{"categories":"Condition,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Theme of Focus,Anatomical structure,Anatomical structure","keywords":"Diagnosable condition,Skin inflammation,Psoriasis,Age Concept,Adult,19 to 44 younger,Age Concept,Adult,45 to 64 middle,Clinical Focus Value Set,Definition,Body object,Skin,Body system,Integumentary system","abstract":"\u003cp\u003eScalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be difficult to differentiate.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: What's the difference?","body":"\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eAnswer Section\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour doctor can usually tell whether you have scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or both based on an examination of your skin, scalp and nails.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eScalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are common conditions that affect the scalp. In addition, they share some similar signs and symptoms, such as red, scaly skin.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost often, the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis has more of a tendency to extend beyond the hairline. 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, such as pitting.\u003c/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCompare signs and symptoms\u003c/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eScalp psoriasis\u003c/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eRed skin covered with flakes and silvery scales\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePatches that may extend beyond the hairline or appear on other parts of the body\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eItching or soreness\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e \u003ch4\u003eSeborrheic dermatitis of the scalp\u003c/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eRed skin covered with greasy-looking white or yellowish scales\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSkin flakes (dandruff) that may attach to the hair shaft\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePossibly itching\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eScalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos and topical corticosteroid or antifungal solutions. Scalp psoriasis is often persistent and more difficult to treat than is seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Additional treatments, such as phototherapy, may be required to bring psoriasis under better control.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e","doc_id":"FAQ-20058544","object_id":"66ce0e10-fe5d-438f-93c8-2136f8c4b122","updated_at":"2017-11-03","meta_keywords":"","benefit_summary":"","sections":{"Answer Section":"\u003cp\u003eYour doctor can usually tell whether you have scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or both based on an examination of your skin, scalp and nails.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eScalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are common conditions that affect the scalp. In addition, they share some similar signs and symptoms, such as red, scaly skin.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost often, the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis has more of a tendency to extend beyond the hairline. 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, such as pitting.\u003c/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCompare signs and symptoms\u003c/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eScalp psoriasis\u003c/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eRed skin covered with flakes and silvery scales\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePatches that may extend beyond the hairline or appear on other parts of the body\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eItching or soreness\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e \u003ch4\u003eSeborrheic dermatitis of the scalp\u003c/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eRed skin covered with greasy-looking white or yellowish scales\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSkin flakes (dandruff) that may attach to the hair shaft\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePossibly itching\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eScalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos and topical corticosteroid or antifungal solutions. Scalp psoriasis is often persistent and more difficult to treat than is seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Additional treatments, such as phototherapy, may be required to bring psoriasis under better control.\u003c/p\u003e"},"has_flash":false,"flash_content_url":null,"flash_content_height":null,"flash_content_width":null}