Is it actually dandruff? – How do I identify dandruff?
Dandruff is the most prevalent scalp condition and has affected almost 50% of the human population across the world. Though harmless, dandruff can frequently disrupt your daily life, particularly when it causes severe itchiness on the scalp or makes an unwelcome appearance on clothes, affecting self-confidence.
Most of the time individuals mistake the looks of dandruff and its types. Many a time, it may also be mixed with dry skin. This article will point out the identification of different types of dandruff and differentiate it from dry skin.
Types Of Dandruff
1. Dry skin dandruff
The most common condition is dry skin-related dandruff, which usually occurs in the winter. It is caused by taking a hot bath with your head, which causes your scalp to become extremely dry and flaky. This type of dandruff is very common in people with dry, curly hair.
2. Oily dandruff
The accumulation of sebum oil on the scalp causes oil-related dandruff. This oil, which is secreted by the scalp glands, can cause clumps of dead skin cells and dirt to form itchy flakes. Stress and anxiety increase sebum oil secretion, which causes the condition.
3. Fungal dandruff
The skin and scalp naturally contain Malassezia. The oleic acid produced as a byproduct of this fungus’ colonization in the excessive oil production on the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together and produce white flakes.
4. Dandruff caused due to disease
Few skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, result in excessive production of skin cells, leaving the scalp with scaly skin. When these skin cells come into contact with sebum oil and dirt, dandruff results.
Another serious condition is seborrheic dermatitis, which causes severe redness, sores, and an itchy scalp. It is primarily visible on the back of the head and neck.
Difference Between Dandruff And Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff is characterized by white or yellow flakes of dry skin on the scalp. Flaky skin on the scalp and other parts of the body is another symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, this condition can cause skin scaling, itching, redness, swelling, and inflammation.
Dandruff is always limited to the scalp, whereas seborrheic dermatitis can spread to other seborrheic areas such as the face, ears, and upper chest.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more common during certain stages of life, peaking during childhood and adolescence. Seborrheic dermatitis causes cradle cap, a common skin condition on infants’ scalps.
Difference Between Dandruff And Dry Scalp
One way to differentiate them is by the presence of dandruff flakes and a dry scalp. The flakes on the dandruff are bigger and look oily. Babies with cradle caps have a scaly or crusty appearance to their scalps. Both dandruff and scalp dryness can make your scalp itchy.
Both dandruff and dry scalp cause flakes and itchy skin on your scalp, making them difficult to differentiate. Oily, large flakes typically indicate dandruff, whereas dry, smaller flakes indicate a dry scalp.
Bottom Line
In general terms, dandruff looks like light yellow or white flakes on your shoulders or in your hair. These are the symptoms of dandruff. Dandruff flakes are dead skin cells that fall to the ground from your scalp. When you have dandruff, your scalp may appear scaly or red, and it may also feel itchy or raw. The flakes are loosened by scratching or rubbing your head. When you wear dark clothing, you may notice them more.
Keep reading more about dandruff here.
