What are the Various Types of Dandruff that Cause Flaky Scalp?

White flakes in the hair are the primary indicator of dandruff, which is also associated with symptoms like inflammation and an itchy scalp. Even though it is a disturbing hair issue, it can be fixed. How do you determine what kind of dandruff you have, though? There are numerous potential causes of dandruff. Before beginning treatment, it is important to be aware of the various ways it can present. It is essential to identify the type of dandruff you have to treat the underlying cause and take steps to get rid of the flaking and itching.

Dandruff Types

There are diverse sorts of dandruff, each with its specific cause. Some types are simple to treat with dandruff home remedies or by making adjustments to your hair care regimen. There may be prescription drugs needed for other types of dandruff. Let’s examine the various dandruff types and their underlying causes in more detail.

Dry Skin Dandruff

This variation of dandruff is common. Winter is when it usually happens because indoor heating and cold temperatures can dry out your skin, including the skin on your scalp. Washing your hair in hot water frequently can also lead to dandruff and dry skin. Too much dryness on the scalp can cause irritation and skin cell loss. Dandruff flakes on dry skin are tiny and white and there may be some minor itching on your scalp. If the itching worsens, you might have a more serious skin condition that needs to be treated by a doctor.

The symptoms are a tightening sensation on your scalp and small, round, white dry flakes in your hair.

Oily Skin Dandruff

Sebum, an oily substance that assists in moisturizing and protecting your skin, is generated by glands located underneath the skin’s surface. Your hair may become greasy if these sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Additionally, the extra oil may congeal, irritating your scalp and resulting in dandruff. The flakes of oily skin dandruff are typically larger than those of dry skin. The flakes may appear more yellow than white and oilier as well. Oily skin dandruff can take a more severe form called seborrheic dermatitis.

The symptoms of oily skin dandruff are yellow patches on the scalp followed by yellowish large dandruff flakes on the scalp, itching, and greasy hair.

Fungi Dandruff

On every person’s skin, there is a type of typical fungus called Malassezia. Dandruff or other conditions, like eczema, may result in some people as a result of this inflammatory reaction. Dandruff brought on by fungus may be treated by using a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione or other ingredients that inhibit Malassezia. Based on 2018 research, this type of shampoo may also aid in preventing or treating other scalp conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

The symptoms of fungal dandruff are white or yellowish dandruff flakes and itchiness.

Dandruff Caused by Disease

Psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis are all common skin conditions that can affect your scalp and cause dandruff.

1. Seborrheic Dermatitis

People with oily skin are more likely to have this extreme case of oily skin dandruff. This common scalp condition can cause red scaly patches, itching, and flakes in addition to flakes.

2. Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by flaky, itchy skin patches and, in some cases, a red rash. When this inflammatory condition appears on your scalp, it can cause flakes that are larger than dry skin dandruff flakes. You may notice red, irritated skin on your scalp as well.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is considered to be an autoimmune condition in which skin cells grow rapidly, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin. Scalp psoriasis can manifest as fine, powdery flakes with a silver sheen. It can also appear as raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin covered in a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells.

The Bottom Line 

Although dandruff flakes frequently resemble each other, they can be caused by a variety of scalp conditions. Paying close attention to the appearance of the flakes, the condition of your skin and hair, and other possible symptoms can assist you in determining the type of dandruff you have. Early dandruff treatment helps in the decrease of various types of dandruff or the removal of symptoms from the root. Dandruff is frequently treated with natural and chemical solutions for dandruff along with changes to your hair care routine. 

If you are looking for dandruff solutions, stay with us in our upcoming blogs.