Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that manifests itself with inflammation and red, scaly blotches like the picture above. Scalp psoriasis can appear on the back of the scalp, behind the ears, forehead and other areas of the head.
Psoriasis also tends to appear on the knees, back and elbows. 2%-3% of the population suffer from psoriasis which amounts to about 8 million people in the US. It is slightly more common in women than men.
About half of psoriasis cases occur on the scalp. It can make shaving particularly difficult especially for guys who shave their head and suffer from psoriasis on the back of the neck. While scalp psoriasis may only occur on the scalp, it tends to occur on other body parts once you have it.
Dandruff tends to occur on the scalp and beard and tends to be a result of overly oily skin and an accumulation of dead skin cells. The result is itchy skin and oily flakes on your scalp and often on the shoulder area of your shirts and coats. Men tend to suffer from dandruff – and oily skin- more than women.
Dandruff can come and go and can be mild or more severe depending on your situation. Dandruff can often be treated with an over the counter shampoo such as Head and Shoulders or Selsun Blue which you can find at any grocery store or pharmacy.
In both cases, more severe cases that aren’t correctable on your own should be treated by a doctor.
Scalp Psoriasis Facts
- In addition to red bumps and scaly skin, dandruff can result which helps to cause the scalp psoriasis vs dandruff debate.
- A silver-white colored scale also tends to develop on the affected area.
- Scalp psoriasis can result in temporary hair loss due to the excessive itchiness that it often produces. Hair normally grows back once the psoriasis is cured.
- Excessive itchiness may also lead to sore, scaly skin and dryness.
- In addition to the physical side effects, psoriasis can also cause mental anguish from those who suffer from it.
- Topical over the counter medicines applied directly to the skin such as corticosteroids, medicated lotions, gels, ointments, oils often help to cure scalp psoriasis.
- A shampoo with a coal tar solution may also be used to treat scalp psoriasis. Neutrogena T/Sal with 3% salicylic acid is another shampoo option.
Dandruff Facts
- Dandruff can come and go and tends to manifest itself with oily flaky skin and itchiness. It can affect up to 50% of the adult population.
- Other than the itchiness that dandruff often produces, it can bring social anxiety to sufferers particularly when they wear dark clothing which makes dandruff more noticeable when the flakes land on your shoulders.
- Men who suffer from oily skin tend to be at greater risk of suffering from dandruff.
- If a commonly found shampoo such as the two mentioned above don’t work, another option like Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo for oily skin may help.
- If one product doesn’t work, try another one or alternate between the two.
Conclusion
- Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff: The two are often mistaken for one another given similar symptoms.
- Scalp psoriasis tends to exist more in women than men but is still very common amongst guys. It can occur on the back of the neck, scalp and behind the ears.
- Scalp psoriasis tends to be chronic. There are a variety of topical medicines that may help to deal with it.
- Dandruff tends to be more common in men especially those with oily skin.
- Dandruff won’t be cured by shaving your head or beard because it doesn’t address the underlying causes.
- See your doctor in either instance where you can’t resolve the problem yourself. This is especially true with scalp psoriasis given the impact it can have on shaving, your anxiety level and it’s severity.
- Acne keloidalis nuchae is another common skin condition that can make shaving more difficult.
Have you suffered from scalp psoriasis or dandruff? How did you deal with it?