 24 hours. Also, in just one use, Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm can instantly soothe eczema symptoms and provide intense moisture while you sleep.
Include topical treatments
Along with prescription medications, there are also topical treatments you can use at home to provide symptom relief during your most uncomfortable, itchy, dry skin flare-ups, like the Aveeno® Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream. Enriched with triple oat, aloe and vitamin E, this skin-soothing cream provides relief from the itching associated with minor skin irritations due to eczema, psoriasis and more.
Choose the rights foods and probiotics
Adding probiotics and certain foods to your diet can have a big impact on the health of your skin. Probiotics contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, which supports a healthy immune system and potentially reduces inflammation and symptoms. Some anti-inflammatory foods to add to your meals include:
● Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
● Probiotic foods
● Flavonoid-rich foods like tomatoes, red peppers, citrus fruits and berries
● Leafy green vegetables
● Whole grains, legumes and nuts
Reduce stress
Stress can be a common trigger for many health conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Practice daily stress-management activities like guided meditations, deep breathing, limiting time on social media and connecting with family and friends.