Scalp psoriasis vs dandruff

Scalp psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, which results in thick and flaky patches of skin on the scalp. Dandruff is a common skin condition that is a result of a buildup of dry skin on the scalp. Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease in which the immune system is overactive. This Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Trusted Source JAMA Peer reviewed journal Scalp psoriasis can be difficult to treat because your hair stops your skin from falling away easily. This can cause scales to build up, which means that the affected skin becomes thicker. It is possible for scalp psoriasis symptoms to get better at times, but they may come back with certain triggers. Dandruff is a Scalp psoriasis symptoms The symptoms of scalp psoriasis differ from person to person. The condition Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority • thick, red skin with silvery-white scales • itchiness • burning sensation • • bleeding • affected patches of skin around the hairline, around the forehead, behind the ears, and on the neck Dandruff symptoms The most common symptom of dandruff is white or gray flakes of skin either in the hair or on the back of the neck and shoulders. If dandruff occurs due to seborrheic dermatitis, other symptoms you may have on you...

When you get an itchy, scaly scalp it’s natural to assume that it’s dandruff. But it isn’t always: It could be another skin condition, like It’s important to know the difference. In this article, I’ll explore the symptoms of these two conditions, give you tips on how to tell the difference, and talk about prevention, treatment, and how each is diagnosed. I’ll also tell you when to see a doctor about an itchy, flaky scalp. Psoriasis vs. Dandruff When this happens, the skin rapidly tries to repair itself, with new skin cells forming before others can slough off. This results in scaly, itchy patches that build up. These are known as plaques. Sometimes people who have dandruff may also have dry skin elsewhere on the body. Symptoms While the symptoms of psoriasis and dandruff may seem the same to someone without either condition, they do produce unique symptoms. Learning how to tell them apart can help you take care of your scalp and avoid unnecessary side effects. Psoriasis Psoriasis can affect nearly any area of the body. When it affects the The skin may look thicker and may appear reddish, white, or silver. Typical • Scaly patches that itch • Flaking • Burning or tingling sensations on the scalp or where plaques form • Temporary hair loss in places where patches are thickest If cracks or bleeding are noticed around the patches, seek medical care. Sometimes psoriasis patches can get infected because of itching. This requires separate and urgent medical care to avoid further c...

The primary difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is their cause: • Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that does not have a cure. Treatment can improve psoriasis symptoms. • Dandruff is flaking skin from a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Getting an Accurate Diagnosis A healthcare provider can diagnose both scalp

Your scalp often plays second fiddle to your hair. Until it starts begging for attention, that is. With several common conditions, your scalp may itch and get irritated. Dandruff Little white flakes signal an old-fashioned case of dandruff. It can be annoying when the flakes fall on a dark shirt. Dandruff is simply a buildup of shedding dead skin. We don’t know the cause, but it may be due to a fungus on the skin. You can’t catch dandruff from someone else, and it isn't dangerous, but it can be itchy and a bother. Luckily, there’s no redness or scabbing of the scalp. There’s no cure, but it’s fairly easy to control by washing your hair more often with a medicated shampoo. Leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing to give it a chance to work. Pick one with one or more of these ingredients: • Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, Tegrin) • Zinc pyrithione (Suave Dandruff Control, Pert Plus Dandruff Control, Head & Shoulders) • Salicylic acid (T-Sal, Sebulex) • Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) • Ketoconazole (Nizoral A-D) available as a 1% over-the-counter shampoo or a 2% prescription-strength one You may need to try two or three products to clear up your dandruff. If it doesn't go away after a few weeks of using a special shampoo, see a doctor. You may need a prescription-strength shampoo. Seborrheic Dermatitis Dandruff is a mild form of Cradle Cap This form of seborrheic dermatitis affects infants, typically in the first 6 months. It causes greasy, yellowish scales or crusts on the scal...

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a buildup of skin cells in different parts of the body. These excess skin cells form silvery-red patches that can flake, itch, crack, and bleed. Experts estimate that When psoriasis affects the scalp, it’s simply known as scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a relatively common condition. Psoriasis treatment varies based on its severity and location. Generally, psoriasis treatments for the neck and There’s anecdotal evidence that some home remedies may help reduce scalp psoriasis symptoms. These are best used in conjunction with medical treatments that have been proven effective. Scalp psoriasis is a form of Scalp psoriasis may also spread to — and cause plaques to appear on — the: • hairline • forehead • back of the neck • back of the ears In addition to plaques, scalp psoriasis may also cause: • fine white or yellow skin flakes on the scalp • • a burning sensation • dryness • bleeding Researchers aren’t exactly sure what According to two large 2016 studies, scalp psoriasis affects Someone with psoriasis may produce more of certain types of If a person has too many T cells, they may begin to attack healthy cells by mistake and produce more skin cells and white blood cells. In the case of scalp psoriasis, these excess skin cells may lead to inflammation, redness, patches, and flaking. Family history Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk for the condition. You have an even greater risk for developing psoriasis ...

Psoriasis tends to run in families , but some cases of psoriasis are not considered genetic. Having a grandparent, parent, brother, or sister with psoriasis increases the risk of getting it. While researchers are certain that psoriasis isn’t contagious, they are not sure exactly what the underlying cause is. • Mild dandruff can be treated at home by using a gentle shampoo without any harsh chemicals or ingredients that dry out the scalp. • Moderate dandruff is usually treated with over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, such as those with selenium sulfide, tar, or zinc pyrithione. These shampoos help promote the removal of skin flakes and some are thought to have antifungal properties. • Severe dandruff may require a type of prescription shampoo or topical medications such as ketoconazole antifungal shampoo. Ketoconazole is available over the counter in a solution that is not as strong as the prescription shampoo. • Mild cases of scalp psoriasis may also be treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Prescription shampoo with corticosteroids—such as Clobex—may be used to help reduce inflammation caused by scalp psoriasis. The corticosteroids will also help to reduce inflammation. • When a person has severe psoriasis, the treatment will most likely involve systemic (involving the entire body) medications, such as oral (by mouth) medications like methotrexate. Methotrexate works to suppress the overactive immune system that causes symptoms of psoriasis in very severe cases...

Dandruff and scalp psoriasis can look very similar, as both produce flakes of skin in and underneath the hair. However, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Psoriasis often develops on the scalp. Unlike Dandruff is a less severe chronic condition that affects the scalp. A dry or greasy scale may present on the scalp, and flakes from the scalp may fall onto a person’s shoulders and clothes. This article explains the difference between dandruff and scalp psoriasis. Share on Pinterest pimonpim/Getty Images Although people often find it difficult to distinguish between psoriasis of the scalp and dandruff, these conditions do produce different symptoms. Dandruff Dandruff is a common scalp condition that Sometimes, what seems to be dandruff might indicate another underlying skin condition, such as A person should seek medical treatment for dandruff if symptoms are severe or do not resolve with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and ointments. Share on Pinterest This image shows dandruff on the scalp. rob_lan/Getty Images Psoriasis Psoriasis can affect any area of the scalp and will typically appear as thick, inflamed, and reddish patches or silvery-white scaling patches. Scalp psoriasis Other symptoms of scalp psoriasis include: • dandruff-like flaking • silvery-white scale on the scalp • temporary hair loss • burning sensation People should seek medical attention if they find any cracking or bleeding underneath what they believe to be dandruff. Share on Pi...