Dandruff is caused when the dead skin on our scalps flake off and shed from our scalp. These flakes can be visible in our hair, shoulders and clothing and may cause symptoms such as itchiness.
Although it is a common problem, it is important to identify the different types of dandruff and know how to effectively treat it without causing it to worsen.
What are the different types of dandruff?
Dry Skin Dandruff
This is the most common type of dandruff. It predominantly occurs in the winter, as the cold weather and indoor heating can dry out your skin, including the skin on your scalp. It can also be caused if you are washing your hair in water that is too hot.
To prevent dry skin dandruff, you can use any moisturising shampoo or at home treatments such as an oil massage. Oil helps promote scalp health and when it is gently massaged into the scalp, it exfoliates and can also increase hair growth. You can use oils such as coconut and argon oil. This will help to relieve any symptoms of itchiness and prevent the skin on your scalp from drying out.
Oily Skin Dandruff
Under the surface of your skin, there are glands that produce sebum, Sebum is a substance that moisturises and protects your skin but if there is an excessive amount of oil made it can cause your hair to become very oily. Often, the excess oil created can clump together, irritating the scalp and causing dandruff.
Oily skin dandruff flakes are visibly bigger than dry skin dandruff and can appear more yellow than white. They might be oiler too. If you are suffering from severe oily skin dandruff, it could be seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is when rough, scaly skin builds on your scalp.
An effective way to treat oily skin dandruff is with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid and using this on a regular basis. This will combat the excess oil produced and keep it under control.
Fungus Related Dandruff
Malassezia is a common type of fungus found in the skin in of us all, however in some people, this fungus can trigger an inflammatory response resulting in dandruff and other skin conditions like eczema. To treat this, you can use a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione which destroys any bacteria or fungus on the scalp. You can also apply shampoos that contain tea tree oil that helps reduce fungus related dandruff.
Eczema
Eczema on the scalp can be characterised when there is flaky, itchy skin and sometimes red rashes. It may appear larger than a dry skin dandruff flake and can become very irritated. In this case, you should use a gentle moisturising shampoo or need a topical shampoo prescribed by a healthcare professional to soothe and treat your scalp.
Psoriasis
This occurs when your skin cells grow too quick, resulting in thick scaly patches on your scalp. The National Psoriasis Foundations says that 45-56% of people that suffer from psoriasis, deal with it on their scalp too. It can affect the scalp, hairline, forehead, back of the neck and skin around the ears. It appears as fine, powdery flakes with a sliver sheen. Your scalp may become raised in some areas and inflamed.
To reduce psoriasis flare-ups, corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce any flare-ups or a shampoo can be bought over the counter that contains either salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to seek medical help from a healthcare professional if you are experience any of these ongoing symptoms or issues:
- Redness
- Irritation
- A rash that doesn’t go away
- Scaly, flakey skin
- Extreme itchiness
Hair Filler at Refine Clinical Wholesale
At Refine Clinical Wholesale, we stock Dr Cyj Hair filler, a hyaluronic acid injectable, which has a range of uses and purposes. It is used to revitalise the scalp and stimulate hair growth, amongst other things.
