What is the Difference Between Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are both skin conditions that can cause scaly, itchy skin, but they have distinct differences in appearance and underlying causes.
Differences in appearance include:
- Psoriasis: Appears as pink or red patches with silvery scales on lighter skin tones, and salmon-colored with silvery-white scales on medium skin tones. In darker skin tones, it can appear as dark reddish-brown or purple patches with overlying whitish scale.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Appears as yellow, greasy scales with red, swollen skin and white flakes. The scales are usually thinner than psoriasis scales and may have a pinkish-yellow color with yellowish flakes on lighter skin tones.
Differences in underlying causes:
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, causing skin cells to grow too quickly and accumulate on the skin's surface. It is often inherited and can be triggered by factors such as stress, infections, skin injuries, smoking, and drinking.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes rough, scaly skin on the scalp and face, and is often referred to as dandruff. It is not well understood but may be related to gut health and an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.
Treatments for both conditions may vary, and it is essential to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Comparative Table: Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are both skin conditions that can cause red, scaly, inflamed patches on the skin, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions:
Feature | Seborrheic Dermatitis | Psoriasis |
---|---|---|
Appearance | Yellow, greasy scales with red, swollen skin and white flakes | Silvery scales, often powdery, on top of rough, red, scaly skin |
Location | Typically affects areas of the body rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, and chest | Commonly affects knees, elbows, and torso, as well as the scalp |
Causes | Exact cause is unclear, but it may be related to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, hormones, oil production, or a family history of dermatitis | Autoimmune disease, with a combination of genetic and environmental factors |
Treatment | Often managed with medicated shampoos and corticosteroid lotions | May require stronger medications than seborrheic dermatitis |
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as both conditions can flare up when exposed to specific triggers, such as weather or stress.
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