Psoriasis
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Psoriasisis an immune disorder that lasts for a persons entire lifetime.
With psoriasis, an immune system problem causes skin changes.
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The symptoms involve an itchy, sometimes painful rash that is much different than the one triggered by shingles.
It can manifest at any time during a person’s lifetime, however.
Treatment strategiesfor eczema and psoriasis are often similar, and may even be the same in some instances.
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Allergic Rash
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It’s fairly easy to differentiate between hives and shingles.
Hives are barely raised, larger in circumference, and paler in color than shingles.
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A shingles rash involves a strip of small blisters, rather than wheals like in hives.
Shingles also is not widespread; it usually manifests as a single strip or band of small blisters.
The symptoms of ringworm depend on where the fungus is located on the body.
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Measles
Measlesis much more than just a rash, particularly in babies and small children.
Measles can be very severe and even dangerous.
Measles spreads to multiple places on the body, while shingles is usually found in one location.
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Itchy, fluid-filled blisters appear and eventually scab over.
Chickenpox is most commonly seen in children, while shingles is most common in adults 50 and older.
That said, it is important to see a healthcare provider who can confirm if you have shingles.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About shingles (herpes zoster).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: overview.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Penn Medicine.Eczema vs. psoriasis: similarities, differences and treatments.
American Academy of Asthma & Immunology.Allergic skin conditions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatodermnetnz.org2023
Kang H, Ailshire J, Crimmins E.The prevalence of shingles among older adults in the U.S.Gerontologist.
2015;56(3):48. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw162.199
