Dry, patchy skin? It might be eczema… or it might be psoriasis. Here's how to tell the difference and how to care for both, gently.

 

If you’ve noticed dry, irritated, or red patches on your baby’s skin and immediately Googled “eczema vs. psoriasis,” you’re in good company. These two conditions can look strikingly similar, especially on delicate baby skin. And when your little one is uncomfortable, all you want is relief, and clarity.

In this post, we’ll help you understand the key differences between baby eczema and psoriasis, what they look like, where they tend to show up, and what you can do to help soothe the symptoms naturally. Because while they aren’t the same thing, they can both be managed with a clean, consistent skincare routine that puts baby’s comfort first.

 

What Causes Eczema vs. Psoriasis in Babies?

While eczema and psoriasis are both inflammatory skin conditions, their causes, and how they show up, are different.

Eczema (often diagnosed as atopic dermatitis) is often linked to a compromised skin barrier. This makes skin more reactive to triggers like dry air, heat, allergens, or even your detergent. Eczema tends to flare up with environmental factors and can come and go depending on the season or daily routine.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition. It speeds up skin cell turnover, which leads to thick, inflamed, often scaly patches. Psoriasis in babies is rarer than eczema, but not impossible. If it runs in the family or presents in specific areas like the scalp or back, your pediatrician may consider it.

Understanding the root cause helps guide treatment, and helps you respond with the right kind of care.

How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters)

Eczema and psoriasis can look surprisingly similar-  red, inflamed, scaly patches that show up on little cheeks, arms, or even the scalp. But there are a few key signs that can help you tell them apart.

Eczema often shows up earlier in life (sometimes as early as infancy) and tends to appear in the folds of elbows, behind the knees, on cheeks, and around the diaper line. It’s intensely itchy, your baby might be fussy or rub at the area, and the skin often looks dry, bumpy, or cracked. Triggers can include dry air, allergens, harsh soaps, and even sweat.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, is less common in babies, but it can appear. It tends to cause thicker, well-defined patches of red or silvery-scaled skin that may show up on the scalp, face, elbows, or knees. Psoriasis doesn’t usually itch as much as eczema, but it can be uncomfortable and may crack or bleed. It’s also more likely to run in families and can be triggered by stress, illness, or injury to the skin.

Still unsure? The truth is, even pediatricians sometimes find it hard to distinguish between the two without a closer look. That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor, especially if your baby’s rash is persistent, painful, or doesn’t respond to gentle care.

One Ingredient, Two Solutions: Coconut Oil for Eczema & Psoriasis

Whether your little one is dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or something in between, coconut oil can be a powerful, natural helper. It’s not just a trendy ingredient, it’s a well-researched multitasker that supports skin health in a big way:

• Moisturizing: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier

• Soothing: Naturally anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce redness and calm itchiness

• Healing: Thanks to lauric acid, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that support the skin’s natural repair process

• Safe: It’s gentle enough for newborns and sensitive skin, and it won’t clog pores or create heavy residue

While prescription creams can be helpful, many parents are searching for gentler, long-term solutions, especially for sensitive baby skin. Coconut oil offers a natural way to soothe flare-ups and support the skin barrier, without the side effects of steroids or the heaviness of petroleum-based products.

A Clean Routine That Works for Both

Whether your baby has eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin that flares up after every bath, a gentle, nourishing routine can make all the difference.

That’s why we created Bubbsi’s 3-product system, made with cold-pressed coconut oil, dermatologist-tested, and over 95% naturally derived. It’s free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and other common irritants, so you can use it confidently every single day.

Here’s how our system supports sensitive skin:

• Step 1: Creamy Coconut Oil Shampoo + Wash. Use daily or as needed to gently cleanse without stripping. This creamy, low-suds formula is safe for hair and body, and helps soothe sensitive skin with coconut oil, aloe, and sunflower oil.

• Step 2: Whipped Coconut Oil Body Cream. Apply morning and night, or right after the bath while skin is still damp, to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier with a nourishing blend of shea butter and cold-pressed coconut oil.

• Step 3: Coconut Oil Balm. Layer over the Body Cream on extra-dry, red, or irritated patches. This rich, breathable balm seals in moisture, calms inflammation, and provides targeted relief for eczema and psoriasis flare-ups.

 

The Bottom Line

Telling the difference between eczema and psoriasis can be tricky, but caring for your baby’s skin doesn’t have to be.

Whether you're managing dry patches, redness, or itching, Bubbsi’s coconut oil–powered formulas are here to help. Our gentle, nourishing products are made for sensitive skin, with clean ingredients that support the skin barrier and bring everyday comfort.

Because your baby’s skin deserves more than just a quick fix, it deserves thoughtful, effective care.