Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp Appearance. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between dandruff and flaky, dry scalp is the appearance of the flakes. Flakes from dandruff tend to be much larger and incredibly visible—think flaky, Maldon sea salt. Flaky dry scalp tends to be much finer and smaller While dandruff tends to affect areas of the skin with the most oil glands (which is why it commonly targets the scalp), it can also crop up on the face, chest, Scalp flakes in the hair can occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, ringworm, and contact dermatitis, as well as dry scalp. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. If symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter treatments, it is best to consult Comparing symptoms. pimonpim/Getty Images. Although people often find it difficult to distinguish between psoriasis of the scalp and dandruff, these conditions do Apart from the common culprits of dry scalp vs dandruff, several other conditions or factors can contribute to an itchy, flaky scalp. These include: Psoriasis: This is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the skin anywhere on the body, including the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can lead to red, scaly patches that can be itchy and flaky
Skin buildup on scalp, not dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis
If your itchy scalp is due to dandruff, there are several reasons why you might experience flakes. A fungus called Malassezia, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, a weakened immune system, and infrequent shampooing are all potential causes of dandruff (via Mayo Clinic).However, if you've ruled out these things, and dandruff I would just like to remind anyone who'd read this: there're two main types of scalp flakiness: the seborrheic dermatitis type: due to fungal infection, associated with oily scalp and dandruff-like flakes. the psoriasis type: very dry, red (sometimes with thickened and cracking plaques) and itchy scalp with psoriasis-like flakes Dandruff is a scalp condition that usually arises between the ages of 10 and It may improve between the ages of 45 and 55 or may continue during old age. This type of dandruff is also present in those afflicted by contact eczema or psoriasis. The scalp is easily irritable, which causes the itchiness and correspondent flaking. The size
Scalp Psoriasis VS Dandruff: Identifying the Difference
In summary, dandruff vs dry scalp are prevalent scalp conditions that can lead to discomfort and impact the overall well-being of the hair and scalp. Understanding the causes, recognizing the differences between the two conditions, and implementing appropriate treatments can help effectively manage dandruff and dry scalp Dandruff usually affects the scalp and ears, but it can also affect other oily parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelids, forehead, and nose crease. On the other hand, psoriasis can cause red and scaly spots on the elbows, knees, naval, or gluteal cleft and can also affect the nails. The appearance of both conditions is different Scalp psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, which results in thick and flaky patches of skin on the scalp. Dandruff is a common skin condition that is a result of a buildup of dry skin on the scalp. Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease in which the immune system is overactive. This causes your skin cells to grow However, the tell-tale sign of scalp psoriasis vs dandruff is the scaling and plaque formation. While new skin usually grows every month, scalp psoriasis greatly speeds up this process and causes it to happen every 3 to 4 days. This isn’t the case with dandruff. Looking for the amount of scaling is important in identifying which ailment you How to Distinguish Between Dandruff vs. Psoriasis - Vial