What's Causing those white flakes?
Dandruff flakes may indicate a dry scalp or another skin condition. You could simply suffer from dry scalp, to a form of eczema or even psoriasis.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff flakes are dead skin cells that naturally fall off the scalp. Many people think the word dandruff and dry scalp can be used interchangeably, but either a dry scalp or an overly oily scalp can cause excess cells to clump and fall off (aka dandruff). Many factors can cause dandruff.
Heredity
Hormonal changes, puberty
Excess alcohol consumption
Eating high-sugar, spicy, or extra salty foods
Lack of fatty acids and vitamin B
Weather changes
Stress
How do you treat dry scalp?
Dandruff due to dry scalp can be treated with medicated dandruff shampoos sold in the drugstore. Look for products that contain pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, tar, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. A good scalp massage and extra rinse can help prevent dandruff. Try to avoid drying hair products, excess hair dryer heat and anything aerosol.
How do you treat seborrheic dermatitis?
An oily scalp is a result of increased production of sebum or oil from sebaceous glands around the hair follicles. An oily scalp can lead to other dandruff causing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. The name seborrheic dermatitis is eczema that affects the scalp. This problem is due to inflammation of the hair follicle producing oily spots, causing yellowish patches to form on the scalp and to flake off. Seasonal changes and family history can play a huge role in seborrheic dermatitis. Frequently wash the hair to prevent outbreaks. Using a medicated dandruff shampoo with sulfur, selenium, zinc or coal tar will minimize re-occurrence.
How do you treat scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that gives the scalp a silvery, powdery appearance. Scalp psoriasis can cause thick scales and large, white flakes. Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune condition. Although you can’t prevent or cure psoriasis, you can use treatments like coal tar, light therapy, and topical steroids to help manage the symptoms.
What is an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis?
You can have an allergic or irritant reaction to a shampoo, styling gel, hair spray, or other hair product. Using a product with an ingredient that you are allergic to or one that simply irritates the scalp can result in inflammation. Discontinuing the product that causes the reaction may be the simple solution.
When should you see a doctor?
Only a dermatologist can uncover the real cause and prescribe the best course of action. If drugstore dandruff shampoos aren’t helping, get a clear diagnosis from a specialist and say goodbye to flakes.
What are some other alternative treatment methods?
Use a milder shampoo
Don’t wash your hair in hot water
Moisturize your scalp
Don’t scratch
Drink a gallon of water a day
Eat fruits and veggies