Overlapping skin symptoms can confuse patients. For instance, individuals with a skin rash may wonder whether it’s eczema or, worse, skin cancer. These two skin disorders sometimes display similar symptoms, resulting in anxiety, confusion, and misdiagnosis. 

This blog delves deeper into the differences between eczema and skin cancer, providing you with valuable knowledge and long-term peace of mind. 

Eczema Defined

Eczema is a common, non-contagious inflammatory condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin. Since it causes inflammation, health experts consider it a form of dermatitis. 

Eczema compromises the skin’s protective barrier function, which helps the skin retain moisture and protect the body from environmental elements. 

It’s important to note that a patient can have more than one type of eczema at the same time. It can affect patients of any age. People with a family history of dermatitis, allergies, hay fever, and asthma could be at a higher risk of developing eczema.

Eczema Symptoms

The symptoms of eczema include the following:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on the skin
• Tough, coarse skin patches
• Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
• Swelling or inflammation

Eczema symptoms can appear anywhere on your body. The most common areas include the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, ears, and lips.

Can Eczema Trigger Skin Cancer?

Although eczema does not directly cause skin cancer, some symptoms (especially those that actively flare) can sometimes mimic cancer. 

Detecting the early symptoms of skin cancer can be challenging for individuals with severe eczema. For this reason, we recommend consulting a reputable Gold Coast skin clinic and undergoing regular screenings for peace of mind, security, and proactive management of your skin health. 

Similarities Between Eczema And Skin Cancer

Itchy, red, and flaky skin lesions may leave patients wondering if they have eczema or skin cancer. It’s important to note that different skin cancers can present with symptoms that mimic eczema. 

The similarities between eczema and skin cancer include the following:

• Flaky or dark red skin patches: Scaly red patches can manifest in both eczema and some types of skin cancer (specifically squamous cell carcinoma). 
• Chronic skin changes: Both skin issues can lead to persistent skin changes that remain over time.
• Flaky or crusty skin lesions: These manifestations may indicate actinic keratosis (a type of skin cancer) in patients with eczema. 
• Itchy, painful, or bleeding patches: Patients with eczema and early-onset basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) may develop itchy, sore, or bleeding patches on various parts of the body. 
• Skin infections: Inflamed areas of the skin, such as eczema, might be prone to infections. Untreated skin cancer lesions may also be susceptible to infections. 

Differences Between Eczema And Skin Cancer

Despite the similarities between eczema and skin cancer, these two skin conditions have significant differences, including the following:

• Itchiness: Eczema is often very itchy. On the other hand, skin cancer is less itchy and may not itch at all in some cases.
• Blistering: Some types of eczema (such as dyshidrotic eczema) can lead to blistering, but skin cancer doesn’t unless it has metastasised severely.
• Cause: Genetic, environmental, and immunological factors can cause eczema. On the other hand, abnormal growth of skin cells triggered by DNA damage (mainly from UV exposure) causes skin cancer. 
• Ulceration: Advanced skin cancer can ulcerate and bleed. Conversely, eczema doesn’t cause ulcerations. 
• Particular skin lesions: Skin cancer lesions may present with irregular borders, colour changes, and imbalance—features that may not be present in eczema. 
• Progression of appearance: Eczema lesion manifestations change quickly, inflaming and healing. On the other hand, skin cancer lesions usually appear slowly and don't heal over time.

Which Skin Cancers Mimic Eczema?

The resemblances between eczema and skin cancer may prompt some patients to wonder if they can look alike. Some skin cancers mimic the appearance of eczema, including the following:

• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells of the skin’s outer layer. Patients with basal cell carcinoma may present with red, brown,black or blue discoloured skin that may itch or hurt, and with flaky or bloody skin.  
• Squamous cell carcinoma: In this scenario, the outermost layer of the skin is affected. Its red, flaky, scaly, and discoloured lesions and bumps make it appear like eczema. 
• Aclinic keratosis: Also known as solar keratosis, this chronic skin issue manifests as rough, scaly, and crusty lesions from years of harsh UV exposure. 

These symptoms usually appear on body parts which were frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, shoulders, or scalp. These small lesions sometimes mimic eczema symptoms.

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: This rare skin cancer manifests as red, scaly patches that closely resemble eczema. These lesions’ diminutive appearance can be mistaken for chronic eczema. Since some patients don’t react to the usual eczema interventions, they are diagnosed with skin cancer instead. 

Conclusion

Eczema is a common skin condition that can be mistaken for skin cancer, and vice versa. Although they share similar symptoms, including flaky skin patches, chronic skin changes, crusty skin lesions, itchy or bleeding patches, or skin infections, it doesn’t mean one condition can trigger the other. 

Knowing the differences between eczema and skin cancer gives you confidence in a proper diagnosis and the subsequent interventions for your situation. If you notice any unusual bumps or lesions on your skin, consult a respected Gold Coast skin cancer clinic that specialises in melanoma treatment, who can provide timely guidance, intervention, and long-term relief.