Eczema Vs Psoriasis Vs Shingles

Who Can And Cannot Use Mometasone For Skin

Most adults and children aged 2 years and older can use mometasone skin treatments.

Mometasone may not be suitable for some people. Tell a doctor or pharmacist before using it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to mometasone or any other medicine in the past
• have chickenpox or shingles
• have broken skin, cuts or itchy skin which is not inflamed or red
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or youre breastfeeding

What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects about 8 million Americans, and like eczema, there are several types. The most common is called plaque psoriasis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , and symptoms include:

• Areas of thick, raised skin, which is referred to as “plaques”
• A dry layer covering the plaques that is silvery-white, called “scale”

The plaques, which can be large or small, may appear anywhere on the body but are typically on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.

Psoriasis can affect other parts of the body, too, including the joints, causing the condition known as psoriatic arthritis. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Wang says. According to AAD, symptoms include:

• Swollen, tender joints, usually in the fingers or toes
• Swelling in the back of your legs

How To Prevent Shingles: Get Vaccinated

Two vaccines may help prevent the shingles virus: the chickenpox vaccine and the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is approved for adults ages 50 and older and for those 18 and older with weakened immune systems or at increased risk of herpes zoster because of a disease or treatment, according to the CDC.

Per the CDC, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccination if you are 50 or older or if you have the following risk factors:

• You have cancer, especially leukemia or lymphoma.
• You are a bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipient.
• You take immunosuppressive medications, including steroids, chemotherapy, or transplant-related medications.

You May Like: What Shingles Vaccine Is Best

Differences Between Eczema And Psoriasis

Visually, it can be difficult to tell atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis apart.

You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patients other medical problems, Dr. Fernandez notes. We can often visually distinguish psoriasis lesions from eczema lesions, but there are definitely times when we cannot tell the difference. In those cases, we perform biopsies.

He explains some of the differences between the two diseases.

What Are The Differences Between Eczema And Psoriasis

The table below outlines the differences between the two commonly confused skin conditions.

Also Check: When Can You Get Your Shingles Shot

Eczema Up And Down The Legs

Eczema on the legs may often occur in body creases, such as the back of the knee or the front of the ankle. These areas may trap sweat or irritants from clothing and the air.

Close contact of irritants with skin and areas of skin rubbing together create a perfect environment for atopic dermatitis to thrive.

If eczema on the backs of the knees isnt quickly or effectively treated, it can become very irritating and painful. Constant contact from clothing can cause significant bleeding, oozing, and infection.

Also Check: Best Mosquito Repellent For Eczema

How To Apply Mometasone Scalp Lotion

You will usually use the scalp lotion once a day.

You can use it on wet or dry hair.

Also Check: Used Shingle Ladder Hoist For Sale

Ringworm Causes An Itchy Red Circular Rash

Ringworm is a skin infection that, despite its name, is caused by a fungus, whereas the shingles rash is caused by a virus, according to the CDC. Ringworm can cause a red, itchy, circular rash on your skin. It may also cause scaly, cracked skin and hair loss. The rash can appear on any part of your body, and it spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or contact with an item contaminated with the fungus, like dirty clothes or a shower floor. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medication, while others must be treated with prescription antifungal medication.

What Innovative Treatments Do You Offer For Eczema And Psoriasis

Correct diagnosis is the first step. We take a thorough patient history and perform detailed testing to determine the skin condition. Depending on your history and symptoms, we may ask for tests such as a biopsy, patch tests or other diagnostic studies. Once we are sure of the diagnosis, we will make treatment recommendations.

We offer a wide range of extensive topical and systemic therapies, as well as ultraviolet light therapycalled phototherapy. UV therapy given in a controlled medical setting can be extremely effective treatments for both conditions depending on the patient.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Medicine For Eczema

You May Like: What Brings On The Shingles Virus

Shingles: Signs And Symptoms

Shingles tends to cause more pain and less itching than chickenpox. Common signs and symptoms are:

• The warning: An area of skin may burn, itch, tingle, or feel very sensitive. This usually occurs in a small area on 1 side of the body. These symptoms can come and go or be constant. Most people experience this for 1 to 3 days. It can last longer.
• Rash: A rash then appears in the same area.
• Blisters: The rash soon turns into groups of clear blisters. The blisters turn yellow or bloody before they crust over and heal. The blisters tend to last 2 to 3 weeks.

Shingles: This patch of skin was very painful before the shingles appeared.

• Pain: It is uncommon to have blisters without pain. Often the pain is bad enough for a doctor to prescribe painkillers. Once the blisters heal, the pain tends to lessen. The pain can last for months after the blisters clear.
• Flu-like symptoms: The person may get a fever or headache with the rash.

Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

The Differences Between Psoriasis And Shingles

There are several important differences between psoriasis and shingles. For one, psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch psoriasis from another person. Shingles, on the other hand, can be passed to someone who has never had chickenpox.1,2

Shingles is transmitted by contact with fluid of the rash blisters that develop on the skin. If you have shingles, be sure to keep the rash covered until it is fully healed.2,6

Another main difference is where these conditions show up on the body. With psoriasis, common places are:1

Shingles can occur anywhere on the body. It most often occurs on the torso, but it usually affects only one side of the body.2

Shingles generally lasts about 3 to 5 weeks. Symptoms typically go away once the rash heals. But psoriasis is a lifelong condition that comes and goes. A person with psoriasis can have periods when symptoms are at their worst and periods when symptoms go away .1,2

Also Check: Does Walgreens Give Shingle Shots

What Are The Common Signs Of Shingles

The symptoms of shingles include the appearance of rashes on one area of the body or face. They commonly develop as a single stripe of blisters covering one side of your torso or around the waistline. The rashes appear localized as a result of the viruses traveling and sending signals to specific nerves, and it doesnt always spread all over the body.

The shingles rash may be accompanied by other signs such as:

• Severe pain, burning, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body
• Skin redness on the affected area

In some cases, shingles commonly begins with an intense pain that can be confused with other medical conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or kidney. Other individuals can only develop shingles pain as their primary symptom without getting any skin rashes.

At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.

What Does Shingles Feel Like Before The Rash

The most common symptom of shingles is a painful rash of fluid-filled blisters that appears in a band-like pattern on one side of the body. However, some people develop other symptoms before the shingles rash itself appears. These symptoms may include fever, feeling generally unwell, headache, muscle aches, and burning, tingling, numbness, or itching in the affected area.

You May Like: What Does Shingles Vaccine Cost

How Do Symptoms Of Eczema And Psoriasis Compare

The symptoms of eczema and psoriasis can also help you determine which condition you have. For instance, eczema tends to develop in the folds and creases of the skin, such as behind the knees, on the neck, in the creases of the arms, and on the face.

Conversely, psoriasis typically develops on the outer surface of the skin in areas, such as the scalp, front of knees, and belly button. You can see a complete breakdown of symptoms in the chart below.

Is It A Contagious Disease

An infected person cannot technically pass shingles rash but it is still a contagious disease. The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles and chickenpox can be easily spread from one person to another.

If youve had chickenpox in your younger years, the virus would develop into herpes zoster after your exposure to an infected person. But if you havent been infected with chickenpox or have not yet received the vaccine, youd get the classic symptoms of the varicella virus.

An infected person remains contagious as long as they have open sores or fluid-filled blisters on the skin. It is best to avoid any contact with a person with visible shingles rash until their lesions have dried and crusted.

Given the nature of shingles, this disease appears most frequently among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Generally, a patient can only get shingles once in their lifetime with a low risk of recurrence.

You May Like: Pain Relief For Shingles On Face

How Do Doctors Diagnose Eczema And Psoriasis

A dermatologist can often diagnose eczema or psoriasis after an exam and visual assessment. Theyll ask you questions about your health, symptoms, and allergies you have. Theyll examine your skin and nails and they may order tests, including:

• A patch test: A patch test can help determine if you have any allergies that may be causing rashes or reactions. For this test, a doctor will apply small amounts of different allergens and irritants to your skin and cover each area with a patch. Youll return to the doctor 2 days later to remove the patches. A few days after that, youll return again so your doctor can perform a formal reading to assess your reaction to the irritants.
• Skin biopsy: During a skin biopsy, a small sample of skin tissue is removed. This sample is then sent to a lab. A skin biopsy can help diagnose psoriasis and eczema. It can also rule out similar conditions.

Since Many Skin Conditions Look Alike Its Important To Learn How To Tell Them Apart

Medically reviewed in June 2022

If youre someone who frequents the skin care aisle often, you may have experience with different types of skin conditions. And you may also know that some of these conditions are pretty difficult to tell apart. So how do you know whether you have something that an over-the-counter lotion or treatment can handle or if its time to visit the dermatologists office for a consult?

Commonly confused skin conditions Hives. Some skin conditions arise as a consequence of allergic reactions. One such condition is hives, which causes red, itchy areas to develop on the skin. Most cases of hives resolve within a few days or weeks and can be treated with antihistamines. Although food, medications, or insect stings are often the cause of hives, viral and bacterial or other physical factors like cold, heat, exercise, pressure, and exposure to sunlight can also lead to a breakout.

Dermatitis. This condition causes a red, scaly, itchy rash. The most common types are called atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Shingles. The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for both chickenpox and shingles. While chickenpox is characterized by itchy, red spots, in shingles, very painful skin blisters develop on the body or face, usually just on one side. Other symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, chills, and an upset stomach.

If you notice changes in your skin consistent with some of these symptoms, ask yourself the following:

Read Also: Is Cortisone Cream Good For Shingles

How To Treat Eczema And Psoriasis

Here is a breakdown of treatment options for eczema versus psoriasis.

In general, practicing good skin care will help both psoriasis and eczema. Some skin care tips to keep in mind are:

• Keep your skin moist.Use a moisturizer regularly and apply it right after you get out of the shower. If the air is very dry where you live, using a humidifier can also help.

• Avoid irritating your skin. This means not showering or bathing with very hot water. And it also means not using harsh soaps, scrubs, or washcloths.

• Avoid triggers that affect your skin. Learning what triggers your skin can help you avoid them and prevent psoriasis or eczema symptoms from becoming worse.

Risk Factors For Shingles

Any individual who has experienced chickenpox can have herpes zoster virus. Additionally, those who have not had the chickenpox vaccine are at high risk for contracting the virus and developing shingles. Other factors that can increase your chances of having shingles are:

• Being of advanced age – People who are over the age of 50 have weaker immunity which is why they are more prone to experiencing the symptoms of shingles.
• Medical history – Individuals who are diagnosed with certain diseases such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, and HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk for acquiring varicella-zoster viruses.
• Stress and depression – Chronic stress and untreated depression are also shown to decrease the effectiveness of the chickenpox and shingles vaccine. Individuals who are diagnosed with this condition have lower immune system responses and are more susceptible to herpes zoster symptoms.
• Cancer treatment – Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can trigger the inactive virus and develop shingles.
• Medications – Taking certain drugs and prolonged use of steroids can increase your risk of shingles.

Also Check: Side Effects From Shingles Vacination

Comparing Shingles And Eczema: Signs And Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of eczema include dry and sensitive skin, intense itching, skin redness and inflammation, recurring rash, scaly areas, rough leathery patches, oozing and crusting of the skin, areas of swelling, and dark colored patches on the skin.

Symptoms of shingles include pain, burning, numbness or tingling of the skin, sensitivity to touch, a red rash followed by days of pain, fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over, and itching. Some patients may experience fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.

You should see a doctor immediately if the shingles rash is near the eyes, as it can lead to permanent eye damage if you are over the age of 70, if you have a weakened immune system, or if the rash is widespread and painful.

How Can You Tell Which You Have

There are a few subtle signs to help you decide if your rash is eczema or hives.

• Eczema presents most often as dry rough pink plaques on the skin or tiny blisters, known as dyshidrotic eczema, on the hands.
• Hives typically present as wheels or larger bumps which are not often filled with fluid. Instead mast cells, a type of immune cell, release chemicals like serotonin and histamines. These collect under the surface of the skin to fight the allergen that triggered the reaction.
• While hives may cause itching themselves, eczema papules often appear as the result of dry or irritated skin.
• If you have chronic hives or eczema, your flare-ups might be linked to certain environmental conditions or triggers. Keeping a log of when the irritation occurs can help identify common threads.

• over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or hydrocortisone
• prescription antihistamines or topical corticosteroids
• prescription oral corticosteroids

10 to 20 percent of children and 3% of adults in the United States. Most cases of chronic eczema begin in childhood, and its less common for this condition to appear in adulthood without a childhood history. In some cases, eczema can resolve after childhood.

With hives, acute cases may resolve in as little as a few hours. Other times, especially in chronic cases, hives may last for weeks. Chronic hives will also come and go as exposure to triggers or certain conditions changes.

Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Shingles