The Consequences of Misdiagnosed Eczema: Why It Happens - Verywell Health
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy, inflamed, and sometimes painful rash. Eczema is very common, affecting one in 10 Americans. However, the diagnosis criteria for eczema are not very specific, and skin conditions often have similar appearances. Plus, there is no definitive test to diagnose eczema. That can lead to eczema misdiagnosis.
This article will explain why eczema misdiagnosis can occur and why it's important to get a proper diagnosis for your skin condition.
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For an Official Diagnosis, Visit a Dermatologist
Misdiagnosis can often occur because primary care physicians aren't familiar with various skin conditions. In fact, a small 2020 study found that about 48% of skin conditions were misdiagnosed by general practitioners.
So, if you have recurring skin issues, it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors are best qualified to diagnose eczema.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed?
There's no simple test for diagnosing eczema. Healthcare providers will consider your symptoms and family history to determine whether you have the condition. Symptoms that start before age 5, a pattern of chronic flares or relapses, and a family history all indicate eczema. However, eczema can also begin in adulthood.
What if a Provider Misdiagnoses You?
If you receive an eczema diagnosis but are not responding to medications, it could be a sign that you've been misdiagnosed. Or, you may have eczema and another skin condition. This is common because skin conditions can overlap or occur at the same time.
If you don't respond to treatment, see a dermatologist. Ask them why you aren't seeing improvement with eczema treatment and whether or not they've considered that you may be misdiagnosed. If you're already working with a dermatologist, seek a second opinion about your diagnosis.
Conditions Associated With Misdiagnosed Eczema
There are two ways that eczema misdiagnosis can occur: you can have eczema and be diagnosed with another condition or you can have another condition and be misdiagnosed with eczema.
Either way is problematic because a proper diagnosis opens the door to treatment and symptom management. Here are the skin conditions that are commonly confused with eczema, leading to misdiagnosis.
Ringworm
Telling the difference between ringworm and eczema is difficult. Like eczema, ringworm can cause dry, inflamed, itchy skin. Eczema is an inflammatory condition, while ringworm is a fungal infection, so they need very different treatments.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic skin conditions that cause itchy, inflamed rashes. Telling them apart can be very difficult, but there are subtle differences: for example, psoriasis is usually less itchy and causes more plaques on the skin. Some treatments, like moisturizing, work for both conditions. However, medical treatments differ, so a proper diagnosis is important.
Scabies
Scabies is a rash caused by microscopic mites. It can appear similar to eczema, especially in infants. Both conditions cause itching, red patches, and flaky skin. Scabies is contagious, so you and everyone in your household will need treatment. Getting prompt treatment can keep the mites from spreading to other people.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that causes dandruff. In babies, it's often known as cradle cap. It's about as common as eczema. Like eczema, this is a chronic condition where symptoms wax and wane. However, the treatments differ, so it's important to have a proper diagnosis in order to better control your symptoms.
Mycosis Fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a type of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph system. It can cause a red, itchy rash that's often misdiagnosed as eczema, especially in children. Mycosis is a cancer that grows very slowly and has a good prognosis. However, it's critical to get treatment to keep the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.
Treatment for Skin Conditions Isn't Identical
Eczema can be difficult to treat. However, progress in treating the condition continues to be made. In order to access new treatments, you need to have a proper diagnosis. In addition, in some cases, eczema can be mistaken for even more serious conditions, like mycosis. In those cases, getting a proper diagnosis can be lifesaving.
Summary
Instead, eczema is diagnosed based on your symptoms and family history. However, it's possible for eczema to be misdiagnosed because the symptoms of many skin conditions overlap or mimic each other. If you've been diagnosed with eczema but are not responding to treatment, talk to a dermatologist about whether you may have a different skin condition.
A Word From Verywell
Eczema can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. The condition is already tough to live with, so it's important that you have a proper diagnosis. This will help open the door to more effective treatments. If you ever question your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or seek a second opinion.
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