Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Scalp Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis can be accompanied by other dermatological disorders, which can make treatment difficult. The good news, however, is that many of the same treatments used for dermatitis (like reducing intake of allergens, avoiding chemical skin care products and improving immune function) also apply to treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Early seborrheic dermatitis can be distinguished from scalp psoriasis because it appears “spongiform,” meaning pores appear enlarged and open like a sponge.
Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause skin to appear greasy, while psoriasis usually causes more dryness and red scaling.
Patients with psoriasis who have facial or scalp flaking can also look for signs of lesions on the elbows or knees. Psoriasis also causes nail pitting, while dermatitis normally doesn’t.
It is also possible to have a condition called sebopsoriasis, which is a combination of both seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Facts and Statistics
- About 1–5 percent of the general U.S. population suffers from seborrheic dermatitis. (18, 19)
- Up to 70 percent of infants experience some type of dermatitis on their scalps (often called cradle cap) within the first three months of life. (20)
- In adults, seborrheic dermatitis symptoms most commonly start between the ages of 30–50.
- Patients with seborrheic dermatitis most often develop symptoms on the face and scalp. About 88 percent of patients have facial symptoms, 70 percent on the scalp, 27 percent on the chest and only about 1 percent to 2 percent on the arms or legs.
- Dandruff is now considered a mild, noninflammatory form of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is extremely common with a prevalence as high as 50 percent of the population.
- In the U.S., approximately $230 million is spent every year treating symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, especially those affecting the face and scalp. This can cause the largest decrease in quality of life.
- More men than women have seborrheic dermatitis. But there appears to be no preference for any racial or ethnic group.
- People with other health conditions that affect the immune system get dermatitis most often, such as those with allergies, leaky gut syndromeor autoimmune disorders.
Precautions When Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis
Experts warn that because dermatitis tends to be chronic, patients should be made aware that seborrheic dermatitis is usually recurrent and that the condition may cause outbreaks of symptoms from time to time even after successful treatment. Rather than simply assuming your symptoms indicate seborrheic dermatitis, it’s important to visit a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis, since this helps with treatment.
Your doctor will be able to make a differential diagnosis between seborrheic dermatitis and other conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, Demodex dermatitis, atopic eczema, pityriasis versicolor, contact dermatitis and tinea infections. Knowing the specific type of skin condition you have, as well as what the underlying causes are, will keep symptoms from worsening or causing other untreated immune reactions.
Key Points About Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema, most often causing facial redness, skin dryness or dandruff/scalp itchiness.
- Causes of seborrheic dermatitis are related to abnormal immune responses, growth of yeast on the skin and changes in oil production.
- Factors like emotional stress or depression, fatigue, exposure to dry conditions, systemic infections, use of certain medications, and other factors that can hinder immune function can all trigger symptoms.
Natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Applying essential oils and coconut oil to the skin
- Reducing intake of inflammatory or allergy-causing foods
- Controlling stress
- Avoiding chemical products that can increase skin irritation
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