So that's that – as tempting as it might be to scrape your scalp until it's raw, just don't do it. If your dandruff's not that bad, treat it at home with a specialist shampoo (of which there are many). If it's so severe you want to scrape it all off for clicks, get yourself to a doctor post-haste.
Scratching can disrupt the oil layer and add fungus to the scalp. Both of these are factors in dandruff and can trigger flaking. The skin sheds to get rid of the irritant or foreign object, and scratching just adds more of that.
``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.
Picking at the scalp can put a person at higher risk of infection, scarring, and skin discoloration. A person who compulsively picks at their scalp may have a skin-picking disorder. Treatment for a skin-picking disorder often involves therapy and medication.
Heat treatment through blow-dryers and straighteners can increase the temperature on your scalp and dry it out. Hormonal changes, including during moments of stress, can disrupt your oil production. Colouring your hair or certain chemical treatments can dehydrate your scalp.
Scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help remove buildup and restore your scalp's pH balance. If you prefer a more intensive exfoliation, you can try a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant.
Dr Anjali Mahto, from the British Association of Dermatologists, tells BBC Three: “I would recommend people avoid scraping and picking at their scalp, it can be painful and you risk inflammation and infection.
What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis? Itchy white flakes of skin on your scalp (dandruff). When scratched, the flakes come loose, mix in with your hair, or fall onto your neck and shoulders.
You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.
Try not to scratch your scalp.
Dermatologists realize that scalp psoriasis can be extremely itchy. Scratching, however, can make the psoriasis worse. Scratching can cause the scalp to bleed. It also can cause hair loss, which can become noticeable.
For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.
While you might believe scratching your scalp will help you get rid of dandruff, this tempting habit causes more harm than good. When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse.
Does hair loss from a dry scalp grow back? Once your scalp problems are properly treated and your dry scalp is regularly moisturised and provided with a proper care regimen, the hair loss may resolve itself and your locks could look happy and healthy once more.
Wash Hair Less Often, but Not Too Infrequently
While washing too much can dry out your scalp, doing it too little can also have the same effect.
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. Dry scalp, however, may improve with less frequent shampooing. Both conditions can make the scalp itchy and irritated.
Scalp Psoriasis
This condition can cause patches of red, flaky skin on your scalp. These are called plaques. Since the plaques are often itchy, scratching can cause bleeding and scabbing.
It effectively relieves scalp dryness¹ and its symptoms, including itchiness¹ and redness. Also try our Dry Scalp Care with Almond Oil Shampoo. It's specially designed for people with dry scalp and is ideal for restoring natural moisture and locking it in.