Dandruff & Scalp Psoriasis – Difference Explained

There is a thin line between dandruff and scalp psoriasis. They may look the same but are different. Where dandruff is not a that serious condition, scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition that can cause great discomfort.

In this article, we shall break down dandruff and psoriasis differences as

1. What they are?
2. How do they manifest?
3. How are they treated?

What is dandruff?

The symptoms of dandruff include skin flakes, itching, and a slight reddening of the scalp. Dandruff does not have inflammation as a symptom. It is restricted to the scalp area.

Skin gets red and flakes off when someone has dandruff. In its mildest form, it solely affects the scalp and leaves skin covered in dry white or greasy yellow flakes. The area could also itch or burn.

What is scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic (persistent) inflammatory condition. Dry, dandruff-like flakes can also be a symptom of psoriasis, which is a much more serious condition. This is a long-term autoimmune disorder that may affect other parts of the body.

The immune system targets healthy skin cells in psoriasis, which causes them to age far more quickly than they should. Plaques—grayish-silver hardened skin—are left behind as a result. Periods of flare-ups and remissions are a feature of psoriasis, which has no known cure.

What are the causes of dandruff?

Dandruff formation may be caused by a variety of reasons. One widely held belief is that the skin becomes irritated and inflamed due to a form of fungus called Malassezia, which is typically found on people’s skin.

People whose skin generates more oil may be more prone to developing dandruff that causes flakes because this form of fungus needs oil to proliferate. A genetic component might also be present.

Stress, insufficient sleep, and low humidity are additional causes of dandruff.

What are the causes of scalp psoriasis?

Psoriasis can affect persons of any race, however, most patients have fair skin. According to studies, 1.6% of Hispanics, 2.2% of Blacks, and 3.6% of Whites have psoriasis.

Although psoriasis frequently runs in families, certain cases are not thought to be genetic. Psoriasis is more likely to affect someone if they have a grandparent, parent, brother, or sister who has the condition. Even though experts are clear that psoriasis is not communicable, they are unsure of the specific etiology.

It may also be caused due to an attack of white blood cells on the body cells, which increases the rate of new cell production. This leads to excess dead cells that are shed at the end of each cell’s life cycle.

Symptoms of dandruff

• Mild redness in the scalp’s afflicted area
• Greasy scalp
• White to yellow flakes on the scalp and itchy skin on the head
• Skin that is dry and flaky and gets worse in cold, dry climates
• A baby’s scalp is scaly and crusty (called cradle cap)
• Skin infection brought on by frequent scratching

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis

• Scaly red flakes that start out little and get larger
• Scalp lesions and flakes that resemble dandruff
• Thick red or white patches that are coated in silvery scales
• Red patches, burning sensation, and dry scalp
• Bleeding can occur due to frequent scratching
• Itching that frequently prompts scratching and ripping off the scales
• significant hair loss (in severe scalp psoriasis)

How is dandruff treated?

1. Use a mild shampoo free of harsh chemicals or other elements that dry out the scalp to cure mild dandruff at home.
2. Typically, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide, tar, or zinc pyrithione are used to treat moderate dandruff. Some of these shampoos are thought to have antifungal effects and aid in the elimination of skin flakes.
3. A specific type of prescription shampoo or topical drugs, like the antifungal shampoo ketoconazole, may be necessary for severe dandruff. Ketoconazole is sold without a prescription in a less potent solution than shampoo.

How is scalp psoriasis treated?

1. Over-the-counter medicated shampoos can also be used to treat mild cases of scalp psoriasis. The irritation brought on by scalp psoriasis may be reduced by the use of a prescription shampoo containing corticosteroids, such as Clobex. Additionally, corticosteroids will aid in reducing inflammation.
2. When a person has severe psoriasis, systemic treatments, such as oral (taken by mouth) drugs like methotrexate, will most likely be used in the treatment. In particularly severe cases of psoriasis, methotrexate acts to reduce the overactive immune system that causes symptoms.

Wrapping Up

There is a significant difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Dandruff usually isn’t that serious, but scalp psoriasis is. It may take longer for scalp psoriasis to heal than dandruff. Hence, it becomes important to visit a health practitioner to get clarity to earliest.

We hope that the above information was helpful. If you want to read more on dandruff, click here.