Seborrheic dermatitisand dandruff are common skin conditions that affect the seborrheic areas of the body.
The seborrheic areas are responsible for producing oil on the skin, also known assebum.
Dandruff is basically a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.
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This article explains the differences and similarities between seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff and how they are treated.
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to occur during certain phases of life and peaks during infanthood and adolescence.
Cradle cap, a common skin condition on the scalp of infants, is triggered by seborrheic dermatitis.
It is more common in men than women.
Dandruff is also more common and occurs more often in men than women.
Dandruff usually starts during puberty, peaks around age 20, and is less common after age 50.
However, dandruff usually presents as small, white flakes in the hair and on the scalp.
The following chart shows the differences and similarities between dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Dandruff is often treated at home, and seborrheic dermatitis may require a visit to your dermatologist.
Treatment often requires a topical antifungal ointment or shampoo.
Dermatologists recommend using a treatment shampoo once weekly if you are Black.
Examples includedry skin,psoriasis,atopic dermatitis,tinea capitis,rosacea, andlupus.
Dry Skin
Dry skin triggers when theskinloses moisture, leaving it dry and flaky.
While dandruff and dry skin can both cause flaky skin, dry skin can appear anywhere on the body.
Dandruff only appears and causes flakes on the scalp.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is anautoimmune diseasethat causes the skin cells to reproduce too quickly.
This leads to a buildup of dead skin cells that cause plaques on the skin.
Psoriasis tends to run in families and is not contagious.
While seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis both cause plaques of skin to form, the plaques appear differently.
Psoriasis plaques are also covered in scales.
Treatment for contact dermatitis will depend on identifying which irritant is causing the reaction.
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