It can be difficult to tell the difference betweenseborrheic dermatitisvs.psoriasiswhen symptoms appear only on the scalp.
Both conditions can cause scaly, red patches, but the specific appearance of these patches is different.
The conditions also have other symptoms that can be used to differentiate them.
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It is important to get the right diagnosis for your scalp condition so you will receive the appropriate treatment.
Home remedies can help, but see your healthcare provider if your condition doesn’t improve.
While both conditions can cause scales and flakes to appear on the scalp, these have different appearances.
Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Scalp.Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Seborrheic dermatitis causes scales that appear yellow and oily or white and flaky.
Whenpsoriasis affects the scalp, the symptoms can be found in the hair or extend past the hairline.
One people with darker skin tones the patches may look purple or gray.
Scalp Psoriasis.Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Localization to only these areas is one of its distinctive features.
Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect infants on the scalp.
When it does, it is known as cradle cap.
Cradle cap is harmless and usually resolves within the first few months of life.
It appears as greasy or dry skin, flaky scales, and/or thick crusts with mild redness and inflammation.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealand and A Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis?
Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis have different causes.
Can You Have Both Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis?
It is possible to have both seborrheic dermatitis andpsoriasis.
They are separate conditions with different causes that affect the skin.
Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is typically treated at home with OTC shampoos.
There are medicated treatments available for resistant cases.
Some people may find that a combination of treatments works best for them.
Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis
There are several options to treat scalp psoriasis.
It also can trigger more psoriasis plaques to form.
Summary
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are two skin conditions that cause irritating rashes.
Scalp psoriasis causes red or purple raised patches covered in white or silver scales.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema that affects oil-producing glands.
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Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT.
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