To what diseases is dandruff Associated?

Dead scalp skin cells flake off and frequently land on your shoulder and clothing when you have dandruff, making you look unclean and unsightly. Dandruff is a common scalp problem that affects both children and adults. Regardless of gender or demographics, research shows that dandruff affects over half of kids in the pre-pubertal stage, before puberty.

Dandruff must have had some sort of impact on almost every population on the planet at some point. But as it gets worse in the winter, dandruff intensity may change with the season. Despite having a similar appearance, the different types of dandruff rely on the characteristics of your scalp and the causes of the flaking of your scalp skin.

When the scalp gets oily or dry, it releases white flakes of dead skin that show up in the hair or on the shoulders, causing the harmless, chronic condition known as dandruff.

While dandruff is not harmful, those who have it may find it embarrassing. Up to 40% of those over 30 have some level of dandruff, which often begins between the ages of 10 and 20.

Dandruff Varieties

Every person has a different scalp. Your hairstyle may be:

• Normal
• Dry
• Remarkably Dry
• Oily

Your scalp may be impacted by various things, depending on the type of scalp, including

• The scalp has a fungus infestation
• Infection of the scalp with bacteria
• Scalp conditions
• Exposure to the sun
• Usage of chemical-based shampoo in excess
• Environmental blight and filth

The following categories of dandruff may be used to classify it, taking into account the many types of scalp skin and the factors that affect it:

• Dry scalp skin dandruff
• Dry skin and oily scalp
• An infection of the scalp’s fungus that causes dandruff
• A skin condition that causes dandruff on the scalp

1. Dry Skin Scalp Dandruff

Appearance:

• Small and white dandruff flakes are a sign of a dry scalp. It is the most typical variety of dandruff.

Cause: 

• The chilly weather throughout the winter causes dry, brittle skin on your scalp.
• Warm water hair washing can also cause dandruff and dry scalp skin.

Symptoms:

• When the scalp’s skin is overly dry, discomfort and itching can occur.
• Mild to moderate itching is present. Never does it get bad.

2. Dandruff with Oily Scalps

Appearance:

• The flakes of dandruff on an oily scalp are larger than those on a dry scalp. These flakes of dandruff have an oily, yellow colour.

Cause:

• Overproduction of sebum, an oily fluid produced by the sebaceous glands that naturally keeps the skin on the scalp moist, oil glands located just below the scalp skin surface.

Symptoms:

• A buildup of oil causes itching by clogging hair pores and irritating the epidermis on the scalp.

3. Dandruff brought on by a scalp fungus infection

Appearance:

• Appears greasier, darker, and bigger.

Cause:

• A fungus called Malassezia frequently causes this kind of dandruff.

Symptoms:

• Eczema, inflammation, and excessive scratching.

4. Disease-related Dandruff

Dandruff can arise from the skin on the scalp flaking off as a result of many scalp skin conditions. The following conditions can impact your scalp skin and result in dandruff:

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: It is a particularly bad case of dandruff with an oily scalp. Infants and young, prepubescent children are most frequently affected. Affected areas of skin around hair follicles may become inflamed, itchy, or red.
• Atopic Dermatitis: Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory disorder that causes bigger dandruff flakes. On the skin of the scalp, symptoms include swelling, itching, and red rashes.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune illness that causes the skin to develop rapidly, resulting in tiny, powder-like flakes of dandruff. These flakes of dandruff have a silvery appearance. The first sign of the condition is red, scaly skin areas, followed by swelling and itching. Psoriasis has the most flakes of dandruff compared to other types of dandruff.

The Final Word

Although dandruff flakes frequently resemble one another, they might be brought on by several scalp disorders. The type of dandruff you have may be determined by paying close attention to the appearance of the flakes, the state of your skin and hair, and other potential symptoms.

Non-prescription anti-dandruff shampoo and alterations to your hair care regimen can frequently remedy dandruff. To permanently get rid of those bothersome flakes, it may occasionally be essential to use prescription shampoos.