Seborrheic dermatitis shares many symptoms with dandruff. Find out what they are and how you can easily treat it.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a scalp condition similar to dandruff as they share common signs. These include:
- flakes
- itching
- irritation
- redness
Both conditions are caused by the naturally occurring microbe species on the scalp called Malassezia.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS AND DANDRUFF
Seborrheic dermatitis is essentially an extreme form of dandruff, which means its symptoms are much more severe.
SYMPTOMS OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
You may experience one or more of the following:
- severe flakes adhered to the scalp (also called “scaling”)
- yellowish flake scales that can be oily
- inflamed areas on the scalp
- symptoms occurring on other body areas, like the face, chest, or back
POPULAR TREATMENTS FOR SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
If you are diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, your doctor can advise you on which treatment is best for you. They typically manage the condition with treatment that reduces the level of skin yeast – these include medicated shampoos, which can be used safely on a long-term basis. They may also prescribe mild topical steroid treatments for short periods to resolve irritation.
TREATING TOUGH DANDRUFF
Remember, it’s easy to confuse the condition with dandruff. So first, try a proven dandruff shampoo with a dandruff-fighting active ingredient, like Head & Shoulders Classic Clean, which has been proven effective on dandruff in clinical studies.
And if that doesn’t work, try something specifically designed for more stubborn dandruff like our Clinically Proven Solutions shampoo.
The shampoo is tough on flakes, while providing instant relief from scalp scratching. It leaves your scalp feeling calmed and comfortable, and your hair smelling fresh and clean, with no evidence of flakes.1
If you use the product exclusively for two to three weeks and you’re still experiencing issues, visit your doctor or dermatologist – they’ll be able to identify if it is seborrheic dermatitis (or even something else like scalp psoriasis) and prescribe the right treatment.
1 Visible flakes from 2 ft. with regular use