What are the Triggering Factors of Dandruff and How does it Increase?

From our previous articles, we came to know that dandruff is caused when small bits of dry skin are shed from the scalp. You can see these flakes in your hair or on your shoulders. Dandruff can also make your scalp itchy. Although it’s a common problem, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Dandruff is difficult to define because it overlaps with seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic form of eczema, and other skin conditions that result in a scaly scalp. Here’s what you should know about the triggering factors that act as dandruff causes. Let us begin. 

What Factors Contribute to Dandruff?

Nobody knows exactly what causes dandruff. It’s most likely caused by a fungus. Hair follicles and oil glands produce an oil known as sebum, which can serve as a breeding ground for yeast or fungus. This fungus normally lives on the skin, but too much of it can be a primary reason for causing dandruff. An excess of sebum may also be the source of dandruff. Exposure to a lot of dry air can cause the skin to dry out and flake, giving the appearance of dandruff. Dandruff is disheartening, infuriating, and even embarrassing. And, while dandruff doesn’t always go away, it can worsen during the winter months. The following are some of the most common causes of an itchy scalp and white flakes:

1. Your skin is Dehydrated 

Dry skin is one of the most frequent causes of dandruff. And, unfortunately, if this is the cause of your dandruff, it may worsen at this time of year. If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it’s easier to tell because other parts of your body are probably also dry. And, because the skin becomes drier during the cold months, people tend to notice more dandruff at this time. 

2. You don’t Shampoo Frequently Enough

While it may sound unsanitary, not shampooing enough may be the source of your dandruff. When you don’t shampoo enough, oil accumulates and builds up on the skin, causing dandruff. Before you panic, this does not necessarily imply that you do not clean yourself sufficiently. It’s possible that you’re not using enough shampoo, or that the shampoo you’re using isn’t strong enough to break down the oil barrier that’s causing your dandruff.

3. You are Allergic 

People are allergic to a wide range of substances, including grass and peanuts. Could your flakes be the result of a reaction to your hair care products? Experts contend it can. If you experience scalp irritation, such as itchiness or soreness, after using a specific product, it could be due to sensitivity.

4. You have a Medical Condition 

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic medical condition that affects not only the scalp but also the various areas of the body where oil glands are present. This condition is also distinguished by dandruff as well as scalp redness. It resembles other common skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction.

You have an overgrowth of yeast. Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everyone’s scalp and skin. Some people develop a sensitivity to it, which can lead to dandruff. Other skin conditions inflamed by Malassezia include psoriasis and other types of dermatitis, in addition to seborrheic dermatitis.

5. Impersonators of Dandruff

What appears to be dandruff is sometimes a completely different condition. Head lice are itchy and lay eggs that resemble dandruff, but they are more difficult to shake off or brush away. Alternatively, your scalp may be itching due to ringworm, a fungus that causes dandruff-like flakes. Ringworm can cause round patches of hair loss as well as blistered, scaly areas on your scalp.

6. Stress

For some people, stress can aggravate or even worsen dandruff. While stress does not cause Malassezia to grow on your scalp but it can thrive if your immune system is disturbed, which is exactly what stress causes to your body.

The Bottom Line 

There might be several issues with experiencing dandruff hair. You just have to be alert and identify the right one. In the upcoming blogs, we have especially focused on the solutions which can help you to get rid of these white flakes, irritation, and embarrassment. People who tend to keep long beards also experience dandruff and itchiness. For them, we have a special article that will help them to understand the causes of dandruff in their beard and how to protect their beard from dandruff. 

We hope you find this blog informative and stay connected with us for more such informative blogs which will help you to understand and stay protected from dandruff.