Comparing Common Skin Conditions: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Are you always dealing with rashes on your skin that come and go? Perhaps you have an itch that won't go away.

It can sometimes be tricky to tell one skin condition apart from another, but it's an important step. While chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are common, they're often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Because many of these skin issues share overlapping symptoms, getting the correct diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment and long-term relief.

It's also important to recognize that skin conditions don't always look the same on every skin type. For instance, symptoms may present differently on darker skin than on lighter skin.

This guide aims to break down the most common chronic skin conditions, including their signs, possible causes, and best management options.

Table of Contents:

• Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema, & Other Skin Conditions
• Causes & Triggers of Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema
• How Skin Type Affects These Conditions
• Management Options for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema
• Expert-Backed Tips & Dermatologist Insights
• Common Mistakes that Can Worsen These Skin Conditions
• The Dermazen Solution to Flaky, Irritated Skin

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Eczema, & Other Skin Conditions

Let's explore some of the most common skin diseases and their symptoms.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, sometimes called seborrheic eczema, is another prevalent inflammatory skin condition affecting infants and adults. A fungus called Malassezia is thought to be one of the main causes of seborrheic dermatitis.

This condition is called cradle cap in infants. It's temporary, typically clears up on its own, and is unlikely to cause distress or discomfort to the baby.

On the other hand, seborrheic dermatitis can often relapse in adults. In fact, it is one skin condition with a high likelihood of reducing a person's quality of life.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include dry, itchy, red, flaky, and inflamed skin. It most often affects areas of the body rich in sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance known as sebum. The most commonly affected sites include the face and scalp [1]. It can also appear on skin folds on the back or the chest [2].

In more serious cases, seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp might contribute to hair loss.

If you'd like to learn more about seborrheic dermatitis, feel free to read our complete guide about it.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that usually begins in childhood but can affect people of any age. It is thought to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors [3].

Atopic dermatitis can lead to dry and itchy skin. The affected areas may be red, crusty, or flaky. The severity of symptoms may also vary. Some may only notice small, itchy patches of skin, while others may experience widespread inflammation and itching.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your skin cells multiply too quickly. This happens when the body's immune system attacks its own skin cells [4].

There are several types of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Each type has its own set of symptoms.

The most prevalent type of psoriasis, which is plaque psoriasis, can cause itchy, dry, and scaly patches that typically appear on the elbow, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Similarities between Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema

All three skin disorders have overlapping signs that often make it tricky to pinpoint precisely which condition you're dealing with.

Some similarities between the three include the following:

• Causes inflammation and disruptions to the skin barrier

• Can lead to itching, flaking, or scaly skin

• May worsen due to climate change or harsh skin products

• Are long-term skin diseases that can come and go repeatedly

Are These Skin Conditions Connected?

Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema may share some similarities in how they present. For instance, they can cause red, inflamed, itchy, and flaky skin.

However, these skin conditions aren't strongly connected.

Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. Both eczema and seborrheic dermatitis fall under the same broad umbrella of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of skin conditions involving an inflammatory reaction in the skin.

Psoriasis, however, doesn't fall under this same categorization. It is an autoimmune condition that leads to rapid skin cell turnover and tends to cause thicker, silvery plaques.

So, while eczema and seborrheic dermatitis may be loosely related in terms of classification, psoriasis is a separate condition with a completely different underlying mechanism.

Differences between Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema

Understanding the distinctions between these skin conditions is important because each responds best to different treatments and management strategies.

The table below summarizes some of the main differences between seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

Other Common Skin Conditions

Apart from seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, the following are other common skin conditions.

• Contact Dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by contact with allergens or irritants, which leads to dry, cracked, flaky, or scaly skin. This allergic reaction of the skin can also cause rashes, hives, blisters, and skin ulceration. While not serious, it can be uncomfortable and itchy.

• Dandruff is a mild, non-inflammatory condition that causes white flakes and itching on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard. It is similar to seborrheic dermatitis but less severe.

• Acne is a common condition that causes pimples, blackheads, or cysts to form on the face, chest, or back. It's not harmful, but it can impact self-esteem and may lead to scarring.

• Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folicululitis) is a fungal infection that causes itchy, small pimples of the same size to appear in clusters on the face, chest, or back. It's caused by the Malassezia fungus getting trapped inside damaged or blocked hair follicles [5]. So while it looks similar to regular acne, it requires a different treatment approach.

• Tinea (Ringworm) is a contagious fungal infection that presents as red, scaly, itchy rashes on various body parts. It spreads through skin contact or sharing personal belongings like towels and clothes.

• Pityriasis Versicolor (Tinea Versicolor) is a superficial fungal infection also caused by the Malassezia fungus. It can lead to discolored, sometimes itchy patches, especially on oily areas like the chest and back [6].

• Rosacea is a chronic condition marked by facial redness, visible blood vessels, bumps on the face, and sometimes eye irritation. This skin condition is fairly common and is estimated to affect over 14 million people in the United States [7].

Causes & Triggers of Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema

Now that we've explored the differences in symptoms and presentation of the most common skin conditions, let's dive deeper into the possible causes and risk factors of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

While more research is being conducted to confirm the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis, scientists believe a fungus known as Malassezia plays a significant role. This fungus normally resides on your skin without causing harm, but an overgrowth of Malassezia may lead to symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis [8].

Several factors can increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis. These include:

• Seasonal changes or cold, dry weather

• Long-term stress or fatigue

• Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease

• A weakened immune system

• Having naturally oily skin

Additionally, people with brown or black skin, particularly African American and West African individuals, may be more prone to seborrheic dermatitis due to factors such as: [9]

• Wearing tightly coiled hairstyles

• Using scalp oils or pomades

• Wearing hair extensions

• Washing hair less frequently

These practices can worsen symptoms by encouraging the growth of Malassezia yeast. This then triggers irritation or inflammation of the skin.

Causes of Eczema

Scientists are still trying to figure out the exact mechanism behind this condition. However, they've found that a mix of both environmental and genetic factors can disrupt the skin's barrier function and immune system, leading to eczema symptoms.

Eczema is not contagious, but this skin condition can be passed down from parents to their children. Atopic dermatitis is part of the "atopic triad," including hay fever and asthma. If one parent is atopic, there's a 50% chance for their children to develop atopic symptoms. If both parents are atopic, this likelihood goes up to 80% [10].

Risk factors of adult eczema flares include:

• Environmental triggers, such as cold or dry weather

• Environmental allergens, including pollen, dust, and dust mites

• Common irritants like dish soap and detergent

• Harsh ingredients in skin and hair products, like dyes or fragrances

• Certain types of clothing, like those made of wool

Causes of Psoriasis

When the immune system makes a mistake, the immune cells attack the body's skin cells, leading to symptoms of psoriasis [11]. The reason why this happens isn't fully understood.

Certain triggers can cause psoriasis to appear for the first time or recur. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these common triggers include the following: [12]

• Emotional stress

• Skin injuries like sunburn

• Tobacco

• Heavy drinking

• Certain medications

• Cold and dry weather

How Skin Type Affects These Conditions

Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis can also manifest differently depending on skin color and complexion.

Let's look at how these skin diseases commonly appear in people with brown or black skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may differ based on the color of your skin. In black people, seborrheic dermatitis may lead to the following symptoms: [13]

• Hypopigmentation (lighter patches) or skin discoloration

• Greasy and scaly patches of skin that appear lighter in color

• Less distinct inflammation or redness

• Affected areas commonly involve the hairline

Eczema

Eczema can appear quite differently on darker skin tones than lighter ones, sometimes making diagnosis more difficult or delayed.

Some key differences include the following: [14]

• Patches are dark brown, gray, or purple rather than red.

• There is a greater likelihood of experiencing hyperpigmentation (darker spots) or hypopigmentation (lighter patches) in the affected areas.

• The thickening and hardening of the skin is often more pronounced.

• Papulation, which refers to the formation of papular lesions or small bumps on the skin, is more likely to occur.

• Eczema is more likely to appear on the outer areas of the elbows, knees, and front of the arms and legs in people with darker skin tones. In contrast, it more often appears on the flexural areas (like the inner elbows and backs of the knees) in people with lighter skin tones.

Psoriasis

On dark brown or black skin, you may notice these differences in symptoms of psoriasis: [15]

• Skin discoloration, which includes hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation of the skin

• Less obvious redness or inflammation, which may instead appear more purplish than red

• Thicker plaques affecting a larger area of the skin

Recognizing these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. This is why it's important to be aware of how these different skin conditions can appear across various skin tones.

Management Options for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema

Although seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis may share similar symptoms, their underlying causes differ. Essentially, your management plan must be tailored to the specific condition to be effective.

In this section, we'll explore how each condition can be treated and what options might work best depending on your symptoms and skin type.

Management and Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Treatment:

Topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole, are usually included in the treatment plan. These come in the form of an ointment or cream that will be applied to the skin. There are also medicated shampoos that are designed to control seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend corticosteroid creams to help soothe the inflammation and itch.

Natural Remedies:

The following natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis may help reduce symptoms and alleviate flare-ups:

• Sea salt, which can help relieve itchy, flaky, and inflamed skin

• Manuka honey to soothe and nourish the skin

• Tea tree oil to reduce symptoms such as scaling, itching, greasy crusts, and redness [16]

• MCT oil, which helps to combat the overgrowth of Malassezia

• Apple cider vinegar, due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties

• Aloe vera to calm and hydrate the skin

If you're looking for a holistic, all-in-one solution, the Calming Seborrheic Serum may fit the bill. It contains some of the ingredients listed above. These ingredients work together to reduce symptoms, clear the fungus, and nourish your skin, thus providing relief from seborrheic dermatitis.

Lifestyle Changes:

Your lifestyle also plays a role in determining how frequent and severe your flare-ups are.

These lifestyle modifications are effective for many people in preventing flare-ups:

• Building an effective stress management routine

• Practicing good sleep hygiene and getting enough quality sleep

• Maintaining a balanced diet and scheduling exercise into your routine

• Avoiding harsh hair products or chemicals on the affected area (e.g., styling gels and creams)

Management and Treatment of Eczema

Treatment:

Medications that are commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis include:

• Topical steroids to help control flare-ups and combat inflammation.

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors for more sensitive parts of the body (e.g., face and groin area)

• Antihistamines to relieve itching

Natural Remedies:

The following alternative therapies may help reduce symptoms and manage an eczema flare-up:

• Colloidal oatmeal, which is usually found in creams, shampoos, moisturizing creams, and shaving gel [2]

• Tea tree oil to calm and soothe itchy and inflamed skin [17]

• Manuka honey for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties

Lifestyle Changes:

Certain lifestyle changes can help provide relief and improve skin health. These include the following:

• To prevent the skin from drying out, apply an emollient twice daily within three minutes of getting out of a bath or shower.

• You can look out for triggers that might be responsible for flare-ups, such as wool clothing or contact with dust and pollen. Identifying these triggers will make them easier to avoid later.

• If needed, try to reduce habitual scratching. Wear light clothing over the affected areas of the body, and keeping your nails short and trimmed can help reduce damage from scratching.

Management and Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatment

There is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are medications to help relieve symptoms.

Common topical medications and remedies include emollients, corticosteroids, and vitamin D creams [18].

Oral medications may be prescribed if you need a stronger medication that works throughout the body, as psoriasis may also affect the joints. In this case, your doctor may recommend a medication like a retinoid, methotrexate, or cyclosporine [18].

Light therapy is another management option to consider for psoriasis.

Natural Remedies:

Other alternative therapies for psoriasis include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and aloe vera. These are said to be beneficial for managing psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation also notes that supplements such as vitamin D, fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may help in the management of this skin condition [19].

Lifestyle Changes:

Reducing your alcohol intake, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet are all lifestyle modifications that can help control psoriasis.

Expert-Backed Tips & Dermatologist Insights

It is important to turn to expert guidance when managing chronic skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Here is some key advice from top dermatology organizations and dermatologists:

• The American Academy of Dermatology advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist if you think you may have seborrheic dermatitis. Many skin conditions can appear similar, such as rosacea or psoriasis. Only a professional can give you an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. [20].

• The National Eczema Association emphasizes the importance of identifying your triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine for eczema, including regular bathing and moisturizing. They also recommend using over-the-counter or prescription medications as directed and watching closely for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus-filled bumps, or warmth in the affected area. You should seek medical attention promptly if you notice such symptoms. [21].

• The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) and the American Academy of Dermatology released updated psoriasis management guidelines between 2019 and 2020, marking the first major update in a decade [22]. These guidelines highlight that topical treatments remain the standard for mild to moderate psoriasis and are often used alongside phototherapy or other oral medications. Alternative medicine isn't typically part of conventional care, but it may be considered by some patients seeking complementary approaches [23].

So, if you aren't sure of the cause of your symptoms or the best management approach, it's always best to seek advice from a trained medical professional.

Common Mistakes that Can Worsen These Skin Conditions

While some home remedies and DIY treatments may seem helpful, certain practices can actually irritate the skin further or worsen fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Here are some common mistakes that people make when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis and other skin conditions:

• Applying coconut oil on seborrheic dermatitis: Coconut oil may feed the Malassezia yeast, potentially worsening symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and fungal acne.

• Overwashing or scrubbing the skin: Frequent or harsh washing can strip the skin's natural barrier, leading to more inflammation. Contrary to popular belief, seborrheic dermatitis and eczema aren't due to poor hygiene, so overwashing the affected skin will cause more harm than good.

• Using undiluted essential oils: If you wish to apply essential oils to your skin, dilute them first with a safe carrier oil or water. Applying essential oils undiluted can increase your risk of skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

• Applying heavy ointments or petroleum jelly: These can trap heat and moisture, exacerbating fungal growth and clogging pores.

• Self-diagnosing and misusing medicated creams: Using corticosteroids or antifungals without guidance may mask symptoms or lead to long-term issues.

• Ignoring potential triggers: Stress, poor diet, and harsh skin and hair care products can all trigger flare-ups but are often overlooked.

The Dermazen Solution to Flaky, Irritated Skin

Finding the right products for seborrheic dermatitis can feel overwhelming, especially when so many common remedies end up doing more harm than good. Oils and rich moisturizers that seem soothing at first can actually feed Malassezia, the yeast linked to flare-ups, worsening symptoms over time.

At Dermazen, we understand the frustration because we’ve lived it too. That’s why we created a complete line of products specifically designed for individuals affected by seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, with no guessing and no risky ingredients involved.

Our line includes:

• Calming Seborrheic Serum: This all-in-one serum targets the root causes of seborrheic dermatitis by disrupting the Malassezia biofilm, reducing flakes, calming redness, and soothing itchiness. Suitable for the face, scalp, and body, it can be left on for a few hours or overnight for maximum relief.

• Soothing Malassezia Moisturizer: This is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates deeply while calming irritation and redness. Formulated with MCT oil, niacinamide, frankincense essential oil, and aloe vera, it's ideal for sensitive, flake-prone skin and safe for those with Malassezia-related conditions.

• Purifying Facial Cleanser: This gentle cleanser removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can fuel fungal growth. Infused with papaya, willow bark, witch hazel, and squalane, it helps prevent flare-ups and soothes irritated skin, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive skin.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing this condition for years, our products are formulated with purpose and backed by science. If you're ready for a gentler, more effective approach to managing seborrheic dermatitis, feel free to check us out.