Dandruff Vs Dry Scalp: 5 Crucial Things You Must Know
Dec 21, 2022
Dandruff can result from a dry scalp, but the two disorders are different.
Dandruff can create noticeable flakes on clothing or in the hair, as well as flaking of the scalp. It can occasionally be brought on by a fungal or other scalp infection. In contrast, dry scalp happens when the scalp cannot create or retain adequate moisture.
Selecting the appropriate therapy may be aided by being aware of the differences between dandruff and a dry scalp.
1. What Causes Dandruff & Dry Scalp
Dry Scalp
When the scalp lacks sufficient oil to moisten the skin, it develops a dry scalp.
This can result in irritation, flaking, and itching, just like other dry skin types. Because the oil from the scalp conditions the hair, it can also make the hair appear dry.
Dry scalps are more common in those with dry skin. As a result, numerous factors that contribute to dry skin might also result in a dry scalp, such as:
Excessive skin bathing, especially in winter, leads to skin disorders like eczema.
Dandruff
Dead skin cells are shed from the scalp just like the rest of the skin, and Dandruff develops as this process quickens. Dead skin cells are what cause dandruff flakes.
Dandruff gets worse the faster the scalp sheds dead skin. The rate at which the skin sheds might vary depending on several factors.
The American Academy of Dermatology claims that scientists are still trying to figure out what causes Dandruff. Dandruff might be brought on by:
- Oils generated by the scalp due to fungus infections
- Sensitivity to chemicals, including cosmetics
These three elements may exacerbate some cases of Dandruff. For instance, someone with sensitive skin or a very oily scalp may experience worse Dandruff from fungal scalp infections.
Most people carry a fungus called Malassezia on their scalp, which rarely causes issues. However, this fungus causes flakes and irritation in persons with Dandruff, and how the fungus interacts with other elements may cause this irritation.
A 2016 study discovered a strong link between Dandruff and the presence of certain scalp microorganisms.
2. Symptoms
Flakes may shed from the scalp of those who have a dry scalp. However, the flakes connected with a dry scalp typically tend to be smaller and whiter than actual dandruff flakes.
Dandruff flakes can be more prominent, yellow-tinged, or oily looking. While dandruff and dry scalp are cyclical conditions, dandruff brought on by a fungal infection is unlikely to improve. Less frequent shampooing, however, may help with dry scalp.
The scalp may become scratchy and inflamed due to either condition. People with either illness may scratch their scalp so frequently that it becomes red or develops tiny ulcers if symptoms are severe.
Differences Between Dry Scalp & Dandruff
Most people have trouble distinguishing between dandruff and a dry scalp, and it is possible to have both conditions. Flakes are typically more likely to be dandruff:
If the hair seems greasy and the scalp feels oily even though the itching is severe and the scalp does not feel dry.
3. When Should You Visit The Doctor
Dry scalp and dandruff are typically treatable at home. Some scalp diseases, however, can resemble dandruff.
For instance, scalp psoriasis results in redness, flaking, and itching but is brought on by an autoimmune condition. Seborrheic dermatitis, a severe case of dandruff, can result in excruciating discomfort and irritation.
People who have a flaky scalp should visit a doctor:
- If there are further signs, such as redness or sores
- if self-care measures are ineffective if the head or face has open wounds
Before treating dandruff, those with autoimmune disorders and other chronic illnesses should consult their doctor. A compromised immune system increases the likelihood that a scalp condition will rapidly deteriorate, and symptoms that resemble dandruff may be caused by another ailment.
4. Treatment Options
The majority of dandruff instances are simple to treat at home. Aim to routinely shampoo your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff. Numerous underlying causes of dandruff, such as mild fungal infections, can be treated with this.
Pyrithione is a common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo, which is widely available online.
Shampoo with coal tar is another remedy for dandruff. People with blonde or grey hair might prefer another product because this one may modify the colour of light hair.
Shampoo for dandruff may smell strong. Some people prefer to alternate between a dandruff shampoo and regular shampoo or shampoo with a different shampoo right away after using dandruff shampoo to treat their dandruff.
Try tea tree oil shampoo if you prefer natural therapies or don't like the scent of dandruff shampoo—the antibacterial effects of tea tree oil.
An old study discovered that a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil might successfully treat dandruff without adverse side effects. However, there isn't enough current research to support this assertion.
People should contact a doctor if their dandruff does not improve after using home remedies. It can be beneficial to determine the source of dandruff, which may be a bacterial or fungal infection, and treatments with prescription potency typically eliminate dandruff.
5. How Do We Prevent This From Happening?
It's a fallacy that unclean living leads to dandruff. However, going for extended periods without shampooing could make dandruff more noticeable.
It is unknown whether dandruff can be prevented because experts are still trying to figure out what causes it.
In most people, dandruff is a chronic condition that periodically improves and returns. There aren't many studies on this subject, despite the belief of some patients that lifestyle modifications can help their symptoms.
You might be able to stop dry scalp by:
- Utilising shampoos that won't irritate
- Using a moisturising shampoo instead
- Hair shampooing less frequently
- Consuming extra water using a humidifier to prevent dry skin
Outlook
Many doctors are still baffled by dandruff and can not comprehend how a harmless fungus on one person's scalp can result in severe dandruff on another. Any dandruff remedy comes with no assurances, and it is impossible to forecast who will get dandruff or how bad it will be.
A dry scalp and dandruff are both bothersome but not hazardous. They frequently disappear when treated at home.
If a person does not see relief after using a home remedy, they should consider the possibility that the issue may not be dandruff. A physician can definitively identify the root cause of a flaky scalp.
At NaturalHerbalHaircare, we prioritise our customers and provide them with the necessary services along with the utmost care. Find out more on the Treatments we provide here and feel free to contact us for any further enquiries or bookings.
