Seborrheic Dermatitis Vs. Dandruff: Major Differences And Tips

Understand the differences between the two to tackle the concerns at their source.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rinky Kapoor, MBBS, DDV, MD

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is the co-founder and director of The Esthetic Clinics and has 12 years of experience as a cosmetic dermatologist. She is also the co-founder of a patented FDA approved hair rejuvenating therapy - QR678 Neo. She is fellowsh... more

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• Feb 4, 2024

Seborrheic Dermatitis Vs. Dandruff: Major Differences And Tips

Seborrheic dermatitis vs. dandruff – how can you differentiate between the two? Both are characterized by white or yellow flakes on your scalp that could be both oily and dry. But there are certain differences. Dandruff is restricted to the scalp and occurs without inflammation (1). Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp along with the face and other parts of the body and causes inflammation. Keep reading to know further about these differences.

In This Article

Seborrheic Dermatitis And Dandruff – Explained

Seborrheic dermatitis is skin inflammation that manifests as scaly patches and itchy skin. It is the result of an allergy or an autoimmune response. It tends to occur in areas with numerous sebaceous glands. The flakes are usually yellow to gray, and are easily detachable and greasy. This condition affects both adults (11%) and infants (70%).

Seborrheic dermatitis is often confused with rosacea, psoriasis, erythrasma, atopic and contact dermatitis, and tinea capitis (ringworm fungal infection of the scalp) (2). This condition is not contagious.

Dandruff is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting a majority of the global population. It is also characterized by big or small, light yellow or white skin flakes and an itchy scalp. While it does appear to be similar to seborrheic dermatitis, both conditions have certain differences. We will explore the same in the upcoming section.

Major Differences Between Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Dandruff

Causes: Fungal infection of the scalp, dry or cold season/climate, stress, irritated or oily skin, dirty scalp, dry skin, and allergies to certain hair products.

Symptoms: Light yellow or white flakes, itchy scalp, scaly and crusty scalp, and white flakes on shoulders.

Areas Affected: Only the scalp.

Risk Factors: Most common in teenagers. Parkinson’s disease and HIV may also increase the risk of dandruff. This condition can persist for life if not treated in time.

Treatment: Anti-dandruff shampoos with selenium sulfide area common treatment. One may also use zinc pyrithione shampoos (antifungal). Ketoconazole can also be used to kill the dandruff-causing fungus. Salicylic acid is another effective treatment. However, in some cases, salicylic acid with an anti-dandruff shampoo can aggravate the condition.

Talk to a dermatologist for the right course of treatment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Causes: Stress, hereditary factors, dry skin, dry season, compromised immunity, and inflammatory reactions to excess Malassezia yeast (an organism that normally lives on the skin’s surface). The overgrowth of Malassezia can trigger the immune system to overreact, leading to seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms: Crusty yellow, gray, or brown greasy scales that are more prominent than dandruff.

Areas Affected: Chest, face, eyebrows, behind the ears, eyelids, sides of the nose, around the navel, under the arms, knee folds, groin area, below the breasts, and buttocks.

Risk Factors: Age, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, acne, depression, alcoholism, eating disorders, heart ailments, and epilepsy.

Treatment: Your doctor might ask for your medical history and scrape out the flakes to rule out psoriasis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis or eczema, and systemic lupus erythematous. They might also prescribe over-the-counter shampoos with coal tar, selenium sulfide, Ketoconazole, Salicylic acid, Selenium sulfide, or Zinc pyrithione.

On another note, diet might also play a role in causing seborrheic dermatitis. A study aiming to identify the impact of diet on seborrheic dermatitis was conducted on 4379 adults of which 636 individuals experienced this skin condition. A comparison was made between the Western, fat-rich, fruit-based diet. The fruit diet decreased the risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis by 25% while the Western diet posed a 47% increased risk of the condition.

Regular exposure to the sun may also help reduce the condition. Anti-fungal ointments, corticosteroid lotions, and sulfur products might also be prescribed.

Takeaway: Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are both skin conditions with similar symptoms. However, seborrheic dermatitis is more severe and affects other body parts apart from the scalp. People with compromised immunity, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s are more vulnerable to these skin conditions.

Trivia

Seborrheic dermatitis of the infant’s scalp is called “cradle cap.” This is characterized by crusty, oily, thick, and stubborn white or yellow scales that are not itchy or painful. They may last a few months, or until the age of 2 to 3, and disappear by themselves.

Preventive measures for seborrheic dermatitis are yet to be studied. However, you can reduce the risk of dandruff by following certain tips.

At-Home Tips To Reduce Dandruff

Apply coconut oil to the scalp. Massage well and leave it on for 40 minutes before washing your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Mix coconut oil and diluted lime juice (1 teaspoon of lime juice and 4 teaspoons of water). Dip a cotton ball into this mixture and apply to your scalp. Leave it on for 40 minutes. Wash off with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 500 ml of water. Use it as the final rinse after washing your hair.
Do not tie your hair when it is wet.
Clean your hair brush every week.
Change your pillow covers every week.

If the above-mentioned tips fail to work, here are some natural ingredients that can help reduce seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Find out more below.

Natural Remedies For Seborrheic Dermatitis And Dandruff

Natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff include:

Tea Tree Oil: Research suggests that tea tree oil may help reduce fungal growth, itchiness, and greasiness associated with these conditions (3). Ensure that you dilute it in a carrier oil before application.
Aloe Vera: The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of aloe vera may help combat dryness and inflammation associated with these dry scalp conditions (4).
Dietary Adjustments: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants may boost the body’s defenses against skin conditions by reducing the intake of inflammatory foods (5).

Natural remedies may not provide the relief you were looking for and may further exacerbate the symptoms. Check out the next section to know when to consult a doctor for treatment.

Quick Tip

Topical scalp care products containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole may help reduce dandruff and keep it at bay (6).

When To See A Doctor?

Visit a doctor as soon as you observe the symptoms. They can help diagnose your issue – dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Both are a recurring nuisance and may lower one’s self-esteem. While most anti-dandruff shampoos are effective, they may aggravate the condition at times. Seeking the ideal treatment right at the beginning can limit the spread and boost recovery.

The difference between seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff can be easily made out, although some of their symptoms look similar. While dandruff occurs only on the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis (an inflammatory condition) occurs on other parts of the body too, like the chest, face, buttocks, and knee folds, along with the scalp. These skin conditions are more common in infants, teens, and older adults and could hint at high stress levels or a pre-existing medical condition. While dandruff can be treated with anti-dandruff shampoos and some home remedies, seborrheic dermatitis needs a medical examination to discover possible underlying conditions. So, consult your doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you scrape off seborrheic dermatitis?

No. Never scratch or scrape off the scaly skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This may wound the skin and lead to infection.

What happens if seborrheic dermatitis is left untreated?

If you leave seborrheic dermatitis untreated, the scales may grow thicker, harden, and turn yellowish and greasy, thus leading to a secondary infection.

How long does it take for seborrheic dermatitis to go away?

Seborrheic dermatitis flares can go away within 3-4 weeks if treated properly. Sometimes, some flares disappear by themselves. However, it is a chronic condition, and these scales may recur.

Is seborrheic dermatitis bumpy?

Yes. Seborrheic dermatitis can make the skin bumpy, greasy, scaly, and itchy.

Is seborrheic dermatitis caused by a fungus?

Yes. Seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia yeast.

Is tea tree oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes. Tea tree oil has shown positive results in treating seborrheic dermatitis (2). However, never use it without consulting the doctor as improper use of essential oils may further irritate inflamed skin.

Key Takeaways

Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition, affects the body and scalp, forming yellow-gray flakes.
Dandruff, a non-inflammatory skin condition, affects only the scalp forming white-light yellow flakes paired with itchiness.
The causes, symptoms, and risk factors of both these conditions vary.
While dandruff is treated with anti-dandruff shampoos, seborrheic dermatitis is treated with OTC shampoos containing coal tar, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.

This illustrative video will help you differentiate between dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Watch the video as it demystifies the causes behind these skin conditions and their symptoms as well as provides practical recommendations for managing each affliction.

Sources

References

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