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The Ultimate Guide to Treating Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea

The Ultimate Guide to Treating Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea featured image
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This article first appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of New Beauty. Click here to subscribe
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They rank high on the list of most common skin disorders and they affect millions of people each year. On top of physical discomfort from symptoms such as rashes, bumps, redness, flaking, and severe itching, these conditions also often come with anxiety, misconceptions and self-consciousness. but what is the difference between psoriasis vs eczema vs rosacea? Here, how each skin disorder differs and the top ways experts help sufferers manage their symptoms and get back to healthy skin.

Featured Experts

  • Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
  • Jeanine Downie, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, NJ
  • Linda C. Honet, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Bloomfield Hills, MI
  • Charles Crutchfield, III MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Eagan, MN

Eczema

What It Is: An inflammatory condition that is a type of dermatitis

31.6 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema.

Source: National Eczema Association

Symptoms: Itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom.

Types: Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis

Background: ”The cause may be a combination of genetics, the immune system, allergies, environmental triggers, and stress,” explains Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. Other triggers include weather changes, environmental allergens, certain foods (like peanuts or eggs), nickel, smoking, and strong scents or perfumes, says Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD. “While it is thought to be caused by genetics and a weakened immune system, it’s multifactorial,” she adds. “We don’t know exactly what causes it.”

Treatments: “Conventional treatments often begin with gentle cleansing and rich emollient moisturization,” says Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD. “Patients will improve over the years into adulthood, requiring only daily hydration, but some may continue to have flareups and will require persistent treatment and fastidious skin care.”

Medications: Eczema may require systemic medications, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and/or injectable biologics such as Dupixent (dupilumab) or the topical Opzelura (ruxolitinib).

Doctor’s Note: “The best at-home solutions include rich moisturizers, ice to calm the itching, keeping fingernails short and trim, and soothing oatmeal baths,” says Dr. Downie. “Cool humidifiers and air filters can help too.”

Psoriasis

What It Is: A buildup of skin cells that form scales and itchy, dry patches

Symptoms:Psoriasis can present with red, flaky, scaling patches and plaques that cover the knees, scalp, ears, and nails,” says Eagan, MN dermatologist Charles Crutchfield, III MD. “These areas are common, but it can occur anywhere on the body. It’s also associated with psoriatic arthritis, or inflammation of the joints,” adds Dr. Crutchfield.

Approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Background: ”Unfortunately, we don’t know the direct cause,” shares Dr. Longwill. “Genetics and environmental stressors play a significant role in outbreaks.” Every person who experiences psoriasis may react differently to different types of triggers. “Some may be stress-induced, or caused by weather, allergies to specific products, foods, alcohol, an injury, or environmental factors.”

Treatments: “If the psoriasis is mild and localized to small areas, over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications, such as emollients and creams, lotions and/or shampoos containing salicylic acid, tar, or a mild corticosteroid, may help control flare-ups,” says Dr. Honet.

Medications: “Luckily, we’ve entered a new generation of treatments,” says Dr. Crutchfield, who typically designs a bespoke plan of medications for his patients. “By combining topical and systemic medications—including oral and injectables—and biologic agents, we’re able to achieve 95- to 100- percent clearing with most patients.” Phototherapy may also be used to decrease pain and itchiness.

Doctor’s Note: According to Dr. Downie, an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising and decreasing stress will help with these skin concerns. Whatever you do, don’t scratch she says: “Scratching, picking or aggravating your symptoms will make it worse.”

Rosacea

What It Is: Rosacea is characterized by reddening of the face. In the early stages, it may look like blushing or a sunburn.

Symptoms: Red, sometimes swollen skin around the middle of the face, forehead, cheeks, and nose

Types: Rosacea is categorized according to four subtypes: facial redness, acne-like breakouts, thickening of the skin and eye disorders.

415 million people suffer from rosacea worldwide.

Source: National Rosacea Society

Background: Dr. Longwill says that like psoriasis, we do not know the actual cause of rosacea. “We believe it is due to an overactive immune system, genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of these things,” she notes. “Sun exposure, alcohol, hot weather, stress, wind, freezing temperatures, hot baths, and certain skin-care products or foods can also trigger flare-ups.” Dr. Crutchfield says there aren’t many great at-home solutions other than maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding triggers, even though the list is quite long. “Most people only have a few things they need to avoid.”

Treatments + Medications: Accutane and topical agents like Metrogel, Finacea foam, Rhofade, and Mirvaso; and the recently FDA-approved Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) 5% cream can temporarily reduce redness in the skin. Think of them like Visine for bloodshot eyes. “They can decrease some of the redness and many of the papules, pustules and cysts associated with acne rosacea,” says Dr. Downie. “I typically use them in conjunction with laser treatments to treat the broken blood vessels.”

Doctor’s Note: As with all skin concerns mentioned, sunscreen is a must. “OTC topical skin-care ingredients containing extracts of green tea, licorice and daisy can be soothing for their anti-inflammatory effects,” adds Dr. Honet. “Other anti-inflammatory ingredients to look for are niacinamide and azelaic acid.

Boosting Immunity

Although the effects of our diet on our skin are still not completely understood, Dr. Honet notes that “key components, such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, have well established benefits to support immunity and improve these skin conditions through their antioxidant effects.”

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Tata Harper Calming Crème ($130)

Tata Harper’s Calming Crème soothes redness, flare-ups, and hyperactivity in reactive skin. Infused with Tazman pepperberry and Tahitian golden microalgae, it deeply moisturizes and fortifies the skin barrier, clinically proven to reduce itching, burning and redness quickly.

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Paula’s Choice CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($39)

Paula’s Choice CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lightweight sunscreen and moisturizer designed for sensitive, redness-prone skin. Formulated with gentle mineral filters and soothing botanicals, it strengthens the skin barrier, reducing sensitivity and protecting against environmental damage.

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Biologique Recherche Lotion Crème Dermopurifiante ($112)

Biologique Recherche Lotion Crème Dermopurifiante purifies and calms redness, acne, rosacea and eczema with natural antibacterial and soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and thyme. It supports skin prone to sensitivity and irritation, promoting clearer and healthier skin.

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Skinfix Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm ($45)

Winner of a NewBeauty award, the Skinfix Eczema+ Dermatitis Relief Balm is steroid-free and fortified with B-L3 Complex and colloidal oatmeal. Specifically crafted to soothe and deeply hydrate eczema-prone skin, it effectively helps prevent flare-ups while providing essential relief.

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Peace Out Skincare Redness + Clarifying Mist ($28)

Peace Out Skincare Redness + Clarifying Mist soothes and balances skin with a gentle formula. It minimizes excess oil and prepares skin for further skin-care steps, ideal for calming sensitive skin conditions.

Rosacea Redness Reducer
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CeraVe Psoriasis Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cream ($24)

CeraVe Psoriasis Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cream relieves symptoms like scaling and dryness with salicylic acid and urea. It deeply moisturizes to prevent recurrence, making it essential for managing psoriasis discomfort.

Psoriasis Cream
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Pai Century Flower Mist ($59)

Pai Century Flower Mist features active antioxidant-rich water extracted from the Lotus flower’s root, serving as a calming base for this soothing mist. Designed to prevent flare-ups and reduce sensitivity, it provides immediate relief for eczema rosacea, and psoriasis-prone skin.

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EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask ($54)

EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask repairs a damaged skin barrier and promotes overall skin health with its amino acid–rich formula. Perfect for eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis-sufferers, this intensive overnight treatment deeply hydrates and revitalizes the skin. It strengthens the skin’s natural defenses, enhancing resilience against environmental stressors while soothing inflammation and reducing redness.

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Eczema Honey Itch Cooling Rounds ($20)

Eczema Honey Itch Cooling Rounds offer instant relief with a blend of aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal and honey. Specifically formulated to soothe itching and irritation associated with eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, these cooling rounds provide comforting relief while nourishing and hydrating the skin. Ideal for targeted application, they help alleviate symptoms and restore skin comfort with each use.

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AlumierMD Calm-R ($125)

AlumierMD Calm-R features naturally derived hinokitiol to improve the appearance of redness-prone skin over time. Ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types, including those with eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, this advanced formula reduces inflammation and enhances skin clarity. Its calming properties help restore balance and soothe irritated skin, promoting a more even complexion with continued use

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Éminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Arnica Booster Serum ($64)

Éminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Arnica Boosting Serum is crafted to reduce redness and inflammation, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin prone to eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Enriched with soothing arnica, this serum calms and balances the complexion while enhancing skin resilience. Its gentle yet effective formulation supports skin healing and promotes a more even skin tone over time.

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SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist ($70)

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is a deeply nourishing formula enriched with 5-percent hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Designed to replenish moisture and restore hydration levels, it provides essential relief for dry, irritated skin associated with eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. This mist not only hydrates but also soothes inflammation, making it a soothing addition to any skin-care routine.

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Codex Labs Soothing Sea Salt Soak ($25)

Codex Labs Soothing Sea Salt Soak is formulated to calm itching and discomfort, providing immediate relief for eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis-prone skin. Perfect for soothing body aches and promoting relaxation, it helps alleviate symptoms while nourishing and hydrating the skin.

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