Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Understanding the Difference — and Healing from the Inside Out

Eczema vs. Psoriasis: Key Differences, Root Causes & Natural Herbal Remedies

Introduction: When Skin Speaks, the Immune System Is Talking

Red, itchy, inflamed skin is more than a surface problem — it’s often a reflection of what’s happening inside the body.

Two of the most common inflammatory skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis, are frequently confused. While they may look similar, they have very different causes, immune patterns, and treatment approaches.

The good news? Both conditions can be supported naturally by calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, restoring gut health, and nourishing the immune system — gently and holistically.

Let’s explore the key differences, what triggers each condition, and how herbal and nutritional therapies can help restore balance.

Eczema vs. Psoriasis: What’s the Difference?

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is primarily a skin-barrier and allergic-inflammatory condition.

Common features:

• Intense itching (often worse at night)

• Red, inflamed, dry, cracked skin

• Oozing or crusting in flare-ups

• Common in children, but persists in many adults

• Often appears in skin folds, face, neck, wrists, and behind knees

Root causes include:

• Weak or damaged skin barrier

• Allergies and environmental sensitivities

• Overactive histamine response

• Gut permeability (“leaky gut”)

• Imbalanced immune signaling (Th2-dominant response)

Eczema is closely tied to allergies, asthma, and gut health.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune-driven inflammatory disease.

Common features:

• Thick, raised plaques with silvery-white scales

• Clearly defined patches

• Less itching, more burning or soreness

• Common on scalp, elbows, knees, lower back

• Often symmetrical on both sides of the body

Root causes include:

• Autoimmune activation (T-cell mediated inflammation)

• Rapid skin cell turnover (up to 10x normal rate)

• Strong genetic component

• Systemic inflammation affecting joints, heart, and metabolism

Psoriasis is associated with autoimmune activity, metabolic inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.

The Role of The Immune System & Gut Health

Both eczema and psoriasis begin inside the immune system and the gut.

Gut–Skin Connection

The gut microbiome directly regulates:

• Immune tolerance

• Inflammatory signaling

• Skin barrier repair

• Histamine and allergy responses

When the gut lining becomes inflamed or permeable:

• Food proteins leak into the bloodstream

• Immune reactions increase

• Skin inflammation flares

Healing the skin means healing the gut and immune system first.

Nutritional & Immune Support for Both Conditions

Core Nutrients That Calm Skin Inflammation

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Flax, Chia)

• Reduce inflammatory cytokines

• Improve skin hydration and elasticity

Vitamin D3 + K2

• Regulates immune overactivity

• Reduces autoimmune signaling

• Supports skin barrier integrity

Zinc

• Essential for wound healing

• Regulates immune balance

• Reduces flare severity

Magnesium Glycinate

• Calms stress-triggered flares

• Supports detox pathways

Probiotics

• Restore gut microbiome balance

• Reduce eczema severity in children and adults

• Support autoimmune regulation in psoriasis

Herbal Remedies for Eczema & Psoriasis

Nature offers powerful plant allies to calm inflammation, heal the gut, and soothe the skin.

Internal Herbal Support (Teas, Tinctures, Capsules)

Gotu Kola

• Enhances microcirculation

• Strengthens connective tissue

• Promotes collagen and skin repair

Burdock Root

• Classic blood-cleansing herb

• Supports liver detoxification

• Excellent for chronic skin conditions

Nettle Leaf

• Natural antihistamine

• Reduces allergic eczema flares

• Mineral-rich for skin nourishment

Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Potent anti-inflammatory

• Modulates autoimmune pathways

• Supports joint inflammation in psoriatic arthritis

Licorice Root (DGL)

• Calms gut inflammation

• Regulates cortisol and immune balance

Calendula

• Lymphatic cleanser

• Reduces skin inflammation from within

  
  

Topical Herbal Remedies

Oat & Chamomile Infusions

• Calm itching and redness

• Excellent for eczema baths and compresses

Calendula Salve

• Speeds skin repair

• Reduces microbial irritation

Sea Buckthorn Oil

• Rich in omega-7

• Repairs the skin barrier

• Improves elasticity and inflammation

Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

• Powerful immune modulator

• Reduces eczema severity topically and internally

Aloe Vera (fresh or organic gel)

• Soothes plaques and itching

• Speeds epithelial healing

  
  

Healing Through Diet: What to Eat & Avoid

Supportive Foods

• Wild salmon, sardines, flaxseed (omega-3s)

• Bone broth & collagen peptides (gut lining repair)

• Leafy greens & bitter herbs (liver support)

• Fermented foods (kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut)

• Blueberries, turmeric, green tea (polyphenols)

Common Triggers to Limit

• Gluten (strong psoriasis trigger)

• Dairy (common eczema trigger)

• Sugar & refined carbs

• Alcohol

• Nightshades (tomato, eggplant, peppers — often worsen psoriasis)

A Holistic Healing Approach

The most effective strategy combines:

• Skin barrier repair

• Immune modulation

• Gut microbiome healing

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition

• Targeted herbal therapy

When inflammation quiets inside, the skin begins to heal naturally.

Final Thoughts

Eczema vs psoriasis may look similar, but they arise from different immune pathways. Both, however, are invitations to look deeper — at gut health, immune balance, and systemic inflammation.

With the right nutrients, herbs, and lifestyle support, the skin can return to calm, clear, radiant health.

At My Divine Feminine, we believe true beauty begins within.