Itchy bumps on elbows psoriasis or eczema?

[littlew22]

I have itchy bumps on both of my elbows (outer-side only).  They appeared on both left and right elbows at same time about a week ago.  The bumps look skin-colored, almost like blisters or mosquito bites, but can look pinkish-red after itching or after I apply lotion. I went to a doctor (not a dermatologist mind you) and she quickly said it could be psoriasis, and to just keep them moisturized.  But everything I read about psoriasis says red itchy rashes that turns scaly, and I've never see anything (information or pictures) that shows psoriasis to start out as blister/mosquito-like bumps.

I've also been getting smaller callus-like bumps/areas on the sides of my fingers, that don't itch. I moisturize them with aquaphor ointment and then they disappear.  Not sure if they're related to the elbow bumps, but they don't look or feel the same.

Do the bumps on my elbows sound like psoriasis?

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches. In many cases, psoriasis goes away and then flares up again repeatedly over time. This condition is not contagious.  The redness is most often seen on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body. The skin patches or dots may be:
pink-red in color , dry and covered with silver, flaky skin and raised.

Eczema , on the other hand, is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the epidermis.It may present with  redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.  In contrast to psoriasis, eczema is often likely to be found on the flexor aspect of joints or outer skin of elbow or knuckles.

Another condition that needs to be mentioned is scabies which is due to a mite and  also presents as rash on the webs of the fingers,flexing surfaces of the wrists and armpits.Itching is more intense at night. This is also present with  other members of the household since this can spread easily.

It would be best to have your lesions evaluated by a dermatologist to determine the cause. A complete medical history and physical examination is important in reaching a diagnosis. A skin biopsy may also be done to determine the cause. Try to keep the area clean and dry. Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.

Take care and regards.