Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptom ComparisonWhich Is Autoimmune?Can You Have Both?Treatment DifferencesWhen Do You Need to See a Healthcare Provider?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptom Comparison
Which Is Autoimmune?
Can You Have Both?
Treatment Differences
When Do You Need to See a Healthcare Provider?
Seborrheic dermatitisandpsoriasisare two conditions that affect the skin. The conditions can be found on many areas of the body, but when found only on the scalp, it can be challenging to identify the difference between psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis.
This article will review seborrheic dermatitis vs. psoriasis, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis: Compare Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitisandpsoriasishave overlapping and unique symptoms. Below will discuss the symptoms of each condition.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitisis a skin rash affecting areas with abundant oil glands. These include the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, lips, ears, the center of the chest, and around the nose. Its localization to only these areas is one of its distinctive features. The other symptoms ofseborrheic dermatitisinclude:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasisis a condition that can cause significant symptoms that can interfere with daily life. When psoriasis affects the scalp, the symptoms can be found in the hair or extend past the hairline. These symptoms include:
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis: Which Is Autoimmune?
Seborrheic dermatitisandpsoriasismay be similar, but their causes are very different. An autoimmune reaction causes psoriasis. It occurs when the body makes too many new skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the skin and cause the symptoms of psoriasis.
Can You Have Both Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis?
Yes, a person can have both seborrheic dermatitis andpsoriasis. They are separate conditions with different causes that affect the skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis vs. EczemaSeborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It affects areas of the skin with a lot of oil-producing glands.Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to produce at a rapid pace.
Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis vs. Eczema
Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It affects areas of the skin with a lot of oil-producing glands.Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to produce at a rapid pace.
Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Psoriasis: Treatment Differences
Seborrheic dermatitisandpsoriasisare treated differently. Though their treatments are different, the objective remains the same: Eliminate or reduce symptoms to allow a person to go through their day comfortably.
Is Either One Treatable at Home?
Seborrheic dermatitisis generally treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medicated shampoos and creams.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
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 options include:
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
There are several options to treat scalp psoriasis. A healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of these options. The treatment plan will vary from person to person based on the severity of their condition. Treatments can include:
When someone has a rash on their scalp that does not respond to OTC medications, they need to contact theirhealthcare provider.
A healthcare provider should also evaluate a rash that oozes, is very painful, or form a crust.Then, they will be able to determine the source of the rash and recommend the best treatment plan.
Scratching and BleedingScratchingscalp psoriasisor seborrheic dermatitis increases the chances of opening up the skin, which can lead to bleeding and infection. It also can trigger more psoriasis plaques to form.
Scratching and Bleeding
Scratchingscalp psoriasisor seborrheic dermatitis increases the chances of opening up the skin, which can lead to bleeding and infection. It also can trigger more psoriasis plaques to form.
Summary
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are two skin conditions that cause irritating rashes. While there are many similarities between these conditions, they are very different.
Scalp PsoriasisAutoimmune conditionRed, raised patches with silver or white skin scalesPrescription treatmentChronic conditionSeborrheic DermatitisSkin yeast, abundant oil glands, and susceptibilityWhite or yellow flaky skinOver-the-counter or prescription treatmentChronic or acute condition
Scalp PsoriasisAutoimmune conditionRed, raised patches with silver or white skin scalesPrescription treatmentChronic condition
Autoimmune condition
Red, raised patches with silver or white skin scales
Prescription treatment
Chronic condition
Seborrheic DermatitisSkin yeast, abundant oil glands, and susceptibilityWhite or yellow flaky skinOver-the-counter or prescription treatmentChronic or acute condition
Skin yeast, abundant oil glands, and susceptibility
White or yellow flaky skin
Over-the-counter or prescription treatment
Chronic or acute condition
4 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.MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. 2016:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330National Psoriasis Foundation.Causes and triggers.
4 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.MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. 2016:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330National Psoriasis Foundation.Causes and triggers.
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.
MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. 2016:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330National Psoriasis Foundation.Causes and triggers.
MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.
Gooderham M, Blakely K.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.PTT. 2016:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330
National Psoriasis Foundation.Causes and triggers.
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