Psoriasis and seborrhea, also known as dandruff, have somewhat similar symptoms. Although both diseases can affect the scalp, they have differences in appearance, etiology, and while psoriasis can appear on various parts of the body, seborrhea breakouts are more confined.
Appearance
Psoriasis is marked by the appearance of raised red patches of skin that have silver scales and may bleed when they are removed. Seborrhea, MayoClinic.com explains, involves greasy red patches of skin that have yellow or white scales. The skin plaques formed by seborrhea often come off easily, without bleeding.
Location
Psoriasis can affect the elbows, knees, feet, and hands, leading to lesions in multiple areas. Psoriasis can also cause pitting of the nails. Seborrhea, on the other hand, is usually confined to the scalp, although it can also affect the eyebrows and facial hair, according to Psoriasis Rx.
Cause
Psoriasis is a disorder, which is caused by the immune system attacking skin cells, resulting in the cells dividing very rapidly, leading to raised portions of skin. It is not known what causes seborrhea, the American Academy of Family Physicians explains, though a yeast-like organism is known to play a pivotal role.
