Are your symptoms due to seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis?
Is your scalp itchy? It may be seborrheic dermatitis causing this itchiness. But how do you know if it is this condition rather than psoriasis, which has similar symptoms to seborrheic dermatitis?
To correctly diagnose what is happening with your scalp, we suggest making an appointment with a dermatologist. In the meantime, this article has some details about seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis to help you take care of your scalp.
First, seborrheic dermatitis can affect all skin types.
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by the proliferation of Malassezia furfur yeast, a microscopic fungus that naturally lives on your skin. This yeast grows in sebum and can multiply excessively on your scalp, causing red plaques with scales and dandruff. The flakes are often thick, greasy and yellow. These typical seborrheic dermatitis symptoms irritate the scalp and cause itching that comes and goes. Give your scalp long-lasting, soothing protection by using a shampoo made for this condition.
Psoriasis can also cause plaques, but for a different reason.
Psoriasis caused by accelerated regeneration of skin cells that build up on the scalp’s surface because they are not expelled. This leads to the appearance of raised red plaques and dry, white scales. This is what differentiates psoriasis from seborrheic dermatitis, which causes thick, greasy and yellow scales as we mentioned before.
For more information on scalp psoriasis, please consult our article on the subject here and for face and body psoriasis click here.
Hygiene and foods to avoid
Lifestyle and seborrheic dermatitis
It is essential that you adapt your lifestyle to reduce seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. There are multiple external factors that can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis and affect your skin’s overall health:
- Overexposing skin to UV rays
- Not getting enough sleep
- Using unsuitable products
- Smoking
- Consuming alcohol
We also suggest you avoid wearing beanies, hats or caps and tight hairstyles that pull on your scalp, as these can all increase irritation.
If your scalp is itchy, massage it gently as scratching can make symptoms much worse.
Foods to avoid when you have seborrheic dermatitis
Food can also aggravate seborrheic dermatitis. Adopting a healthy diet can help reduce your symptoms. So what foods should you avoid when you have seborrheic dermatitis and which ones should you favorise instead ?
Skip saturated fats like cream and fast sugars like those found in cakes and other sweets so you do not exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Processed foods should also be avoided as much as possible because they often contain high amounts of salt and/or sugar.
On the other hand, it is important to eat a balanced diet to give your body all the vitamins it needs:
- Vitamin C (citrus, melon, cauliflower, etc.)
- Vitamin A (butter, eggs, etc.)
- Vitamin E (oils, avocados, almonds, etc.)
It is also essential to include omega-3 and omega-6 in your diet. They can be found in fatty fish, nuts and proteins.
It is important to choose a shampoo made specifically for seborrheic dermatitis to reduce the symptoms of this condition. The first step is to reduce scratching to prevent irritation and infection. This is why a special shampoo is essential.
Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in flare-ups that alternate with periods of remission. During these calmer periods, your scalp is still fragile and it is important to use a gentle shampoo that does not strip lipids. This will reduce the frequency of flare-ups and itching.
During flare-ups, we suggest using a specific shampoo that is formulated for seborrheic dermatitis. During these periods, it is best to shampoo hair three times a week and continue this for three weeks.
- Step 1: Lather the shampoo and gently massage your scalp
- Step 2: Rinse your scalp
- Step 3: Reapply
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes
- Step 5: Rinse thoroughly
We also suggest drying your hair by gently blotting it with a towel. Avoid rubbing or friction which can irritate your scalp. It is best to let hair air dry because a hairdryer can make your skin drier.
Quizz
10 respondants
Question 0 of 0
Is seborrheic dermatitis cause by an accelerated regeneration of skin cells ?
This is due to accelerated regeneration of skin cells.
False
False, seborrheic dermatitis is caused by the proliferation of Malassezia furfur yeast, a microscopic fungus that naturally lives on your skin. It causes red plaques with scales and dandruff. The flakes are often thick, greasy and yellow with itching sensation.
It is psoriasis, that is caused because of an accelerated regeneration of skin cells. This leads to red plaques and dry, white scales.
Next question
This is not the cause of seborrheic dermatitis.
True This is not the cause of seborrheic dermatitis.
Well done ! Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by the proliferation of Malassezia furfur yeast, a microscopic fungus that naturally lives on your skin. It causes red plaques with scales and dandruff. The flakes are often thick, greasy and yellow with itching sensation.
It is psoriasis, that is caused because of an accelerated regeneration of skin cells. This leads to red plaques and dry, white scales.
Next question
Is a hot shower and hairdryer good for a scalp with seborrheic dermatitis ?
A hot shower and hair dryer are good for a scalp with seborrheic dermatitis
False
False, it may relieve itching in the moment, but it could worsen the symptoms later.
Next question
A hot shower and hair dryer are not healthy for a scalp with seborrheic dermatitis
True A hot shower and hair dryer are not healthy for a scalp with seborrheic dermatitis
True, it may relieve itching in the moment, but it could worsen the symptoms later.
Next question
Is the use of a specific shampoo important to reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis ?
This is helpful in reducing symptoms.
True This is helpful in reducing symptoms.
Well done ! Shampoos can be irritating and aggravate the discomfort generated by seborrheic dermatitis. During flare-ups, we suggest using a specific shampoo, formulated for seborrheic dermatitis. During these periods, it is best to shampoo hair with this shampoo three times a week and for three weeks.
Next question
This is not important to reduce symptoms.
False
False, normal shampoos can be irritating and aggravate the discomfort generated by seborrheic dermatitis. During flare-ups, we suggest using a specific shampoo, formulated for seborrheic dermatitis. During these periods, it is best to shampoo hair with this shampoo three times a week and for three weeks.
Next question
Can diet play on the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis ?
Diet has an impact on the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
True Diet has an impact on the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Well done ! We recommend you skip saturated fats like cream and fast sugars like those found in cakes and other sweets. Processed foods should also be avoided as much as possible because they often contain high amounts of salt and/or sugar.
Next question
Diet does not affect the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
False
False. We recommend you skip saturated fats like cream and fast sugars like those found in cakes and other sweets. Processed foods should also be avoided as much as possible because they often contain high amounts of salt and/or sugar.
Next question
