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Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff | Causes and Differences

  • livewell
  • Eric kent

Scalp Psoriasis

Introduction

It is a common disorder of the skin. Scalp psoriasis appears different on different tones of the skin. If an individual has a light to medium skin tone, it seems like a reddish patch with white-colored scales. In case of a darker tone of an individual, they might have a purple patch and gray-colored scales. Scalp psoriasis may involve a single or several patches, affecting the entire scalp of an individual. It can spread to an individual’s forehead, ears, and back of the neck. Scalp psoriasis is the most common form, affecting approximately 2-3% of the population globally. People might confuse scalp psoriasis with dandruff, but scalp psoriasis vs dandruff are characterized differently.

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Scalp Psoriasis Causes

Some of the causes of scalp psoriasis are:

  • It is a disease of the immune system. The immune system of a person overreacts leading to inflammation. This results in the fast growth of the new cells of the skin. Normally, the new skin cell growth occurs every 28 to 30 days. However, in an individual suffering from scalp psoriasis, the new skin cells grow after every 3 to 4 days. The thick patches are formed because of the building up of new cells, and the replacement of old cells.
  • Moreover, another cause of the scalp psoriasis can be a genetic factor/family history. The parents might pass on scalp psoriasis to their children.
  • Other causes may include sunburns, infections, and environmental conditions. etc.

Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with scalp psoriasis are:

  • Red-colored or purple-colored patches.
  • Dryness.
  • Soreness.
  • Itching.
  • Flakes like dandruff.
  • Pain.
  • Burning.
  • Loss of hair. (Scalp psoriasis does not cause hair loss but it is caused by inflammation and hard scratching might result in hair loss.)
  • Thickening of skin.
  • Gray or white-colored scales.

Scalp Psoriasis Diagnostic Procedures

Typically, the diagnostic procedure for scalp psoriasis is:

  • The health care professional will examine an individual’s scalp and look for the signs and symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Additionally, they will ask the individual about their family history, intake of certain medications, etc.
  • For some individuals, a small skin sample can be taken for further analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Topical Treatments

This includes using medicated psoriasis shampoo, gels, soaps, ointments, etc. The options for topical treatment are as follows:

Salicylic Acid

It is a peeling agent. Salicylic acid is present in soaps and shampoos. It helps to soften the scales, thus they are easy to remove.

Coal Tar

Coal tar is present in shampoos, gels, soaps, etc. This helps reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of skin cells. Additionally, it prevents itching. An individual applies coal tar shampoo on the head and massages it to the scalp. He/she leaves it on the scalp for five to ten minutes and then rinses it. The main drawback of this treatment is its smell and stains. One can get rid of the odor by using a conditioner afterward.

Corticosteroids

One of the effective treatments for scalp psoriasis is the use of corticosteroids. It is present in foams, sprays, gels, etc.

Medications

Some oral medications include:

  • Methotrexate is an oral medicine that reduces inflammation.
  • Acitretin is an oral medicine that helps normalize skin cell growth.
  • Cyclosporine helps to reduce inflammation.

These medications might lead to serious side effects, thus they require close observation by a healthcare provider during the intake of these medicines.

Biologics

They are the drugs which is administered via intravenous infusion or injections. Biologics might help the skin from producing excessive amounts of cells. Some of the examples of these biologics are:

  • TNF blockers such as Adalimumab, Infliximab, etc.
  • TYK2 inhibitors such as Deucravacitinib, etc.
  • Interleukin-23 inhibitors such as Guselkumab, Tildrakizumab, etc.
  • Interleukin-17 inhibitors such as Brodalumab, Secukinumab, etc.
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff

Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is one of the treatments for scalp psoriasis. The patient’s exposure to UVB (ultraviolet B) light helps reduce inflammation and slows down skin cell growth. Similarly, the excimer laser is useful as it treats localized psoriasis patches. Excimer laser involves targeted delivery of UVB light to the scalp’s specific region.

Home Remedies

It is important to consult a healthcare provider to avoid allergic reactions before using home remedies. Some of the home remedies for scalp psoriasis are:

Aloe Vera

This is a gel that keeps the skin hydrated and it treats discomfort and itchiness. Gentle application of aloe Vera for two to three times a day helps treat scalp psoriasis.

Olive Oil

It helps in skin moisturization. Olive oil helps reduce itching and discomfort.

Baking Soda

Applying baking soda to the affected part of the skin helps exfoliate it.

Dandruff

Introduction

It is a common scalp condition characterized by flakes of dead skin cells. Dandruff results in itching, however, it is not a dangerous health condition. The features of dandruff are white-colored or yellow-colored flakes that can be seen on the shoulders and in the hair. Scalp psoriasis vs dandruff, are two different conditions that can have the same signs and symptoms, but they require different treatments, so it is important to differentiate between them.

Dandruff Causes

The cause of dandruff is unclear. The following factors show the difference between the causes of scalp psoriasis vs dandruff. Some of the possible causes of dandruff are:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Individuals suffering from seborrheic dermatitis have oily and irritated skin, thus they can have dandruff. The skin of these individuals appears to be oily, red-colored, and, scales of white and yellow color. This condition affects eyebrows, scalp, chest, and other body parts. Moreover, seborrheic dermatitis is common among individuals suffering from HIV, scalp psoriasis, depression, weak immune system, etc.

Different Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and ringworm (fungal infection) can cause dandruff.

Yeast

A fungus called “Malassezia” lives on the scalp and it obtains nutrients from the oil that hair follicle secretes. Typically, Malassezia is not an issue, but in some cases an individual’s immune system overreacts. This irritates the scalp and produces extra cells in the skin. With dying and shedding off extra skin cells, they combine with the hair and scalp oil and form dandruff.

Shampoos and Different Products for Skin Care

Certain products of hair care can cause scalp irritation and dandruff. If an individual notices that a certain product results in irritation, he/she should switch to another product. Some believe shampooing excessively, results in the building up of dead skin cells and oil, eventually resulting in dandruff, while other people have the opposite belief. However, there is no such evidence that suggests it.

Other Factors

The risk of dandruff may increase because of the following factors:

  • Extreme cold temperatures and a combination of extremely heated rooms and cool temperatures can cause dandruff.
  • Less amount of brushing the hair, as brushing is useful to remove dead cells of the skin.
  • Stress can cause dandruff.
  • Hormonal factors can cause dandruff.
  • Age can be a factor resulting in dandruff. Generally, dandruff begins at a young age and continues till middle age. For some individuals, dandruff can be for a lifetime.

Dandruff Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of dandruff can be as follows:

  • Flakes of skin on eyebrows, shoulders, hair, etc.
  • Itchiness of scalp.
  • In infants, the symptoms of dandruff are crusty and scaly scalp.

Additionally, the symptoms can be severe if an individual is stressed. Moreover, it is important to differentiate these signs and symptoms, if an individual is comparing scalp psoriasis vs dandruff, as scalp psoriasis results in thick, silver-colored flakes whereas dandruff results in oily flakes.

Dandruff Diagnostic Procedures

The diagnostic procedure involves a scalp examination. Some diagnostic procedures for dandruff are:

  • Healthcare professionals will ask an individual about his/her signs and symptoms, and other factors that could result in dandruff like stress, use of certain products for hair care, etc.
  • The physical examination of a scalp to look for flakes and inflammation signs.
  • Healthcare professionals will distinguish between dandruff and any other scalp condition. For example, comparing the characteristics of scalp psoriasis vs dandruff helps indicate whether the person has scalp psoriasis or dandruff.
  • Sometimes, healthcare professionals might perform a microscopic examination to distinguish between fungal infections or other skin conditions.
  • Healthcare professionals might perform patch testing to look for any allergens.
  • If a healthcare professional suspects seborrheic dermatitis, he/she will observe the individual for their signs.

These diagnostic procedures help detect whether an individual has dandruff or other scalp conditions.

Dandruff Treatment

One can control the itchiness and flaking of dandruff. In the case of mild dandruff, regular cleansing with shampoo to reduce extra skin cells and oil is helpful. If the problem persists, using medicated shampoo can be useful. The intensity of medicated shampooing varies between individuals, for some, it is useful to use medicated shampoo 2 to 3 times weekly while for others less shampooing is beneficial.

Moreover, there are different hair products available for treating dandruff. In the case of discomfort or allergic reaction, it is crucial to stop using the product. Some conditions may require immediate medical attention.

The classification of anti-dandruff shampoos is based on the type of medicine present in them. Some of the examples of these shampoos are:

Pyrithione zinc

It contains zinc pyrithione which possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Coal Tar

This shampoo is used for dandruff and other skin conditions. It has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. But, people with light-colored hair might face discoloration after using coal tar shampoos. In some cases, the scalp becomes sensitive to radiation from sunlight.

Salicylic Acid

Shampoos with salicylic acid help to eliminate scales.

Selenium Sulfide

Some shampoos contain selenium sulfide which possesses antifungal properties. The side effect associated with this shampoo is discoloration.

Ketoconazole

This shampoo kills the fungus causing dandruff.

If one kind of shampoo is effective for some time but becomes ineffective after a while, this issue can be resolved Using an alternative shampoo. Once an individual gets control of the dandruff, he/she should use medicated shampoo less frequently. Moreover, follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer on the shampoo bottle. In case of persistent dandruff even after using medicated shampoo, one should consult a healthcare professional.

Natural Remedies

Some effective home remedies for treating dandruff are as follows, after distinguishing scalp psoriasis vs dandruff.

Tea Tree Oil

It comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. People use tea tree oil for treating acne, dermatitis, etc. It contains a compound named Terpinen-4-ol, which possesses antimicrobial characteristics. Thus, tea tree oil helps reduce dandruff by prohibiting the growth of microbes on the scalp. Direct application of tea tree oil can result in inflammation and rashes, thus it is important to add shampoo drops to tea tree oil before applying it to the scalp.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains certain bioactive constituents that possess antioxidant properties. These bioactive compounds can reduce dandruff.

Lemongrass

It is an effective treatment for reducing symptoms of dandruff as it reduces inflammation and suppresses the growth of microbes. The direct application can cause allergic reactions, so dilution of lemongrass with drops of water, conditioner, or shampoo is essential.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The main use of omega-3 fatty acids is lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can result in severe symptoms like dandruff, dry skin, etc. Omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in managing the production of oil, and improvement in hydration.  Foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to prevent dandruff.

Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff

Let’s discuss the difference between scalp psoriasis vs dandruff in detail.

  • Scalp psoriasis is chronic whereas dandruff is not chronic.
  • Dandruff is flaky whereas scalp psoriasis can or cannot flake off and appears like silver-colored scales.
  • Scalp psoriasis has dry plaques, on the other hand, dandruff is the result of greasy hair.
  • Dandruff’s white-color flakes are not generally accompanied by redness of the scalp whereas scalp psoriasis can result in redness of the scalp.

Furthermore, it is necessary to understand these differences for appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and management of scalp psoriasis vs dandruff. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before opting for the type of treatment.

Scalp Care Tips

Let’s discuss some scalp care tips regarding scalp psoriasis vs dandruff.

Hair care products

It is better to avoid products containing sulfate, fragrances, etc. Sulfate removes natural hair oil. This damages the scalp skin.

Gentle Shampooing

Gently massage your scalp while shampooing. This helps increase circulation and does not cause cuts or injuries to the scalp. Use psoriasis shampoo and dandruff shampoo for cleansing.

Consuming Omega-3 Supplements

Many individuals believe that the intake of fish oil supplements has a positive impact on hair growth. Different studies reported that taking these supplements increases the strength and growth of hair. Omega-3 strengthens hair by promoting blood circulation in the scalp. They also play a role in reducing inflammation thus preventing hair loss.

Exposure to Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight and phytotherapy under controlled conditions and medical assistance to manage the signs and symptoms of scalp psoriasis.

Consultation with Healthcare provider

Consultation with healthcare provider for diagnosing and treating scalp psoriasis vs dandruff.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to know the differences in the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of scalp psoriasis vs dandruff. Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease whose characteristics are thick and silver-colored scales, redness, and inflammation. The diagnostic procedure involves medical and physical examination and skin sample analysis. One can treat scalp psoriasis using topical treatment, oral medications, biologics, phytotherapy, and home remedies.

On the other hand, dandruff is a condition whose characteristics are oily, dry skin and white or yellow-colored flakes. The diagnostic procedure includes a medical and physical examination, microscopic examination, patch testing, etc. One can treat dandruff using anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp hygiene, and natural remedies.

It is important to consult a dermatologist for identifying and managing scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Some tips for scalp care include using mild shampoos for cleansing, avoiding shampoos with strong chemicals and fragrances, etc. Thus, by using these strategies one can maintain scalp health.

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FAQ

Hello, What Can We Help You Find?

Are you looking for something? We are here to assist you. These are the questions
asked by our customers tell us yours.

Scalp psoriasis is a condition involving thick, silver-colored flakes whereas the characteristics of dandruff are finer, oily, and white or yellow-colored flakes.

The answer is yes, the treatment option differs between scalp psoriasis vs dandruff. Scalp psoriasis is treated using medicated shampoos, with ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, etc., whereas dandruff is treated using anti-dandruff shampoos.

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system causes the fast multiplication of skin cells, which forms thick and scaly patches. On the other hand, the most common cause of dandruff is a fungus named “Malassezia” which results in greasy and dry skin.

Yes, certain natural remedies help treat scalp psoriasis. They include using aloe vera, olive oil, etc.

Yes, certain natural remedies help treat dandruff. They include using tea tree oil, lemongrass, aloe vera, etc.

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