A few unsightly white flakes may be nothing more than harmless dandruff.
Dandruff is the most common scalp disease, affecting 50% of the population at some point in their lives.
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But if you notice inflammation, blood, or color in the flakes, it could be a more serious scalp condition that can, at worst, lead to hair loss and, at best, leave you self-conscious.
What’s more, it’s easy to provide the ideal breeding ground for these scalp woes—are you guilty of going to bed with damp hair or using dry shampoo more often than you should?
To understand the differences between dandruff and more serious scalp conditions, we spoke to the experts…
Dandruff and its clear signs
We’ve all seen those famous ads and know that white or gray flakes on the scalp, hair or shoulders are a telltale sign of dandruff.
The cause has nothing to do with poor hygiene, but stress, hormonal changes, diet and even the weather can play a role.
Trichologist (also known as hair and scalp specialist) Annabel Kingsley says, “It’s commonly thought of as a dry skin problem, but dandruff is more often associated with oily skin.”
Excess oil and a combination of yeasts called Malassezia, which live harmlessly on our skin, multiply, causing accelerated skin cell turnover, which appears as flakes on the scalp, Annabel explained.
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How to treat dandruff
“Wash your hair often! Every other day is a good balance”, says consultant trichologist Eva Proudman.
“With dandruff, the oil and yeast on your scalp are always building up and if you only wash once or twice a week, it will continue to build up.”
Trichologists agreed that a shampoo containing piroctone olamine, an antimicrobial ingredient, is highly effective in treating dandruff.
You will find many affordable items on the main streets such as Bare Pure Clean Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (£9.99, Boots), Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Scalp (£6.10, www.lookfantastic.com).
And for a more luxurious formulation, you can try Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo (£27, Sephora).
When to see a general practitioner
It may be time to see your family doctor, dermatologist or trichologist for help if your scalp is:
- Prickly
- Red
- Swollen or painful
- You have bumps that bleed, weep, or crust, or appear yellow, silver, or red
Annabel says: “If your scalp condition does not improve after a month of using an anti-dandruff shampoo or is accompanied by compacted scales with underlying redness or bleeding, you should consult your doctor or a trichologist.”
When dandruff is a sign of something else
Your family doctor or trichologist will need to examine your scalp in person, as many of the most common scalp problems and conditions have similar or identical symptoms.
Let’s look at the most common scalp conditions seen in clinics so you know what to look for…
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
What does it look like?
It ranges from scaly white or yellow sticky crusts to red, weeping patches.
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What causes this?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a recurrent inflammatory or chronic disease of the scalp that can be very itchy.
In its most severe form, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as eyebrows, nasal folds and upper lip.
“It is not contagious. You can’t take it from someone else”, advises Eva.
“It is the result of environmental and genetic factors.”
Just like dandruff, stress, hormonal changes and the weather can cause Malassezia to overgrow, leading to this fungal infection, she told us.
However, some medications and medical conditions such as HIV or Parkinson’s disease can also be triggers.
It may also be related to your family genes.
2. Scalp psoriasis
What does it look like?
Thick, dry and rough silvery scales, accompanied by redness and inflammation.
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What causes this?
Often found on the back of the neck, around the hairline and behind the ears. It can be very itchy, tight and uncomfortable, and picking and scratching can cause bleeding.
“Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the skin reproduces five times faster than it should, causing a build-up of skin cells called psoriatic plague,” explains Eva.
Scientists have discovered that psoriasis runs in families, so if a member of your family has it, you also have a greater chance of getting it.
Triggers vary from person to person, but include stress, infections, weather, and lifestyle choices, to name a few.
3. Folliculitis
What does it look like?
From small red bumps that look like acne to yellow/brown sores.
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What causes this?
“Folliculitis is an inflammation and infection of the hair follicle,” explains Eva.
The hair follicle is the pore that surrounds the hair root. “It all starts when the hair follicle is damaged or blocked.”
This can happen after shaving or cutting your hair, as well as scratching an itchy scalp.
It can then become infected by bacteria (staphylococci), which causes crusty, tearing, and bleeding wounds.
How to treat common scalp conditions
Not only can these scalp conditions be uncomfortable, painful or even painful, but they can also affect the way we feel, leading to social awkwardness and anxiety.
And if left untreated, the constant itching and scratching, combined with the stress of the conditions, can lead to hair loss.
But once the scalp is treated and cleaned, in most cases it will grow back.
Your family doctor or trichologist will help you develop a plan to manage the condition with prescription shampoos, creams, and topical steroids.
Habits that can make scalp problems worse
Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you don’t cause scalp problems in your everyday life with these expert-recommended dos and don’ts
Going to bed with damp or wet hair
“The yeasts that fuel these conditions love a moist environment, so I always advise my patients to dry their hair and scalp before bed,” says Annabel.
Excessive use of dry shampoo
“Using too much dry shampoo day after day can be a trigger for seborrheic dermatitis, so be sure to wash it every other day to prevent oil and yeast from building up in it,” says Eva.
Wash your hair frequently
“Let’s dispel the myth that washing frequently is bad for your hair and scalp,” says Annabel. “It’s really beneficial.”
Eva agrees that we should wash daily or every other day.
Scalp oils and massagers
There has been a rise in these types of products on haircare shelves, but Annabel advises staying away.
Oils may temporarily soothe, but they make the scalp more oily and encourage more build-up.
And scalp massagers can irritate your scalp even more.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
