Are cradle cap and psoriasis the same condition or different?
Cradle cap and psoriasis are different conditions, though they can look similar and may be confused with each other, especially in babies.
Cradle cap is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema) that commonly affects infants. It causes flaking Show Full Answer
Are cradle cap and psoriasis the same condition or different?
Cradle cap and psoriasis are different conditions, though they can look similar and may be confused with each other, especially in babies.
Cradle cap is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema) that commonly affects infants. It causes flaking, itching, and crusting of the scalp.
Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an immune-related condition where skin cells build up too quickly, creating thick, scaly plaques. In babies, psoriasis plaques on the scalp can be mistaken for cradle cap because they may look similar from a distance.
However, there are key differences:
* Psoriasis scales tend to be thicker with more defined edges
* Psoriasis scales are typically silvery or gray in color
* Cradle cap flakes are usually thinner, yellow or white, with less-defined edges
Because these conditions can look alike in infants, pediatricians often treat for cradle cap first. If the skin doesn't clear up after initial treatment, a pediatric dermatologist can help determine if it's actually psoriasis.
The good news is that many treatments for cradle cap and psoriasis are similar, so getting the exact diagnosis right away may not be critical while your baby is very young.
April 2
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