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Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff
Are you one of the millions of people who have seborrheic dermatitis? This common condition affects over 11% of the United States population, resulting in millions of people suffering from dry, itchy scalps and irritated, flakey skin.
At Brentwood Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are passionate about helping people find relief with personalized seborrheic dermatitis treatment plans. Learn more about seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff by reading our guide below, and contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that typically causes red, itchy skin and flakey, scaly patches on the scalp, which is why it’s often referred to as “dandruff.” However, seborrheic dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body, especially in areas that tend to be more oily.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone at any age, though it’s more common in infants between 2 months and 12 months of age, as well as adults aged 30 to 60. When infants have seborrheic dermatitis, it’s referred to as “cradle cap.” And when adults have seborrheic dermatitis, the condition typically comes and goes in flare-ups.
Seborrheic Dermatitis FAQs
Currently, researchers are unsure of what exactly causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. From what has been gathered about the condition, it seems to be caused by a combination of several factors, including genes, stress, the yeast that lives on our skin, and living in a dry, cold climate.
Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Flakey, scaly patches of skin that look greasy or moist and may be yellowish in color.
- Irritated patches of skin that are red underneath.
- Areas of scaly skin that sheds yellow or white flakes.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit one of our board-certified dermatologists for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
Yes, scalp psoriasis and dandruff are different, and it’s important to distinguish between the two for the most effective treatment. Dandruff results from oily, itchy, irritated skin that flakes off on your scalp, and it often comes and goes over time.
On the other hand, scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that results in chronic red, scaly patches, which may flake off similar to dandruff. Psoriasis on the scalp is often more scaly rather than flaky, and it can spread past the hairline to the forehead, back of the neck, or around your ears.
Dandruff and dry scalp can both produce flakes that shed from the scalp, but different things cause them. Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil production, usually due to seborrheic dermatitis that causes red, oily, scaly skin on the scalp. Dry scalp is exactly what it sounds like – an overly dry scalp that causes dry, flaky skin.
Furthermore, the symptoms of these two conditions are a bit different as well. Dandruff produces large, oily flakes that may be off-white or yellow in color. Flakes from dry scalp are small and white.
The most common dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis treatment simply uses an at-home treatment method, such as anti-dandruff shampoo. Furthermore, changing your shampoo and washing your hair less may help mitigate the issue.
If at-home seborrheic dermatitis treatments are not effective at alleviating your symptoms, it’s best to visit an experienced board-certified dermatologist for a professional diagnosis and treatment.
Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff
Schedule Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment at Brentwood Dermatology
If you are wondering how to get rid of dandruff or need a professional evaluation to determine if you have seborrheic dermatitis, get in touch with the team of board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology! We’re ready to help you find must-needed relief from itchy dandruff.
Schedule your seborrheic dermatitis treatment in Brentwood, Tennessee, by requesting an appointment online or by calling (615) 377-3448.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615.377.3448.