Dr Anjali Mahto, from the British Association of Dermatologists, tells
``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.
Try not to scratch your scalp so you do not make its condition worse. A suitable medicated shampoo generally soothes an itchy scalp.
``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.
Reasons to Exfoliate Your Scalp
The feeling of thorough cleaning is enjoyable, and you may find that it makes your hair easier to style. Occasional exfoliation may take care of mild itching caused by the sweat and oil that builds up if you don't wash your hair for a few days.
This can then lead to infection, which isn't something anyone wants. 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.
Scalp 101
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.
Flaking of the scalp can be the result of dermatitis, dandruff or psoriasis. Of all types of dermatitis the most likely to peel your scalp are: seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. A dry scalp can be uncomfortable and if it leads to itching and peeling, you can have a bad feeling about your hair condition.
Don't pick at skin that's peeling, as it interferes with your skin's healing process and puts you at risk for infection. Your healthcare provider can recommend gentle skin products that ease and prevent peeling skin.
If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff. Gently massage your scalp to loosen flakes. Rinse thoroughly. If your hair tends to be dry and your scalp is sensitive, shampoo less frequently and condition your scalp between washings (Design Essentials, Melanin Haircare, ScalpBliss).
And they're hard to get rid of; you can't brush or shake them off. You'll need a very fine-toothed comb to get them out of your hair. Dandruff flakes will usually slide easily off your hair, and you'll likely see flakes on your scalp, as well.
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.
White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of the hair. Several species of fungus that live in soil or dirty water can cause it. Piedra is the Spanish word for stone. White piedra appears as white or light brown depositions that loosely attach to the tip of a hair shaft and may group to form clusters.
Dermatillomania is a mental health condition where a person compulsively picks or scratches their skin, causing injuries or scarring. Also known as excoriation disorder or skin-picking disorder, this condition falls under the category of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs).
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.
Skin picking disorder, or excoriation disorder, is a repetitive behavior characterized by compulsive picking, scratching, or pulling of the skin. People pick their skin for different reasons. For example, they may also have a mental health condition, such as OCD or ADHD.
You can also use a face towel, washcloth, or facial cleansing brush dampened with warm water to exfoliate skin and slough away dead skin cells. When exfoliating with a physical exfoliant, use a light hand and work in circular motions. Begin by exfoliating once or twice a week before ramping up exfoliation.
Dandruff causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders. Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.
If the skin on your head is itchy and flaking, you may have dry scalp. The condition occurs when your scalp loses too much moisture. Hair care products, the weather, age and various skin conditions can cause dry scalp.
Flakes are dead skin cells which are starting to shed, and you'll find them in both skin conditions. 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.
Piedra is the Spanish word for 'stone' and that is reflected in the appearance of this ailment. You'll find white, grey, or tan, pearly nodules surrounding your hair shaft. These are soft and loosely clump together on your hair. You'll find white Piedra on scalp hair, facial hair, and body hair.
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.
Exfoliation is useful for scalp health and dead skin removal, but too much of it can cause dryness, irritation, or even damage. Exfoliating too much can cause inflammation, excess oil production, and sensitivity.