What are the signs that elbow and knee patches are psoriasis rather than eczema?

[OliverA]

I’ve been dealing with these persistent, rough patches of skin on my elbows and knees for months now. They’re thick, scaly, and sometimes itch, but they don’t look like the eczema I had as a kid. My regular moisturizer does nothing for them, and I’m wondering if this could be a form of psoriasis instead.

[Madison52]

I had patches on my elbows that got thick and rough too. They’d itch now and then, and regular moisturizers didn’t help. I switched to a simple fragrance free ointment and started gently exfoliating once a week with a soft cloth, which softened the edges a bit but didn’t clear the center.

[NathanS]

I did end up seeing a dermatologist who mentioned it could be psoriasis or another dermatitis. They prescribed a medicated cream and suggested tracking what makes it flare or calm down.

[Aubrey.M]

Could it be something else entirely like friction from hours of kneeling or the soap I use at the gym? I keep wondering if I’m chasing the wrong culprit.

[JosephTM]

It’s frustrating how slowly it changes. I’d try avoiding irritants, maybe a humidifier, and see a pro for a proper check, since it’s been months.