What's Causing those white flakes?

White flakes can point to a dry scalp, or to a skin condition such as a form of eczema or psoriasis. Working out which one you are dealing with matters, because the treatment is different for each.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff flakes are dead skin cells shed from the scalp. People use “dandruff” and “dry scalp” interchangeably, but either a dry scalp or an overly oily scalp can cause excess cells to clump and fall. Factors commonly associated with dandruff include:

• Heredity
• Hormonal changes and puberty
• Diet
• Weather changes
• Stress

How is dry scalp usually treated?

Dandruff from a dry scalp is often managed with medicated dandruff shampoos from the drugstore. Look for products containing pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, tar, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. A good scalp massage and a thorough rinse help. Try to avoid drying hair products, excessive heat from the dryer, and aerosols.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

An oily scalp results from increased sebum production by the glands around the hair follicles, and it can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, a form of eczema affecting the scalp. Inflammation around the follicle produces oily, yellowish patches that flake off. Seasonal changes and family history both play a role. Washing the hair regularly, and using a medicated shampoo containing sulfur, selenium, zinc or coal tar, is the usual approach. This is a medical condition, so a dermatologist is the right person to confirm it.

What is scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that gives the scalp a silvery, powdery appearance, with thick scales and large white flakes. It is thought to be autoimmune. It cannot be prevented or cured, but treatments such as coal tar, light therapy and topical steroids are used to manage the symptoms, and those are decisions for your doctor.

What is irritant or allergic contact dermatitis?

You can react to a shampoo, styling gel, hair spray or other hair product. An ingredient you are allergic to, or simply one that irritates your scalp, can cause inflammation. Stopping the product that causes the reaction is often the whole solution.

When should you see a doctor?

A dermatologist is the only person who can diagnose the real cause and prescribe the right course of action. If drugstore dandruff shampoos are not helping after a few weeks, go and get a proper diagnosis rather than working through the shelf.

What else helps?

• Use a milder shampoo
• Don’t wash your hair in hot water
• Moisturize your scalp
• Don’t scratch
• Stay well hydrated
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

Flaking on the face rather than the scalp is a different conversation, and that one I can help with. Book a skin care consultation and we will work out whether it is dryness, dehydration or something that needs a doctor.