Difference Between Dandruff And Scalp Psoriasis

Do you suffer from an itchy scalp which is accompanied by white flakes that fall all over your clothes? Well, to a layman it might look like dandruff because of its common occurrence. What you do need to understand to be able to identify the illness is that it can be scalp psoriasis as well. Scalp psoriasis is another scalp problem that is very similar to dandruff in appearance. While dandruff is a milder problem, scalp psoriasis is chronic and requires medical attention. Read on to understand what these two scalp problems are and how to identify them.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is basically a skin problem which causes the skin of the scalp to flake and fall. You might experience itchiness which leads to more flaking of the skin. These tiny white coloured flakes fall over your clothes and are usually visible on dark coloured garments. What you should remember is that dandruff is not contagious and usually gets cured between 10-15 days, after applying of anti-dandruff shampoo. This condition is not dangerous but usually causes forehead acne and pimples.

Dandruff symptoms are very common as it usually comes with an itchy and oily scalp. The itching will lead to flaking of the scalp and these flakes usually cause breakouts on the face too.

There are several reasons which lead to dandruff, such as weather changes, not washing your hair for a long time, and naturally oily skin. People with a weak immune system too might suffer from the problem of dandruff from time to time.

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What Is Scalp Psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is basically a skin disorder in which red patches appear all over your scalp. These patches are usually reddish and scaly in appearance. They pop up on your scalp and can be seen on the neck, back and even ears.

These red patches usually occur when the immune system sends wrong messages to the skin cells. The skin cells then start multiplying quickly, as much as multiplying ten times faster, and appear in the form of rashes. This skin build-up is known as plaques.

Scalp psoriasis emits much more flakes than dandruff and can be very painful to touch. This condition is chronic and can take days to cure. The good thing about skin psoriasis is that it is not contagious, and you won’t catch it from the person affected by it.

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The main symptoms of scalp psoriasis occur as red, patchy skin of the scalp. If scratched, this inflamed skin can break and bleed. Thus, taking of scalp psoriasis is of utmost importance for the patients. You must always use a medicated shampoo and avoid scratching your scalp even when it itches. Combing should be totally avoided during these times as it can harm the already sensitive and irritated skin.

Treatment

Mild dandruff usually goes away with commercial anti-dandruff shampoos within a few days application. Severe dandruff might require medicated shampoos for the treatment. If you are suffering from dandruff, make sure you purchase shampoo with any of the following ingredients: Selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, coal tar, and salicylic acid.

Psoriasis, on the other hand, requires proper medical attention and treatment. Usually medicated creams, oils and ointments are applied to the affected area to cure this condition. The inflamed and red patchy scalp is cured by using vitamins and steroids (for inflammation).

In several cases, Ayurvedic medicines too have proved beneficial in treating scalp psoriasis. UV light treatment can also be used on these patients. The most common medicines which are used for treating psoriasis are calcipotriene and tazarotene.

Make sure you don’t use these medicines without consulting your doctor. In case you feel your condition worsening, always contact the concerned doctor for help.

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