Different Types Of Dandruff And How To Stop Them

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Have you ever noticed the white flakes on your head or clothing? If you haven’t, then you are one of the lucky ones who does not have a dandruff problem or any of its symptoms like inflammation or itchy scalp! However, if you do, you should treat it as it can lead to temporary hair loss, as you scratch your itchy scalp and scratching can lead to hair loss.

Even though the white flakes look similar, not all dandruff conditions are the same. Hence, we must know what the dandruff condition is to treat it properly. In this article, we will be discussing some of the different types of dandruff conditions and how to stop them.

 

4 Kinds Of Dandruff And How To Stop Them

Each dandruff condition has a unique cause and can be treated using regular hair care routines. Let us take a look at some of them –

Types of dandruff conditions

 

1. Dry skin dandruff:

This is one of the most common conditions where the problem occurs when the skin on your scalp is dry. Some of the main reasons for dry skin dandruff are cold weather, indoor heating, irregular shampooing, frequent hot showers, etc. The skin becomes dry as there is no oil content on your scalp, which occurs more for people with curly hair.

Some remedies include using moisturizing shampoos, massage using coconut oil or any other nourishing oils. Strictly avoid using hair styling tools or using other harmful hair products.

 

 2. Oily skin dandruff:

Oily skin dandruff

This is another common dandruff condition where, there is excess oil production (sebum) by the sebaceous glands under the skin surface. Sebum is produced as a natural moisturizer, but it can make hair oily when there is excess production. It usually occurs during puberty, pregnancy, sudden stress, and so on. This can lead to itchiness and dandruff trouble.

 

Unlike the previous condition, the dandruff flakes are larger in this condition and are more yellow in colour. To treat this condition, use a shampoo with salicylic acid and make sure you regularly shampoo your hair.

 

3. Fungus-related dandruff:

Malassezia globosa fungi is a common type of fungus that lives on our skin. It rapidly multiples when the hair is oily or when there is a pH imbalance, sometimes triggering inflammation, eczema, and dandruff conditions.

Fungus-related dandruff is contagious, so avoid sharing the same towel, comb, or any other head accessories. To treat fungus-related dandruff, the best solution is to use an anti-fungal shampoo with zinc pyrithione. This ingredient also helps prevent conditions related to dandruff-like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

 

4. Disease-related dandruff:

Dandruff is also caused by certain diseases that result when the skin cells with sebum oil come in contact with dirt. Some of them are mentioned below –

     1. Seborrheic dermatitis

This type of dandruff condition affects your scalp and other seborrheic areas, where the sebaceous glands are present, like the upper back and chest, forehead, navel, eyebrows, under the breast, arms, legs, groins, etc. Some of the main reasons for this condition are stress, hormonal changes, intermittent showers, etc.

This condition is mainly found among people with oily skin, most commonly during three phases of life – the first three months since birth, adolescence, and the age between 40 and 60. The best treatment for scaly or flaky skin is using a shampoo with zinc pyrithione.

 

     2. Eczema/ Atopic dermatitis

This is an inflammatory condition where the person might have a red-itchy scalp, and the dandruff flakes will be larger than the other dandruff conditions. Try using a mild, moisturizing shampoo to treat this condition.

 

      3. Psoriasis

This is a little different skin condition. Here, our immune system attacks our skin cells, thus making them increase and causing thick patches of skin formation. Since it is a thick layer, it looks like an extra patch of skin that builds up white dead skin cells.

A study by National Psoriasis Foundation shows that about 50% of the people who suffer from this condition also suffer from scalp psoriasis. The common symptoms include inflammation and red, itchy skin. Like the previous ones, a shampoo containing salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione could be the solution for scalp psoriasis.

 

     4. Dandruff caused by product build-up

This is the main reason why we are told not to leave hair products overnight! These hair products accumulate on our scalp, and when it combines with sebum and dirt, it results in dandruff formation. Leaving hair products overnight is also bad for your hair and can result in dandruff when done for a long period of time along with hair fall.

 

How to stop them?

Stop Dandruff

 

Dandruff treatment is done in four different ways – 

  1. Dandruff shampoo

According to many dermatologists, some of the best anti-dandruff shampoos include A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo, Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo Scalp Build-Up Control, L’Oréal Paris EverFresh Anti-Dandruff Sulfate Free Shampoo, etc.

While buying a dandruff shampoo, look for ingredients like pyrithione zinc, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole as they help reduce inflammation and dandruff conditions. Change the shampoo you generally use, if it is ineffective for your hair type or if its effectiveness diminishes over time.

      2. Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is essential when it comes to leading a good and peaceful life. It can be beneficial both mentally and physically. Stress management and a healthy diet (including omega-3, zinc, vitamin B, and probiotics in your diet) is the key to having dandruff-free hair.

      3. Regular hair care

Along with a healthy diet, make sure you have a regular hair routine. Instead of using hot water for a head bath, have cold showers (lukewarm water, to an extent, is fine). Also, limit your use of hair products and do not keep them overnight. Use a mild moisturizing shampoo with anti-dandruff ingredients to remove all the hair products.

     4. Consult a doctor

If you have a significant dandruff condition that cannot be treated via the aforementioned methods, then, it is time for a doctor’s consultation. If the symptoms worsen or you have psoriasis or eczema (other than in your scalp). Thus consulting a doctor is very important.

 

Verdict – 

Dandruff can be disturbing and sometimes even affect your mental state, but this is a reversible condition. Some things that can help you treat this condition are – using anti-dandruff shampoo regularly, having a balanced diet, and a regular hair routine. If you think the condition worsens even after following the methods mentioned above, consult a doctor!

I hope you found this article helpful. Please do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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