We have all seen those commercials for dandruff shampoo, where the model’s hair goes from unruly to long and beautiful in 30 seconds or less. But did you know that not all dry scalps are created equal?
Both dandruff and dry scalp are common conditions that will affect a majority of men and women sometime in their life. Dry scalp is often mistaken for dandruff; however, there are several ways to tell which one you have.
Dry Scalp 101
Simply put, dry scalp is when your skin loses its natural moisture causing an itchy sensation that may produce small white flakes. Some things that can contribute to dry scalp include stress, fluctuating temperature changes, new detergents, soap or shampoo, and your diet.
You may suffer from dry scalp merely due to moving to a home with hard water or because of a lack of water in your diet. All of these factors can lead to dry skin, making you an easy target for inflammation.
Fortunately there are a few ways to easily remedy dry scalp:
- Avoid extremely hot water when showering, especially in winter when the air is already dry.
- Use a professionally balanced hair care system. Many less expensive brands use harsh cleansers that can strip your hair of moisture. Look for products that contain pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, tar, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.
- And only wash your hair when necessary as water tends to dry out your scalp.
Dandruff 101
Now dandruff, on the other hand, is another thing entirely. It’s a medical condition, and should only be diagnosed by a doctor.
Unlike dry scalp, dandruff isn’t caused by dry skin, but rather by an overgrowth of sebum (oil). While it can be unclear why dandruff occurs, two conditions commonly create it: seborrheic dermatitis or malassezia.
Seborrheic dermatitis is the most frequent cause of dandruff and is marked by red skin accompanied by white or yellow greasy flakes. This condition may also affect other areas of the body that are also rich in oily glands, such as the eyebrow. It’s unclear why some people get seborrheic dermatitis, but research has shown that it’s not from poor hygiene and it’s also not harmful to your health. Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis will clear up by itself. More often, it’s a lifelong issue that clears and then returns. It can last for years at a time, but you can control it with good skin care and using medicated products.
Malassezia is yeast-like fungus that lives on most adults but for some, it irritates the scalp. This irritation causes more skin cells to grow which then fall and die off. These additional skin cells can appear white and flaky. To control the symptoms, use a shampoo with pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or selenium.
Although it isn’t pretty, having dandruff isn’t harmful to your health. However, if shampoo and conditioner aren’t helping, get a diagnosis from a professional.
