Dandruff and Scalp Psoriasis Plaques: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur with dandruff or plaques:

Leading symptoms

  • Dandruff
  • Areal or plate-like substance proliferation of the skin (= plaque) > 1.0 cm

Note: A mycotic (“fungal”) rash is more likely to be asymmetric and have scaly raised edges

Associated symptoms

  • Pruritus (itching)

Warning signs (red flags)

  • Anamnestic information:
    • Children/adolescents + symmetrical scaly rash interspersed with rhagades (narrow, cleft-like tears in the skin) + localization: soles of feet → think: Dermatitis plantaris sicca
    • Age (> 40 years) + single scaly focal area on face, hand, or leg that grows slowly → think of: Bowen’s disease (Bowen’s disease).
  • Joint problems (20-80% of cases) + possibly nail changes (10-55% of cases; dimpled or spotted nails: pinhead-sized retractions, filled with scales; oil spots: yellowish discoloration) → think of: Psoriasis (psoriasis).
  • Erythroderma (redness of the entire skin due toinflammatory reactions and vasodilatation; consequence is a loss of fluid, electrolytes and protein) → Immediate hospital treatment required! (due toDanger to life)
  • Redness of palms and soles, possibly also light to brown-red, blotchy exanthema (rash) on the whole body, without pruritus (itching) + fever + sore throat + lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes) + general feeling of illness → think of: Syphilis (secondary stage; venereal disease).