Goodbye
psoriasis and eczema
Plaque psoriasis on a patient’s back, showing multiple red, scaly patches. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes inflammation and rapid skin cell growth. It leads to thick, raised red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales, called plaques. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can occur anywhere. Common symptoms include itchiness, skin pain or burning, and cracking skin. Unlike eczema, psoriasis tends to have thicker scales and slightly milder itching. Psoriasis is not contagious and usually follows a pattern of flare-ups and remissions.
Atopic dermatitis on the hand, showing dry, cracked skin with some oozing lesions. Eczema, most often referring to atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, extremely itchy, and inflamed skin. The skin’s protective barrier is weakened, leading to moisture loss and making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
Eczema typically presents as red to brownish patches (on lighter skin, they may appear red; on darker skin, eczema rashes can look darker brown, purple, or gray). Affected areas are rough, scaly, or crusty, and during acute flares may leak clear fluid (“weeping eczema”) or form small blisters. Chronic scratching can cause thickened, leathery skin (lichenification) over time.
The itching in eczema is often intense sometimes more severe than in psoriasis leading patients to scratch until the skin bleeds. Eczema lesions commonly occur in flexural areas, such as the creases of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, and on the hands, ankles, and face (especially the cheeks in infants).
Like psoriasis, eczema is not contagious and tends to run in families with allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever. Symptoms usually start in childhood, with periodic flares throughout life.
- Free consultation
- 15% off
- Upfront Pricing
- Full skin analysis
- Free follow-ups
- chat, phone, video call options
What is psoriasis and eczema?
Psoriasis arises from an overactive immune system and genetic factors, though certain triggers can provoke flares. Common triggers include:
Emotional stress: High stress levels can precipitate or worsen a flare.
Infections: Particularly streptococcal throat infections or skin infections, which often precede guttate psoriasis.
Skin injury (Koebner phenomenon): Cuts, scrapes, sunburns, or other trauma can cause new plaques at the site of injury.
Certain medications: For example, lithium and beta-blockers are known to trigger or aggravate psoriasis.
Climate and weather: Cold, dry weather or abrupt temperature changes can lead to flare ups.
Atopic dermatitis stems from a combination of genetic predisposition (a tendency toward allergies and a deficient skin barrier) and an overreactive immune response in the skin. Various environmental factors can trigger or worsen eczema flares. Common triggers include:
Dryness and climate: Low humidity and dry weather cause skin dehydration, which commonly triggers eczema flares. Cold, dry winter air or overheated indoor environments are frequent culprits. Conversely, excessive heat and sweating can also aggravate eczema in some individuals by causing itching. Maintaining moderate humidity and temperature helps reduce flares.
Irritants (soaps, fabrics, chemicals): Eczema prone skin is very sensitive. Harsh soaps, detergents, household cleaners, smoke, and pollution can all irritate the skin and induce inflammation. Rough or synthetic fabrics like wool, polyester, or even tight clothing can rub and trigger eczema on contact. Many people find that using fragrance free, gentle skincare and wearing soft cotton clothing is important to prevent flares.
Allergens: Contact with allergens can set off an eczema reaction. This includes pet dander, dust mites, pollen, molds, and certain foods (if one has a true food allergy). Unlike immediate allergic hives, eczema flares from allergens may develop more slowly but can last longer. In some patients, especially children, food allergies such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy may exacerbate eczema, though the relationship is complex. Identifying and avoiding specific allergens that worsen the skin is key, through allergy testing or observation.
Stress and emotional factors: Stress is a known trigger that can cause eczema to worsen or flare. High levels of emotional stress or anxiety can provoke immune changes that lead to increased skin inflammation and itching. Patients often notice their eczema patches get itchier or new ones appear during stressful periods. Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques can help complement eczema treatment.
Hormonal changes and other triggers: In some cases, hormonal shifts such as during pregnancy or menstrual cycles can affect eczema severity. Skin infections like bacterial infection of eczema patches can cause abrupt worsening with weeping and crusting, which often requires medical treatment. Sweating and rapid temperature changes, going from hot to cold or vice versa, are also common triggers for itching and flare ups. Each person’s eczema triggers can be a bit different, so patients are encouraged to observe what tends to set off their symptoms and avoid those factors.
Products used
Treatment choices
we’re here to answer all your questions
What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing rapid skin cell buildup and thick, scaly plaques.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory condition caused by a weakened skin barrier and immune overreaction, leading to dry, itchy, red patches.
Both are chronic and non-contagious, but psoriasis usually produces thicker plaques and milder itch, while eczema is intensely itchy and often oozes during flares.
Can medical aesthetic treatments help both conditions?
Yes, medical aesthetic offers adjunctive therapies that:
Reduce redness, inflammation, and scaling
Smooth the skin’s texture post-flare
Improve cosmetic appearance (tone, pigmentation, and scars)
Support maintenance between flares
Key examples: Phototherapy, excimer laser, PDL/IPL lasers, and LED light therapy.
What treatments can be done during active flare-ups?
Safe during active flare-ups (under medical supervision):
| Condition | Treatment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Psoriasis | Narrowband UVB Phototherapy | Slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation |
| Psoriasis | Excimer Laser (308 nm UVB) | Targets thick, resistant plaques |
| Eczema | Narrowband UVB Phototherapy | Reduces itching, redness, and inflammation |
| Eczema | Excimer Laser | Treats chronic localized eczema |
| Eczema | Red LED Light Therapy | Soothes irritation and accelerates healing |
⚠️ Do NOT use:
Chemical peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser resurfacing
Microneedling
during active inflammation these can worsen skin damage and trigger new lesions (Koebner effect).
When should treatment be avoided?
Avoid any exfoliating or resurfacing procedure during:
Active psoriasis plaques (red, scaly, raised patches)
Oozing, cracked, or infected eczema
Periods of intense itching, pain, or open wounds
Wait until skin is completely healed or the flare is medically controlled before doing cosmetic treatments like peels or laser rejuvenation.
What are the best treatments during remission (non-active phase)?
Ideal in non-active (maintenance) stage:
| Condition | Treatment | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Psoriasis | PDL or IPL Laser | Reduces post-inflammatory redness, improves tone |
| Psoriasis | Gentle chemical exfoliation (low-strength salicylic/lactic acid) | Smooths residual scales, enhances skin clarity |
| Psoriasis | LED Red Light Therapy | Maintains anti-inflammatory effect and barrier healing |
| Eczema | LED Red/NIR Therapy | Calms skin and reduces relapse frequency |
| Eczema | Hydrating facials / barrier repair treatments | Strengthen skin barrier and prevent dryness |
| Eczema | Superficial peel (low glycolic/lactic acid) | For hyperpigmentation or roughness after healing |
How often are these treatments done?
| Treatment | Typical Frequency | Maintenance Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Narrowband UVB | 2–3x per week for 6–12 weeks | Maintenance 1x/week if effective |
| Excimer Laser | 1–2x per week for localized lesions | Repeat as needed for recurrences |
| LED Light Therapy | 1–2x per week | Safe for long-term maintenance |
| PDL/IPL | Once monthly | Until redness clears (usually 3–5 sessions) |
| Mild Chemical Peel | Every 4–6 weeks | Only in remission phase |
When can cosmetic treatments resume after a flare-up?
Wait 2–4 weeks after skin clears before doing resurfacing treatments.
The skin should be intact, non-itchy, and non-red.
Always patch-test mild exfoliants before full application.
Can both conditions be treated together?
Yes, if a patient has overlapping eczema and psoriasis (known as eczema-psoriasis overlap syndrome), phototherapy and red light therapy can safely target both. However, chemical or laser resurfacing should be approached conservatively and customized to the less irritated skin areas.
Do light therapies replace medication?
No. They complement medical treatment. Topical or systemic therapies may still be needed for control, but aesthetic light-based treatments can:
Extend remission periods
Reduce medication dependence
Improve cosmetic results
Who should avoid aesthetic treatments?
Patients with photosensitivity disorders or history of skin cancer (for UV-based therapies)
Pregnant patients (avoid chemical peels, lasers unless cleared by a doctor)
Those with active infection or open wounds
Drop us your questions
If you have questions? Let us know and we will get back to you as soon as we can
Email Us
info@reimagineclinic.ca
Call Us
438-686-8460
EN