Introduction
Just by seeing flakes in the hair or around the scalp, have you ever wondered if it’s dandruff or psoriasis? Before you take steps toward treatment, you need to know what you are treating. For treatment purposes, it is important to identify the difference between dandruff and scalp psoriasis, and dandruff vs scalp psoriasis as one is a minor problem and the other can cause a serious skin disorder. This article will discuss these two conditions in depth and discuss which course of action is correct for each.
What is the cause of Dandruff?
According to an estimated survey, 50 million Americans have dandruff at one time or another. Usually, a dry scalp causes dandruff, and flakes from the hair can fall on your shoulders. Dandruff also occurs due to the body’s overreaction to the presence of common yeast on the skin. Some flakes are caused by washing hair with harsh shampoos and using a lot of chemicals on the hair.
Many cases of dandruff are attributed to a relatively common condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Considered by experts to be a form of eczema, the condition affects areas of the skin with oil-producing sebaceous glands. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by patches of red and oily skin, resulting in yellowish spots on the scalp. Notably, these flakes are often larger than the dandruff flakes associated with dry skin. Some other reasons may include:
- Use of certain hair care products
- Fungus
- Lack of hygiene
- Hormonal changes (especially in men)
- Impaired immune system
What is the cause of Psoriasis?
Unlike dandruff, psoriasis is rooted in your immune system. It is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning when proteins called autoantibodies mistakenly attack healthy tissue. Usually, the dead skin is removed from the outer layer of the skin in small, thin pieces. The reason for confusion between scalp psoriasis vs dandruff is that the flakes from these areas of the skin can look remarkably similar to dandruff flakes. The scalp, elbows, knees, and back are places where dead skin cells are usually found. Some other reasons may include:
- Infections including strep throat
- the weather
- Skin injury
- High-stress levels
- Smoking tobacco
- Certain medications
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Scalp Psoriasis vs. Dandruff: What’s the Difference?
If you understand the difference between dandruff and psoriasis through the factors mentioned above, it can help you take the right steps. In this discussion, we will discuss the key difference between scalp psoriasis vs dandruff.
Dandruff Symptoms
In the case of dandruff, the symptoms are as common as a dry scalp. The two most common side effects of dandruff are itching and flakes.
Psoriasis Symptoms
In psoriasis too, the main symptom is white flakes but the flakes are more scaly and powdery and sufferers realize that their scalp is not only itchy but painful. Individuals with scalp psoriasis may find patches all over the body.
Dandruff Diagnosis
Since dandruff can be self-diagnosed by observing symptoms on the hair and scalp, if you find it severe, a doctor can help identify whether you are struggling with dandruff or psoriasis.
Psoriasis Diagnosis
If the doctor questions you, such as if you experience symptoms such as joint pain or itching anywhere on your body, then the doctor believes that you have psoriasis. Although joint pain is a symptom of psoriatic arthritis. According to research, one in three people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis.
Dandruff Treatment
Medicated shampoos are usually best option to treat dandruff. It is very important to follow the directions given for any shampoo you choose to use. Some shampoos may be suitable for use several times a week, while others may be recommended for application once a week. Additionally, it may be necessary to switch between shampoos, as the effectiveness of a particular product may decrease over time.
Combat dandruff effectively: follow shampoo directions, adjust frequency, and consider switching for sustained efficacy.
According to The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), black people can use dandruff shampoo once per week, while white people and people of Asian descent can use it twice per week.
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis can be treated with topical, oral, and injectable medications. Most of these medications are steroids and can help ease symptoms. But there is no exact cure for psoriasis.
If tropical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, experts may recommend other types of treatment such as:
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are medications prescribed by doctors to moderate psoriasis.
- Light therapy, which uses ultraviolet light to target the area where psoriasis bothers a person, can ease the effects of symptoms.
- Biologics are used for moderate treatment of psoriasis. It is an injectable drug and works by blocking inflammatory proteins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, competing dandruff vs psoriasis is a simple issue but a lot of confusion can occur. However, it is better to consult a professional because many suffer from psoriasis but think they have a serious problem with dandruff when they are fighting a serious autoimmune disorder.
