Difference between Seborrhea and Psoriasis

Seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are two skin disorders that are commonly confused with each other. The symptoms can largely be the same but they are in fact two different skin rashes that afflict the body.

Both can affect parts of the body but one is isolated to the head whereas the other can be found on different parts of the body. It is important to understand the differences when it comes to your diagnosis so that the proper medication can be found to help alleviate the problem. Let us cover seborrhea first.

Seborrhea is commonly called dandruff and generally, it is isolated to the scalp. This skin disorder has many of the same symptoms of psoriasis. It is characterized by white, scaly patches found on the scalp and occasionally around the nose and eyebrows of those afflicted with the skin condition. It can itch and cause great discomfort to the sufferer. Unfortunately, like psoriasis, there is no cure currently but there are medications and treatment methods to help alleviate the symptoms and provide some relief.

While seborrheic dermatitis mostly affects the head and scalp, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. The knees, chest, hands, neck, back and elbows are all susceptible to an outbreak although it can typically be found on any other skin surface. Sufferers of both these skin rashes are likely to be embarrassed by their condition. There are numerous cases of severe psoriasis causing a loss of self-confidence and in extreme cases, even depression. In addition, it can also develop into psoriasis arthritis.

Sunlight or a topical salve applied directly to the head and scalp are amongst the recommended treatments for seborrheic dermatitis. Clinical tests have discovered that the yeast that causes the condition can be slowed with exposure to sunlight. However, as the saying goes – everything in moderation and it is important not to overexpose the body to the sun otherwise additional damage can be caused to the skin

Specialist salves and shampoos are effective in getting rid of the yeast from the body, which in turn will provide much needed relief from the itching and skin flaking that accompany this disorder.

Seborrhea and psoriasis have no known cure and it is not always understood why these skin rashes develop in different people. It is thought that dandruff is an hereditary disease passed down from the parents of the sufferer and though medications can help rid the sufferer of an outbreak, it will come back again.