Why does my scalp have white patches?

Author: Beau Kassulke  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

Seborrheic dermatitis causes a rash of oily patches with yellow or white scales. The rash may look darker or lighter in people with brown or Black skin and redder in those with white skin. Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp.

How do I get rid of white spots on my scalp?

Antifungal shampoos washes, soaps, and creams are usually the first line of treatment. These are available to purchase over-the-counter or online. Most antifungal medicines contain selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, or ketoconazole.

How do I get rid of white buildup on my 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.

What does a white scalp indicate?

WHITE: This is the ideal colour. If it's translucent with no flakes, not oily or dry and slightly soft to the touch, it's perfectly healthy!. But this may change with age and changes in diet and lifestyle, so always be mindful. YELLOW: You may have overactive sebum secretion clogging your follicles.

How do I get rid of white scalp on my head?

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.

Is It Dandruff Or A Dry Scalp? Here's What You Need To Know

How do I get rid of white fungus on my scalp?

They do, however, clear fungi and fungal spores from the hairs and surface of the scalp. An antifungal shampoo or cream may be advised twice-weekly for a couple of weeks in addition to antifungal medication - for example, selenium shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo or terbinafine cream.

What causes white scalp in head?

Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, face, or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin.

What does an unhealthy scalp look like?

An unhealthy scalp can show up as skin concerns on the scalp or issues with your hair. "An unhealthy scalp shows hair loss, hair breakage, dandruff, redness, pain, acne, and cysts," says Ayesh.

When I scratch my scalp, I get white stuff in my nails.?

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.

What is the white hair patch on my head?

The correct term for a circumscribed area of white hair is poliosis. While not a disease, poliosis can be caused by many pathologic conditions, including vitiligo and nevus sebaceous. It can be found on any hair-bearing skin and at any age, depending on the actual cause.

What is the white stuff in my hair that's not dandruff?

White Piedra. This is an infection of the hair shaft which is caused by a fungus variety known as Trichosporon, which is found in soil and dirty water. It is not considered to be wildly contagious but can spread within contaminated environments.

How to deep clean a scalp?

Use an Exfoliating Scalp and Hair Scrub

To gently exfoliate daily buildup, use a delicately exfoliating scalp and hair scrub as part of your hair care regimen once a week. An exfoliating scalp scrub can be used as a precursor to shampoo or as a shampoo itself and works wonderfully for a deeper cleanse.

How to remove sebum from scalp naturally?

How to Reduce Sebum Production on Scalp?
  1. Regular Shampooing. When you don't wash your hair regularly, the natural oils and sweat produced by your scalp build up. ...
  2. Using Mild, Natural Hair Care. ...
  3. Eating A Balanced Diet. ...
  4. Managing Stress. ...
  5. Using Lemongrass Essential Oil. ...
  6. Ayurvedic Hair Masks.

Why is there so much white buildup on my scalp?

Scalp buildup can occur when an oily secretion called sebum accumulates alongside sweat, hair products, and dead skin cells on the scalp. It can have symptoms similar to those of seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema.

How long do white head spots last?

Most whiteheads go away on their own, but it may take a little time—sometimes up to seven days. It's better to see a healthcare provider at the first sign of whiteheads and follow their treatment suggestions.

What autoimmune disease causes white spots on skin?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

What is the white stuff I pick off my scalp?

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.

How often should I wash my hair?

Well, that depends. If you work out frequently, have an occupation that causes you to sweat profusely, possess an excessively oily scalp, or struggle with breakouts within your hair follicles, you may need to wash daily. Generally, it's best to leave at least a day between washes.

What kills fungus on the scalp?

Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). Alternatives might be used if griseofulvin isn't working or your child is allergic to it.

How can I make my scalp healthy again?

8 top tips for a healthy scalp and hair
  1. Invest in a scalp scrub. ...
  2. Make time to massage your scalp. ...
  3. Apply a hair conditioning mask. ...
  4. Try not to over-wash your hair. ...
  5. Protect your hair from UV Rays. ...
  6. Eat a healthy-hair diet. ...
  7. Limit using heat treatments. ...
  8. Invest in the best products for your scalp.

What is the best scalp scrub?

  • Best Overall. Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt. ...
  • Best for Dry Scalps. Goop G. ...
  • Best Shampoo. Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo. ...
  • Best Multitasker. Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. ...
  • Best for Thick Hair. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub. ...
  • Best for Oily Hair. Philip B. ...
  • Best Budget. ...
  • Best Drugstore.

Why am I getting white patches on my head?

Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin. This causes white patches to develop on your skin or hair.

How to hydrate scalp?

How To Moisturize Your Scalp
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help replenish lost moisture and restore your scalp's natural balance.
  2. Apply a scalp treatment. ...
  3. Apply oils. ...
  4. Massage your scalp. ...
  5. Apply aloe vera. ...
  6. Exfoliate your scalp.

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