Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Differences, Symptoms, and How to Treat Them

12 January 2026 3 min read

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are two skin conditions that cause redness, dryness, and itching. They also have similar forms and symptoms, making them sometimes difficult to distinguish. So, what's the difference? Find out in this article.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, seborrhea, seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic psoriasis, is a skin condition that causes rashes, itching, and scaling. In people with light skin, this condition causes redness; while in people with darker skin, seborrheic dermatitis causes patches.

This skin condition is caused by the yeast Malassezia, excess sebum (oil) on the skin, or disorders related to the immune system. It's important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis is not caused by allergies or poor hygiene. Seborrheic dermatitis is also not contagious from one person to another.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to grow up to 10 times faster than normal. This condition causes the skin to harden, become itchy, and develop a bumpy, scaly texture. Psoriasis typically appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Medical experts are still unsure of the exact cause of psoriasis. However, we believe it begins with an inflamed immune system. This inflammation causes cells to grow faster, which accumulates and creates scales on the skin. Like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis is not contagious from one person to another; although the disease tends to run in families.

Differences Between Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Based on the description above, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis both cause patches, scales, and itching on the skin, and are related to the sufferer's immune system. Beyond that, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can be differentiated by:

Their primary causes. Seborrheic dermatitis is generally caused by environmental factors, such as Malassezia yeast infections and excess sebum (oil) on the skin, or genetic factors. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is primarily caused by autoimmune conditions, in addition to environmental and genetic factors.

Symptoms: Seborrheic dermatitis presents with white, dandruff-like flakes or crusts, oily, yellow scales, changes in skin color and texture (which can become swollen), and a burning sensation. Psoriasis, on the other hand, presents with raised, bumpy, scaly patches, cracked and bleeding skin, dry skin, and silvery-white scales.

Where it appears. Seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on the scalp, while psoriasis can appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and even the lower back.
Triggers. Seborrheic dermatitis appears when the sufferer experiences stress, hormonal changes, exposure to chemicals, illness, exposure to solvents, exposure to harsh soaps or detergents, or dry weather. Psoriasis, on the other hand, appears when the sufferer experiences stress, skin injury, taking medications, or infection.
Risk factors. Seborrheic dermatitis most often occurs in adults, people over 50, and men. Psoriasis, on the other hand, occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 35 and can affect both men and women.
How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Due to the differences mentioned above, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis have relatively different treatment methods. Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is usually not too complicated, considering that this skin condition often resolves on its own. Some treatments that can be used to reduce this skin problem include using shampoos containing ketoconazole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione.

If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your face or body, you should keep the affected area clean. Wash the area with soap and clean water daily. Furthermore, staying outdoors and exposed to sunlight can also prevent the growth of Malassezia yeast. Don't forget to use antifungal products, corticosteroid lotions, and sulfur-based products.

How to Treat Psoriasis

Meanwhile, psoriasis treatment generally depends on the patient's condition. If a psoriasis sufferer visits a dermatologist, they will be given a recommended treatment plan based on the size and location of the lesions, age, overall health, and other factors.

Some psoriasis medication options include creams, methotrexate, retinoids, cyclosporine, biologic medications, non-biologic medications, and others.

This concludes our review of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, including their definitions, differences, and treatment processes. If you experience skin problems like the two examples above, or other skin problems, you can visit the Skin & Laser Clinic at Premier Bintaro Hospital. Our dermatologists, as well as subspecialists in aesthetic dermatology and dermatosurgery, are experienced in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a variety of skin problems, from medical conditions like acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis to aesthetic treatments like skin rejuvenation and scar removal.