Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSeborrheic DermatitisDandruffHow to Tell the DifferenceRisk Factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis and DandruffTreatmentHome RemediesOther CausesSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff
How to Tell the Difference
Risk Factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff
Treatment
Home Remedies
Other Causes
Summary
Seborrheic dermatitisand dandruff are common skin conditions that affect the seborrheic areas of the body. The seborrheic areas are responsible for producing oil on the skin, also known assebum.
While both conditions cause a dry, itchy scalp, they have other symptoms that allow us to tell them apart.Dandruffis always found only on the scalp, while seborrheic dermatitis can spread to other seborrheic areas like the face, ears, and upper chest.
This article explains the differences and similarities between seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff and how they are treated.
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Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes a scaly rash on oily areas of the body.The scalp is the most common location, but it can also appear on the ears, eyebrows, beard, skin around the nostrils, or on the chest, especially in men.
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to occur during certain phases of life and peaks during infanthood and adolescence.
In adolescents, seborrheic dermatitis often affects the scalp, face, upper chest, underarms, and inguinal folds, or folds in the groin. It is more common in men than women.
Symptoms can vary depending on age, skin tone, and whether you have other medical conditions, but common signs and symptoms include:
Dandruff causes white or yellow flakes of dry skin on the scalp and is found only on the scalp, while seborrheic dermatitis can spread to other seborrheic areas.
Dandruff is also more common and occurs more often in men than women. Dandruff usually starts during puberty, peaks around age 20, and is less common after age 50.
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Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff can both cause itchy, flaky skin on the scalp.
However, dandruff usually presents as small, white flakes in the hair and on the scalp. In contrast, seborrheic dermatitis usually presents as defined plaques ofgreasy, yellow scales on the scalp, behind the ears, and on the nose, upper lip, eyelids, eyebrows, and upper chest.
The following chart shows the differences and similarities between dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
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Seborrheic dermatitis has several known risk factors, including:
Risk factors for dandruff include:
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Both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are treatable. Dandruff is often treated at home, and seborrheic dermatitis may require a visit to your dermatologist.
The best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis will depend on where the lesions appear on your body and how severe they are. Treatment often requires a topical antifungal ointment or shampoo. If the lesions don’t respond to this treatment, a dermatologist may recommend:
Dandruff can usually be treated effectively using a dandruff shampoo regularly. Dermatologists recommend using a treatment shampoo once weekly if you are Black. If you are Asian or White, aim to wash your hair every day and incorporate a dandruff shampoo about twice weekly.
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To relieve itching at home, the following remedies may be helpful:
Other Causes of Dry, Itchy Scalp
Besides seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, there are other skin conditions that could lead to a dry, itchy scalp in children and adults. Examples includedry skin,psoriasis,atopic dermatitis,tinea capitis,rosacea, andlupus.
Dry Skin
While dandruff and dry skin can both cause flaky skin, dry skin can appear anywhere on the body. Dandruff only appears and causes flakes on the scalp.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is anautoimmune diseasethat causes the skin cells to reproduce too quickly. This leads to a buildup of dead skin cells that cause plaques on the skin. Psoriasis tends to run in families and is not contagious.
While seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis both cause plaques of skin to form, the plaques appear differently. Seborrheic dermatitis plaques are yellow and greasy, while psoriasis plaques are usually much thicker and have a silvery-white color. Psoriasis plaques are also covered in scales.
If you are experiencing psoriasis, work with a dermatologist to find the right combination of medications and light therapy to address the skin plaques.
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitisis a common skin condition that occurs when something that has touched your skin causes irritation. This skin allergic reaction can come from soaps, laundry detergents, clothing, the sun, or any other irritant that causes a reaction on your skin.
Contact dermatitis presents as a dry, itchy rash and sometimes blisters.While both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can cause itching, the sensation is usually not as intense as contact dermatitis.
Treatment for contact dermatitis will depend on identifying which irritant is causing the reaction. Once you know why you are experiencing an allergic reaction, you will be able to avoid the irritant and prevent contact dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are common skin conditions that have some similar characteristics, but also have different symptoms that allow us to tell them apart. If you’re unsure whether you have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or another skin condition, talk with a healthcare provider who can help you find the right treatment and refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician; 91(3):185-190.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat dandruff.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(6):852-855. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.122734American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is psoriasis?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Contact dermatitis.Additional ReadingElgash M, Dlova N, Ogunleye T, Taylor SC.Seborrheic dermatitis in skin of color: clinical considerations.J Drugs Dermatol; 18(1):24-27.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician; 91(3):185-190.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat dandruff.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(6):852-855. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.122734American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is psoriasis?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Contact dermatitis.Additional ReadingElgash M, Dlova N, Ogunleye T, Taylor SC.Seborrheic dermatitis in skin of color: clinical considerations.J Drugs Dermatol; 18(1):24-27.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician; 91(3):185-190.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat dandruff.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(6):852-855. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.122734American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is psoriasis?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Contact dermatitis.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician; 91(3):185-190.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat dandruff.
Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(6):852-855. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.122734
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is psoriasis?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Contact dermatitis.
Elgash M, Dlova N, Ogunleye T, Taylor SC.Seborrheic dermatitis in skin of color: clinical considerations.J Drugs Dermatol; 18(1):24-27.
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