Dandruff is a common condition that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp producing small, loose, gray or white flakes. These flakes are typically larger than what is seen with dry scalp. Scalp associated with dandruff is typically itchy, oily and scaly but not inflamed.
It's called “dandruff” (pityriasis capitis) when it's on a teenager's or adult's scalp, and “cradle cap” when it's on a baby's. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body.
White Piedra hair can be due to various reasons. This fungus is sometimes found on your skin but is usually associated with bad habits. If you have poor hygiene and shampoo infrequently, or you use stagnant dirty water, this fungus can get transferred onto your hair.
It's probably an issue with the shampoo you're using - you need to be choosing a shampoo that is sulfate free as sulfates can really irritate and dry out the scalp which causes dandruff. Also you should go for a formula with salicylic acid as this will help to really exfoliate and deeply cleanse the 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.
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.
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.
A brush used for massaging the scalp while washing the hair was modified and placed on the suction hose of a vacuum cleaner to collect dandruff from many people.
Nodes cannot be repaired; they must be cut off. Yes, you can hide them under a layer of protection but sorry to say nodes do need to be removed to keep hair healthy and long.
Pyrithione zinc shampoos (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione. Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, others). Coal tar slows how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off.
If you find flakes falling on your shoulders, or if you run your fingers through your hair, rub your scalp and flakes fall out, it is most likely dandruff. Whereas with product build-up, the flakes will usually stick to the hair rather than fall out. After all, product is sticky and made to stick to the hair.
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.
Telogen (shedding): This is the resting stage of your hair growth cycle. The hair follicle is inactive, and there's a white bulb of keratin at the root (club hair). The bulb of keratin keeps the hair in the follicle until it sheds, which then starts the hair growth cycle over again.
The white bulb at the end of your hair is essentially a bundle of protein, known as keratin. The role of the white bulb is to help the hair follicle root to the scalp, which then allows the hair to grow until it is shed.
Dry dandruff is made up of small, white flakes that can easily fall off the scalp. It is usually caused by a dry scalp. Wet dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by excess oil in the hair. The yellow flakes of wet dandruff are much larger and can become sticky, causing them to clump together and cling to your hair.
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
When adults get it on their scalp, it's commonly called “dandruff.” In babies, it is known as “cradle cap.” Seborrheic dermatitis can appear on other parts of the body. This includes the chest, creases of the arms, legs and groin. Seborrheic dermatitis is common in babies younger than three months of age and in adults.
Hot water can also cause inflammation on the scalp, which can lead to dandruff, itchiness and hair loss. This occurs because hot water damages the hair follicles and disrupts the natural balance of the scalp.
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.
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.
Treatment for your scalp yeast infection may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal shampoo, foam or ointment. You can buy many antifungal medications over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if needed.
Check if it's dandruff
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.