Seborrheic Dermatitis or Psoriasis?

Hello Dr,

I am a 29 year old male who developed scalp flaking problem last year. My doc diagnosed it as seborrheic dematitis but didn’t rule out psoriasis also. At that point there were no symptoms on my joints.

For the last 1.5 months I’ve again developed the flaking problem. I went to the local physician and he gave me Fluocinolone acetonide to apply locally. It aggravated my condition (lots of itching and more flaking). I discontinued the medicine but around 2 days back I noticed red spots (small swellings) on my left elbow and knee. Is this a sign of psoriasis? Do the shampoos that work for seborrheic dermatitis also work for psoriasis? Any other treatment or self care that I should be doing?

I am going to visit a dermatologist soon. The current situation is causing a lot of mental anxiety within me.

Thanks a lot

I really couldn’t tell you what you have without an examination, but psoriasis may start off with red areas on the skin leading to flaking and eruptions. These red areas, when they impact the scalp that is covered by hair, may not show up well. There is a fine line in the diagnosis between seborrhea (also known as dandruff) and psoriasis at times. I realize you are looking for help and anxious about your problems, but you are doing the right thing by making an appointment with a dermatologist.