The itching makes you become crazy. It is a sign of dandruff. It appears in white flake and more noticeable in dark hair color. These flakes always fall from your scalp onto your shoulders, pillow or bed. The scalp issue is seen in all ages from babies to the elderly. Read up on to know what is dandruff, what is it made of and its common symptoms.
Table of Contents
What Is Dandruff in Hair?
Dandruff is the result of a dry scalp that leads to dead skin cells to shed. It appears in white flakes that you can see on your shoulders, bed or pillow. It makes you feel itchy and uncomfortable. But it is harmless. People think that it is caused by unregular washing. It’s wrong. It is not about how often you wash the strands, it is not also about your human hair types. It is exactly about your skin on the scalp. The symptom usually begins at the ages of 10 and spreads longer. It affects about 40% of people at the age of 30.
Died skin cells are also the problem. Malassezia – a fungus can contribute to dandruff. This common fungus lives in your scalp and it does not cause any health problems.
Fun facts:
– A common condition but it is difficult to treat.
– It is not related to dirt or clean hair.
– Wash and brush remove white flakes.
– Consult your doctor if you get more severe cases.
What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp? You have a dry and flaking scalp, you may get dandruff. However, it is not the dry scalp. Many people may confuse them as they have the same symptoms. They both are falling flakes and causing itchy scalp. But these are two different conditions.
The great way to distinguish two conditions is their appearance. Dry scalp flakes are smaller and they look less oily. While dandruff causes oily, red, and scaly skin, dry scalp causes dry skin on other parts of your body.
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How does dandruff develop?
Just like other parts of the body, the scalp also constantly creates new skin cells to take the old place. Often, this process is not visible. During shampooing, the old skin cells were washed out and new ones replace them without you even noticing.
But with dandruff, it is the result of your scalp replacing dead skin cells at a fast rate, combined with sebum causing dead skin cells in the dry flake form. There are a variety of reasons causing dandruff and each type of dandruff has its own root cause. And most of the treatments are inexpensive and simple.
Causes of Dandruff
What causes dandruff? In fact, the exact cause of dandruff is not clear. A study indicates that dandruff is related to hormone production, and it often starts around the time of puberty. Here are some possible factors you can see.
Seborrheic dermatitis
It appears in the scalp, nose, eyebrows, and back of the ears that are a lot of oil-producing glands. Therefore, someone with seborrheic dermatitis is more likely to get dandruff. The infected skin will be greasy, red, and covered with flaky yellow or white scales.
Experts say that hormones and genes contribute to causing seborrheic dermatitis. Fungus and microorganisms living on the scalp also cause a skin problem.
In some people, seborrheic dermatitis encourages to produce extra skin cells. Hair flakes occurs when these extra skin cells die, fall off and then mix with the natural oil from their hair and scalp.
Improper hair brushing might cause dandruff
What is dandruff caused by? Not enough hair brushing also the common cause of this problem.
So combing the hair regularly so that it helps lessen the risk. It supports the normal shedding of died skin cells.
Haircare products
Select shampoos and skincare products that contain anti-dandruff components. Ceratin products can irritate the skin, triggering red, itchy and scaling scalp. If you are lazy in shampooing the hair, it makes dead skin cells and buildup of oil, leading to unwanted hair flakes. Besides, too frequent shampoo your hair also causes this symptom.
Lack of nutrition
Dandruff is another sign of nutritional deficiencies. It is a condition that affects the scalp’s health. But it is mostly restricted to oily parts of the body. Low levels of vitamin B group (B2, B3, B6) and zinc are the main causes of this scalp issue. To reduce it, have a healthy and nutritious diet. Eat more meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, and eggs to get rid of it.
Medical conditions
In some cases, if you get Parkinson’s disease and neurological illness, you are more likely to have dandruff. Those with HIV also have seborrheic dermatitis, causing the scalp issue. Moreover, people with heart attacks or weak immune systems are more likely to get hair flakes.
Dry scalp is a sign of dandruff
What is dandruff from? Someone with dry skin is more likely to get dandruff and the condition is more common in winter. The cold air contributes to causing itchy and flaking skin.
Overgrowth of a yeast
This overgrowth is caused by over prolonged-stress, changeable hormones, too much oil on the skin. White hair flakes are also caused by ultraviolet-A (UVA) light from the sun that counterworks the yeast.
Read more:
- 11 Best Dandruff Shampoo For Your Hair Flakes And Dry Scalp
- Fleas In Human Hair Symptoms & How To Stop This Menace
- 9 Best Head Lice Shampoo 2019: An Unbiased Review!
How To Get Rid of Dandruff
What is the best treatment for dandruff? Now allow us to share with you a few common ways to reduce the risk of getting dandruff.
Use an oil treatment like tea tree oil
What is good for dandruff and itchy scalp? Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been used for the treatment of acne and psoriasis. Also, it helps alleviate symptoms of dandruff, itchy feeling.
However, if you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil can cause irritation. Dilute the oil with coconut oil before applying directly to the scalp.
Opt for a proper dandruff shampoo
You should wash your hair with special shampoos and combine to massage the scalp gently. Don’t scratch the scalp. Shampoos help you remove white flakes, lessen oiliness, as well as prevents dead skin cells. Follow the product instructions carefully since some are used daily, while others are for twice weekly.
What kind of shampoo is good? Search for products containing antidandruff ingredients like sulfur, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, etc. For example, coal tar is a natural anti-fungal agent. It protects your dyed and treated hair. Remember to wear a hat when going out to protect your hair and scalp as well. We think you should try a few shampoos before finding the one that works for you.
The Last Words
Lewigs hopes that after reading our blog post, you will know what is dandruff or what it is caused by. Browse our blog to update more necessary information, tips & tricks to get your dreamed hair.
Should you have any further questions for your natural tresses treatments, kindly contact us via WhatsApp or email. Always willing to support you at any time!
