Can dandruff cause white patches on the face?

Any white spot you discover on your skin may be a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention before it spreads and worsens. If you keep your cool and see a dermatologist, you won’t need to worry about why this is happening. If you use self-medication to treat white patches on your skin, which is also known as depigmentation, you may be making your skin condition worse.

Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by intense itching, dandruff, and red skin that appears on the face, skin, scalp, and chest. High levels of stress among adults are typically the cause of this condition. Additionally, germs are to blame. But the good news is that facial dandruff is treatable at home once it has been identified. 

A dermatologist may also treat cases that are more difficult to treat. Utilizing antifungal lotions, medicinal shampoos, etc., one can treat its symptoms. Additionally, you must consider yourself lucky if you do not have this illness on your face, as it might cause white patches.

Let’s get going and understand the cause and prevention of the patches on your face.

What Results In Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis?

A naturally occurring skin fungus called Malassezia globosa is the root cause of dandruff. Sebaceous gland oils (sebum) on the surface of your skin are broken down by these bacteria. Then, oleic acid, a chemical produced by microorganisms, is left behind. However, M. globosa doesn’t always result in dandruff.

While these bacteria are present on everyone’s skin, not everyone will have dandruff. The following factors may contribute to the process of producing face dandruff.

1. Oily skin

Larger pores on your face may produce more sebum, increasing your chance of developing seborrheic dermatitis. Oily face dandruff and scalp seborrheic dermatitis frequently coexist.

2. Dry skin

Additionally, dry skin has the potential to develop dandruff. Your sebaceous glands instantly go into overdrive to help make up for lost oil when your skin is excessively dry. Dandruff can arise from the buildup of excess sebum and dry skin flakes as a result.

3. Tolerance To Oleic Acid

Some people are hypersensitive to the residue that M. globosa bacteria have left behind. As a result, flakiness and irritation could develop.

4. Higher Skin Cell Turnover

You might have more dead skin cells on your face if your skin regenerates more frequently than usual, more frequently than once per month. These skin cells can cause dandruff when mixed with sebum.

Symptoms of Facial Dandruff 

The flakes of seborrheic dermatitis are typically bigger and yellowish than the infrequent dry skin flakes. If you scratch or pick at it, it may start to look crusty and turn red. Additionally, facial dandruff frequently itches.

On the face, dandruff may show up in some areas. This resembles eczema outbreaks on your body or dandruff on your head.

Treatment For Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis

Some natural therapies can naturally exfoliate dead skin cells while reducing the number of germs on the face. Consider the following options with a healthcare professional for your skin:

• Use of apple cider vinegar (dilute it with water on a 1:2 ratio, which means 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
• Using tea tree oil (dilute with a carrier oil)
• Applying aloe vera gel
• Applying coconut oil (especially helpful for drier skin types)

Also, you can try performing a patch test at least 48 hours in advance. Test it out in a place that won’t be as noticeable, like the inside of your elbow.

Precautions To Avoid Face Dandruff

A few essential skin care practices can help you avoid Dandruff. They are listed below:

• Wash your face twice a day. If your skin is dry, don’t miss washing it with a suitable product. Try looking for a cleanser that is specially designed for your skin type.
• After cleansing, use a moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you might need to use a cream that is thicker and more emollient. Although oily skin still requires hydration, use mild gel-based formulations instead.
• Exfoliate your skin, once or twice a week. This can include a physical tool, like a washcloth, or a chemical exfoliating solution. Exfoliating aids in removing surplus dead skin cells from your face before they begin to accumulate there.

You may also be able to prevent facial dandruff by engaging in regular exercise, managing your stress, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet. These function best when used in addition to skincare.

Conclusion

Although facial dandruff is a common skin issue, it is curable. The cornerstone of preventing dandruff is practicing good skin care practices, however, occasionally this is insufficient. This is especially true if you are predisposed to seborrheic dermatitis by some risk factors.

A healthcare professional should always be consulted if your facial dandruff doesn’t get better or if it worsens despite treatment.