It is often difficult to tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff. This is because both share similar symptoms such as itchy scalp and white flakes of dead skin cells. However, there is a difference between these two scalp problems and it’s important to know the difference in order to seek the correct treatment.

The first thing to note is that psoriasis may be the underlying cause of dandruff. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by immune system and a genetic predisposition to psoriasis. Quite often if a member of your family has psoriasis, you may have inherited the genes. However, not all people who have the psoriasis genes go on to develop psoriasis. People of any age can get psoriasis: children, teenagers, adults and older people. Psoriasis tends to affect males and females equally.

As mentioned, both scalp psoriasis and dandruff can cause similar symptoms. Scalp psoriasis can be triggered off by anything from cuts, abrasions, scratches and even sunburn. More often than not a flare up will happen in winter: the skin becomes flaky and dry because of a lack of natural sunlight. With scalp psoriasis, the patches are commonly seen on the back of the head but can be seen on other areas of the scalp or even cover the entire scalp. The psoriasis may not be confined just to the scalp. Scaly, silvery patches may appear on areas such as elbows, knees, lower back, groin and other body folds.

Dandruff, on the other hand, is primarily caused by naturally occurring fungus, the Malassezia yeast that feeds on the natural oils of the skin. This causes the skin to shed more quickly and to itch. Other possible causes of dandruff include not brushing hair regularly, not enough shampooing, dry skin, diet and stress. Mild dandruff often occurs after puberty, usually between 20-30 years, and tends to affect more men than women.

The treatments for both scalp psoriasis and dandruff tend to be similar. Treatments include using shampoos that contain coal tar and salicyclic acid or topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation. Since dandruff is caused by fungus, using an anti-fungal shampoo to inhibit the growth of the fungi usually does the trick.

The difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff is that scalp psoriasis may be more resistant to regular treatment. If specific shampoos or steroid creams do not work, then your physician may recommend exposure to ultraviolet light to help the skin repair itself. If this doesn’t work, then oral retinoids may be prescribed, but usually as a last resort.

Now you know that even though scalp psoriasis and dandruff look similar in appearance, there are different causes which may require slightly different treatments.

Having either scalp psoriasis or dandruff need not be the end of the world: there are a lot of effective products and help available. If you think you have scalp psoriasis or any other form of psoriasis, study the psoriasis symptoms and consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. You should be aware that as well as conventional treatments, there are also natural psoriasis treatments.

Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.

As a long term sufferer of psoriasis, I know what it can be like living with the disease. It effects each person differently and can make life hell for those who suffer with the worst symptoms. Common symptoms include flaky skin, red patches, itchiness and pain. Symptoms can come and go or they can be constant. Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis and it can take years to find a treatment that works to reduce your individual symptoms.

Prescription treatments have been scientifically researched and been through vigorous clinical trials to prove that they are safe and can have benefits. However, even the strongest medical treatments do not work for every victim of psoriasis. It is worthwhile looking for natural remedies that you can carry out at home using natural products. Although some people do have adverse reactions to natural products, these are rare and the benefits can be extraordinary.

Below are some of the natural remedies that psoriasis sufferers have tried and found to help them.

Food: Spices are known to have a healing effect and Chinese medicine makes use of a variety of natural products we would associate with food. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities that have been proven to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with psoriasis and can be taken with food or as a supplement. Unusual but effective, cabbage leaves which have had the large veins removed and been washed in purified water can be useful as a compress, reducing swelling and itchiness.

Oil: Natural oils that are derivatives of food and plants can have moisturising effects and help to reduce the flaky skin that most psoriasis victims suffer from. Olive oil, cashew nut oil, garlic oil and Aloe Vera can all ease symptoms when used regularly.

Natural Products: Substances that grow naturally but are not linked to food or plants can also have an effect. Sea salt can help to remove flaky skin cells and sterilise the affected areas. Salt is particularly effective when followed with the application of oil. Mud is also a natural remedy that has been known to draw toxins away from the affected area, cool itching and relieve swelling.

It is not guaranteed that any of these remedies will work for you, especially if you have extremely severe attacks of psoriasis. However, you may find that using oils and bathing in salt water will ease your symptoms at the least. There are other natural remedies being discovered all the time and many companies use them as the main ingredient in some of their products. Reading testaments from fellow sufferers will help to discover if any of these products could help you, just remember to keep seeking advice from your doctor and stop using any substance that has an adverse reaction. Your health and safety is the most important thing.

Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on Eczema and Psoriasis. Visit http://www.saponaqua.com today.