It might involve flakes, but scalp psoriasis is an altogether different beast. Find out why with our guide to this rarer genetic condition.
If you have flakes, an itchy and red scalp, it could be one of the following conditions, from most to least common:
- dandruff
- seborrheic dermatitis
- scalp psoriasis
If you’ve ruled out the first two by using an anti-dandruff shampoo, or seborrheic dermatitis shampoo, it could be psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis is a fairly rare genetic condition that affects around 3% of the world’s population.
Some symptoms are similar to dandruff: as the body’s cells increase their turnover speed, the build-up of flakes can be mistaken for dandruff.
But there are a few important differences to keep in mind:
- Redness at the hairline – you might notice this on your forehead, or around your sideburns
- Flakes tend to be silvery – they can also be greasier than dandruff flakes
- Patches of scales – the red patches associated with scalp psoriasis are often covered in scale-like patches of dead skin
- Other parts of the body can be affected – unlike dandruff, you may get psoriasis on other parts of your body, like your hands and face
What to do about scalp psoriasis
If you’ve already ruled out dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis by using an anti-dandruff shampoo for 2-3 weeks, see your doctor or a dermatologist who will be able to prescribe a solution for your psoriasis.
Find out more about scalp psoriasis
