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Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference?
By Mayo Clinic staff
- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he said, need to be aware, and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has been director of the Dermatopathology Laboratory since 1998 and chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology since 2000. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin and lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information is becoming a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he said. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Symptoms (1)
- White patch on skin: A cause for concern?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Psoriasis diet: Can changing your diet treat psoriasis?
Alternative medicine (1)
- Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
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Question
Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference?
How does a doctor tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be difficult to differentiate. Both are common conditions that affect the scalp. In addition, they share similar signs and symptoms, such as itchy, red, scaly skin.
Most often, the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, psoriasis usually affects more than one area of the body. If you have scalp psoriasis, you may also have mild psoriasis on your elbows, knees, hands or feet or may notice subtle nail changes.
| Compare signs and symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Scalp psoriasis | Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp |
|
|
No single test confirms a diagnosis of psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor usually makes a diagnosis with a visual examination of the affected skin. Fortunately, scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including:
- Over-the-counter medicated shampoos, such as those containing ketoconazole, tar or salicylic acid
- Ointment, gel or foam preparations, such as those containing tar products, corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues
- Mineral oil or an oil-based preparation applied to the scalp at night — and covered with a shower cap — to loosen scales and reduce inflammation
Scalp psoriasis is often persistent and more difficult to treat than seborrheic dermatitis. For stubborn cases of scalp psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe oral medications, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine, or combine stronger medications with medicated creams and ointments.
Next questionWhite patch on skin: A cause for concern?
- Habif TP. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151181644-3/0/1195/45.html?tocnode=51440575&fromURL=45.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50010-8_728. Accessed July 23, 2009.
- Plewig G, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2951940. Accessed July 8, 2009.
- Naldi L, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:387.
