What Is the Difference Between Dandruff & Psoriasis?
Dandruff and scalp psoriasis both produce itchy scalp and flaky skin. Psoriasis is much harder to treat and usually appears elsewhere on the body as well. The condition might also be seborrheic dermatitis, says the Mayo Clinic.
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Diagnosis
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All three problems are hard to distinguish and diagnose, especially because psoriasis may be the underlying trigger for dandruff, says dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley.
Psoriasis
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Scalp psoriasis often starts with cuts or bruises on the head. About 50 percent of psoriasis sufferers have it on their scalp. Like all forms of psoriasis, it originates with hereditary factors and the immune system, says Dr. Richard Langley.
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Dandruff
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The causes of dandruff are overactive oil glands, not dry scalp as commonly thought. Other factors are food allergies, stress, excessive perspiration or harsh shampoos, according to the website Anti-dandruff.com.
Locations
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Dandruff scales are usually small, round and found on top of the head, although they can appear anywhere. Psoriasis is usually found around the hairline and produces larger scales or flakes.
Flakes
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The answer to which condition you have lies in the flakes. If greasy and yellow, the dandruff is probably the result of seborrheic dermatitis; if dry, large and silver-scaly, the culprit is psoriasis, says the website.
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