In an article published in CreakyJoints, Rachna Bandhari, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at the Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, offered insights to help individuals distinguish scalp psoriasis from dandruff. Dr. Bandhari explained that the symptoms of both conditions may be similar—including flaky, itchy, and dry skin. However, individuals with scalp psoriasis may also experience more severe symptoms such as pain, burning, redness, scaling, bleeding, temporary hair loss, and thick plaques ranging in color from pink in those with lighter skin tones to gray in those with darker skin tones. In addition, scalp psoriasis may also develop behind and inside the ears, on the neck, around the margins of the scalp, and on the elbows and knees. Whereas scalp psoriasis often indicates the presence of internal inflammation and a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and psoriatic arthritis, dandruff is not as severe of a condition and typically responds to over-the-counter treatments and specialized shampoos. Dr. Bandhari emphasized that although there is currently no cure for scalp psoriasis, it can be managed with medicated shampoos, steroids, vitamin D analogues, light therapy, systemic treatments, or home remedies such as aloe vera creams and avocado oil. To avoid scalp psoriasis flares, Dr. Bandhari advised individuals to avoid triggers—including stress; anxiety; consuming gluten, dairy, added sugars, or alcohol; scratching the affected areas; sunburns; and cold temperatures.
August 30, 2023