What is the difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff, Their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment methods are often confused. Some people confuse the term psoriasis with dandruff due to their similar symptoms, including flaking on the scalp accompanied by pain and itching. However, in reality, they are completely different in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatment methods. We will learn more about them in the rest of the article.
What is scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis, also known as psoriasis of the scalp, is a chronic immune disorder that causes skin cells to grow rapidly and accumulate in the form of thick, red patches with white or silvery scales. It results from the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells.
What is dandruff
Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects the scalp. It appears as dry or oily flakes that easily fall out of the hair and is accompanied by itching and hair loss.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis and Dandruff
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:
- Thick gray or white scales.
- Red patches with clear edges.
- Severe dryness of the scalp.
- Severe itching of the scalp.
- Temporary hair loss.
- Pain and burning sensation in the scalp.
The main symptoms of dandruff include:
- Scalp peeling and the appearance of white or yellow flakes of dead skin on the scalp and hair.
- Scalp itching, which may increase in severity.
- Dry and cracked skin due to severe dryness.
- Redness and irritation of the scalp, making it red and irritated.
- Scalp flakes, which are greasy or dry.
What are the causes of scalp psoriasis
The main cause of scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing skin cells to grow and accumulate on the surface. Factors that increase the risk of developing dandruff include:
- Stress, tension, and fatigue. Viral and bacterial infections.
- Taking certain medications, especially those used to treat arthritis and heart disease.
- A family history of the condition increases the risk.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of psoriasis.
- Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as cold and dry weather.
- Other factors include hormonal changes, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency.
Causes of Dandruff
Dry scalp is the most common cause of dandruff, as are skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or allergies to hair products. Read more.
It may also be caused by Malassezia, an oil-feeding fungus that lives on the scalp, or by excess oil on the scalp.
How can we differentiate between psoriasis and dandruff
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, silvery scales on inflamed, red patches, causing pain and itching and may extend beyond the scalp. Dandruff, on the other hand, is a common condition that results in yellow or white, greasy scales confined to the scalp and does not extend beyond the scalp.
Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis
Treatment of scalp psoriasis relies on topical treatments prescribed by a specialist, including:
- Corticosteroids, available in the form of ointments, oils, and shampoos, help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Vitamin D analogues, such as calcipotriene, which slow skin cell growth.
- Salicylic acid, which reduces scaling.
- Coal tar, which reduces itching, inflammation, and scaling.
- Retinoids, which control skin cell growth.
- Anthralin, which slows skin cell growth and removes scaling.
Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis
Other treatments for scalp psoriasis include:
Phototherapy involves exposing the scalp to ultraviolet light to reduce the rate of skin cell production.
The doctor may recommend using natural oils, such as coconut oil, to soften the scales before applying topical treatment.
Oral and systemic medications, such as acitretin or cyclosporine, are used in severe cases.
How to treat dandruff
The specialist prescribes medicated products and shampoos containing ingredients such as salicylic acid to eliminate white spots on the scalp and tar, which helps slow the process of skin cell death on the scalp.
He may also prescribe selenium sulfide, which helps eliminate fungi, and zinc pyrithione, which contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The Best Shampoo for Treating Scalp Psoriasis
There are many types of medicated and therapeutic shampoos that help treat scalp psoriasis, such as shampoos containing salicylic acid, which help exfoliate the skin and relieve itching, such as Nizoral Shampoo.
Products containing ingredients such as urea, zinc, and coal tar shampoos are also effective treatments that slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Is scalp psoriasis contagious
Scalp psoriasis is not contagious at all and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through contact. This is because it is a chronic skin condition resulting from an autoimmune reaction that leads to scaling on the scalp.
Summary of the Difference Between Scalp Psoriasis and Dandruff
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick scales and red, inflamed patches on the scalp. It often extends beyond the scalp, causing itching and severe pain.
Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that results in greasy white or yellow scales. It is usually confined to the scalp and does not extend beyond it. It causes itching but is painless.