Dandruff is typically characterized by large, oily flakes that are white or yellow and tend to stick to your hair or scalp. These flakes are often accompanied by a oily scalp, persistent itching, and sometimes redness. In more severe cases, scaly patches may appear.
``You should not force the flakes from the scalp, as this can cause trauma to your scalp.'' Scraping could cause more inflammation, bleeding and scabbing, and hair loss the derms warn.
Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff).
This shampoo is intended to kill dandruff-causing fungi that live on your scalp.
Unlike true dandruff flakes, however, the flakes associated with dry scalp tend to be smaller and whiter. Dandruff flakes are larger and may be yellow-tinged or look oily. While both dandruff and dry scalp tend to come and go, dandruff that is due to a fungal infection is unlikely to get better without treatment.
Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
Head & Shoulders is one of the best anti-dandruff shampoos you could use as it works wonders in removing dandruff in just one wash and prevents it from coming back too. We recommend Head and Shoulders Silky Black Shampoo which helps in fighting dry scalp and dandruff and re- moisturizes the hair.
Does Hot Water Cause Dandruff? Hot water itself doesn't cause dandruff, but it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially worsening dandruff symptoms. It's advisable to use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent excessive drying of the scalp.
Sometimes, what seems to be dandruff might indicate another underlying skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infection. A person should seek medical treatment for dandruff if symptoms are severe or do not resolve with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and ointments.
Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.
If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.
In winter, our bodies face freezing temperatures and blasts of central heating. This fluctuation in temperatures dries out the scalp, leading to flaking. Don't forget, you could also suffer from flaking in the summer.
When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.
Dry skin dandruff types will typically have small, white dandruff that flakes off easily. Conversely, oily skin dandruff types will have a greater buildup of sebum that clumps dandruff flakes together on the scalp and hair. These scales are often larger and yellowish in colour.
Although it's embarrassing -- and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn't harmful.
Dandruff triggers include dry weather, stress, and hair products. But by far the most common trigger for dandruff is Malassezia overgrowth on the scalp. Most of the time, you can prevent dandruff with regular use of medicated shampoos and by avoiding triggers.
Moisturizing your scalp can help keep your hair looking full, smooth, and shiny—and even help fend off unwanted concerns like dandruff. So if you want great-looking hair, it's probably a good idea to include a scalp moisturizer in your regular haircare routine.
Dry scalp flakes are generally smaller and white in colour. Dandruff has larger oily flakes which are white yellow in colour. Dandruff flakes will clump together and attach to your oily hair. This distinction between dandruff vs dry scalp flakes is important in the correct identification of your ailment.