Scalp eczema and scalp psoriasis are common skin disorders that affect the scalp. The distinctions between scalp eczema and psoriasis will be obvious to a professional dermatologist. With a professional assessment, your dermatologist can distinguish between the two disorders.
The appearance of the rash, the itching it causes, and the source of the rash, if known, are some of the significant distinctions between scalp eczema and psoriasis on head. In addition to comparing and contrasting scalp psoriasis and eczema, this article will review their causes, scalp psoriasis symptoms, and treatments.
The Key Differences Between Scalp Eczema & Psoriasis
Scalp eczema and psoriasis are two distinct scalp conditions. The key differences between eczema and psoriasis are listed below:
Symptom Comparison
Scalp Eczema: One of the signs of scalp eczema is the patient’s dry and itchy scalp with dandruff-like (dry or greasy) flakes that fall off during the scratching. Additionally, a person may feel pain due to excessive scratching, leading to mild bleeding and scab formation. There is an intense urge to itch in this condition.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis leads to coarse scaling on the scalp with a crust-like plaque that may occur in patches or cover the entire scalp. The scalp skin may peel from different areas with clearly visible changes in the scalp. In psoriasis, you may feel the urge to itch occasionally, coupled with a stinging sensation.
Their Appearance on the Scalp
Scalp Eczema: There may also be greasiness on their scalp with changes in the color of the scalp due to irritation. Scalp eczema often manifests as dry, scaly skin with red (on lighter skin) or gray areas on darker skin.
Psoriasis: The characteristic appearance and texture of psoriasis are that of thick white scales with a silvery sheen. Psoriasis often manifests as thick layers with clearer margins.
Causes of and Triggers of Scalp Eczema vs Psoriasis On Head
Scalp Eczema: According to studies, a gene mutation that makes the skin more prone to dryness, irritants, and allergens may be present in those with scalp eczema. Some of the other causes include:
- Medical problems like Parkinson’s disease and HIV
- Hormone alterations
- Weather variations, family history, and genetics, as well as fragrances, detergents, and skin care products
- Food allergies or hay fever
- Stress-related causes can worsen or trigger the condition
- Substances, including nickel and latex, as well as several drugs
- Harsh chemicals, pollution, tobacco smoke, the cold, and other environmental conditions
Psoriasis: The most common cause of scalp psoriasis symptoms is aberrant immune system behavior, which leads to an overproduction of skin cells. These surplus cells accumulate on the scalp’s surface because the body is not able to shed them efficiently. Some of the causes and risks factors are:
- HIV infections and infections caused by streptococcal bacteria may trigger
- Certain medicines
- Stress
- Cold, dry weather
- Chain smoking
- Excessive Alcohol consumption
- Genetics
So, these are the major difference between eczema and psoriasis on head. Understanding scalp psoriasis vs eczema differences is important to help you pick the suitable treatment for each condition. Now, let’s explore how to diagnose scalp psoriasis vs scalp eczema on head.
How to Diagnose Scalp Eczema or Psoriasis?
If you’re looking for a way to diagnose scalp psoriasis vs scalp eczema, this section will help you. Here’s what you need to do:
- At-Home Self-Examination: The first step for eczema or psoriasis on scalp diagnosis is to observe the symptoms and check which condition they resemble the most. This will help you get an edge over the scalp condition with home remedies and provide some relief.
- Visit a Dermatologist: The most reliable way to diagnose scalp eczema vs psoriasis on head is by consulting a dermatologist. They can examine and run specific tests to determine whether it is a psoriasis or eczema scalp issue. After identifying scalp psoriasis vs eczema symptoms, a doctor can better suggest suitable eczema or psoriasis on scalp treatment.
No matter which scalp condition is diagnosed, taking scalp health supplements in combination with scalp eczema and scalp psoriasis treatment at home can provide the best results. You can take zinc tablets or pre and probiotic capsules to improve your scalp’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory abilities and provide relief.
Scalp Eczema and Scalp Psoriasis Treatment at Home With Natural Remedies
The home treatment options for eczema and psoriasis on the head can be divided into different categories: what you apply topically, what nutrients you need to eat, and medication & supplements.
Topical treatments for psoriasis and eczema on head are listed below:
- Aloe vera: It helps reduce inflammation and controls itching in oily dandruff.
- Capsaicin: Capsaicin compound is found in chilies. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and discoloration caused by psoriasis and itchiness.
- Castor oil: Castor oil is deeply nourishing and hydrating; using it in eczema and psoriasis can be deeply soothing for the eczema or scalp psoriasis.
- Zinc creams: Zinc-infused creams and ointments reduce inflammation and irritation on dry and flaky skin.
- Fatty Acid Supplements: Incorporating fatty acids into your diet can reduce skin inflammation and prevent skin triggers such as flakiness and irritation in psoriasis and itchiness. You can consume nuts and seeds and take omega 3 capsules for a convenient intake of fatty acids.
So, these are the highly effective home treatment options for psoriasis or eczema scalp conditions. Check the next section to prevent these skin issues from resurfacing.
Tips for Preventing Scalp Eczema and Psoriasis Flare-ups
Once you have successfully treated scalp eczema and psoriasis symptoms, it is essential to keep doing a number of things to avoid further triggers and flare-ups. These tips will help you:
- Reduce Stress: Stress is one of the leading causes of skin issue flare-ups. Combat stress to manage skin disorders as it can aggravate eczema and psoriasis.
- Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Use gentle, soothing, and hydrating cleansers such as biotin shampoo to boost scalp health and manage eczema or scalp psoriasis.
- Hydrate and Moisturize Scalp: Regularly hydrate and moisturize your scalp with emollient creams and oils such as castor, olive, etc.
- Incorporate Nutrient-Rich Foods: Finally, consume a well-balanced diet enriched with all the essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, healthy fats, vitamins, etc. If you can’t maintain a balanced diet, consider taking vitamin D3 tablets or multivitamins for all essential micronutrients.
Conclusion
Scalp eczema and psoriasis are two different skin issues that can make your scalp itchy and flaky and cause scalp discoloration and discomfort. While eczema causes intense itching, psoriasis is linked with occasional itching and scalp inflammation with peeling of skin. With home remedies, scalp health supplements and stress reduction these scalp issues can be managed. Seek a doctor’s help whenever you see the tell-tale signs of psoriasis or eczema before the problem gets worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I do scalp psoriasis treatment at home?
Ans. Using topical steroids, medicated shampoos, keeping the scalp well moisturized, following a healthy diet and managing weight, along with managing stress at home and at work, can help you deal with scalp psoriasis.
Q2. What is the treatment for scalp eczema on head?
Ans. You can use soothing or medicated shampoos, coconut oil, and emollient O-T-C creams, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle of no smoking, drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Q3. How will the doctor diagnose my scalp psoriasis?
Ans. Your dermatologist may examine your scalp while asking you a few routine questions about the condition. He/she may also perform a skin sample test for further diagnosis.
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