Is dandruff the same as seborrheic dermatitis?

Dandruff is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff causes flaking without visible inflammation, while seborrheic dermatitis adds red, irritated skin and greasy yellowish scales.

Where does seborrheic dermatitis appear?

It affects oily areas: the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, behind the ears, the middle of the chest and skin folds. In babies it shows on the scalp as cradle cap.

Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?

No. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.

Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?

It is a long-term condition that tends to come and go, but it can usually be controlled with regular use of medicated shampoos and other treatments a doctor recommends.

How is scalp psoriasis different from seborrheic dermatitis?

Scalp psoriasis usually forms thicker, well-defined, silvery-white scaly patches that can extend past the hairline, while seborrheic dermatitis has thinner, greasy, yellowish scales. A dermatologist can tell them apart.

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Dandruff: What’s the Difference?

Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are closely related. Dandruff is generally considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, affecting only the scalp, without visible inflammation. Seborrheic dermatitis goes further, with red, irritated skin, and can appear beyond the scalp.

Side by side

Dandruff: white or yellowish flakes, mild itching, scalp only, skin not visibly inflamed.
Seborrheic dermatitis: greasy, yellowish scales on red or irritated skin, itching, and it can affect the eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, behind the ears, the chest and skin folds.
Scalp psoriasis: thicker, well-defined, silvery-white scaly patches that may extend past the hairline, often with psoriasis elsewhere on the body.

What causes seborrheic dermatitis

The exact cause isn't fully known. It is linked to Malassezia yeast on the skin, oily skin and the body's inflammatory response. Flare-ups are often triggered by stress, cold and dry weather, and illness. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.

How it is usually managed

Medicated shampoos with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or coal tar, used regularly and as directed. See our dandruff guide for how to use them.
Prescription treatments from a doctor, such as antifungal creams or short courses of anti-inflammatory medicine, for more stubborn or widespread cases.
Ongoing care. It tends to come back, so many people keep using a medicated shampoo once or twice a week to stay clear.

Where scalp care fits

Some people with ongoing flaking also choose professional scalp care, such as deep cleansing and scalp treatment, alongside the care their doctor recommends. A consultation at Maestro starts with a look at your scalp and a talk about your concerns.

See a dermatologist if over-the-counter shampoos haven't helped after a few weeks, the rash spreads to your face or body, your skin is very red, painful, cracked or oozing, you think you may have psoriasis, or it affects your sleep or daily life.

Frequently asked questions

Is dandruff the same as seborrheic dermatitis?: Dandruff is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff causes flaking without visible inflammation, while seborrheic dermatitis adds red, irritated skin and greasy yellowish scales.
Where does seborrheic dermatitis appear?: It affects oily areas: the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, behind the ears, the middle of the chest and skin folds. In babies it shows on the scalp as cradle cap.
Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?: No. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?: It is a long-term condition that tends to come and go, but it can usually be controlled with regular use of medicated shampoos and other treatments a doctor recommends.
How is scalp psoriasis different from seborrheic dermatitis?: Scalp psoriasis usually forms thicker, well-defined, silvery-white scaly patches that can extend past the hairline, while seborrheic dermatitis has thinner, greasy, yellowish scales. A dermatologist can tell them apart.

Sources

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