Dandruff Flake
The Biggest Dandruff Flake Ever. Despite all of your efforts to keep your hair in check, your scalp is beginning to look like a snow globe. And it’s not because you’re a dry haired girl (even though dandruff can be mistaken for that).
Dandruff is caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia on your scalp. The yeast irritates the skin cells on your scalp, leading to excess skin cells that die and fall off.[1]
Dandruff vs. psoriasis
Dandruff and scalp psoriasis share similar symptoms, but they are two entirely different conditions. It’s important to understand the difference between these two dermatological issues if you have a dry, itchy scalp.
Both dandruff and scalp psoriasis cause flakes on your scalp, but the scales in dandruff are smaller and less oily than those from psoriasis. They may also be lighter in color, unlike the silvery flakes characteristic of psoriasis.[2]
Scalp psoriasis causes thick, scaly patches of skin that cover the entire scalp. It’s an autoimmune condition, so it’s typically more severe than dandruff.
A woman with psoriasis will often notice flaking anywhere from her scalp to her eyebrows and even on the back of her neck. It can also affect her elbows, knees, and low back.
While dandruff can be easily treated with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, psoriasis requires prescription medication to help reduce inflammation and minimize flaking. Medicated shampoos, light therapy, and medicated injections are all treatment options for scalp psoriasis.[3]
Regardless of whether you have dandruff or scalp psoriasis, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice for treatment. Your doctor can tell you how much you should use the shampoo, and can prescribe medications that are right for your particular skin type.
How dandruff develops
Dandruff is a condition where your scalp sheds its skin cells and flakes off into thin air. It is a natural process, but the dead skin cells that accumulate on your scalp may start to cluster into tiny white clumps.
Eventually, these clumps inevitably fall off and settle down along the length of your tresses. It’s a fairly common thing, and it’s pretty embarrassing for people who have dandruff.[4]
When you have dandruff, it’s usually caused by an overgrowth of a fungus on your scalp called Malassezia, which is a yeast. This fungus feeds on the oils that your hair and scalp produce.
Once the fungus has taken control, it stimulates your scalp to multiply more skin cells than normal. These extra skin cells kick the fungus out, causing it to flake off and become visible as white flakes.
If your dandruff is caused by Malassezia, you can try treating it with an anti-fungal shampoo, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, that contains ingredients like zinc. The shampoo should be applied to your scalp and hair on a daily basis.[5]
Other factors that can lead to dandruff include a diet high in processed foods, alcohol, and dairy products; the weather (cold winters can dry your scalp out); stress; and hormonal fluctuations (such as during puberty). Some dandruff can be made worse by certain types of hair products or by using too many hair treatments or shampoos, which strip your scalp of its natural oils.
How psoriasis develops
Psoriasis develops through a process called autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for foreign invaders and attacks them. This triggers your body to produce a large number of new skin cells and scales, says the National Psoriasis Foundation.[6]
These dead skin cells and scales build up on your skin and form patches that look red, scaly, and itchy. They can vary in size and appear as single patches separated by healthy skin or groups of patches that join together to cover large areas of your body, like your scalp.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and it affects your body’s outer layer of skin, especially your scalp. It causes patches of dry, scaly, and itchy skin that can look pink, red, or purple on brown and white skin.[7]
It can also cause thickened plaques and scabby-looking patches that have white or gray scales. They can appear on any part of your body, but they’re most common on your scalp and torso.
Dandruff is a less severe chronic condition that causes small pieces of dry or greasy skin to flake from your scalp. It usually isn’t itchy or painful, but it can be embarrassing if it falls on your shoulders and clothes.
Dandruff is not contagious or harmful to your health, but it can lead to infections and swollen lymph nodes. It is treated with medicated over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and conditioners.[8]
Dandruff vs. psoriasis in pictures
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects around 50% of adults. It causes itching and flakes of dead skin on the scalp.
It’s not a contagious disease, but it can be a sign of other conditions. If the flakes are bigger than normal, are itchy, and are more severe when you’re stressed, it’s time to see your doctor.[9]
While dandruff is caused by overproduction of skin cells, psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system. It triggers inflammation and causes a pile-up of patches called plaques that look like silvery scales on light skin.
On darker skin, psoriasis can look salmon-colored with silvery scales, violet with gray scales, or dark brown and difficult to see. It typically appears on the elbows, knees, back, and torso, but it can also show up on the face and other areas of the body.
Unlike dandruff, which is usually treated with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and conditioners, psoriasis often requires more extensive treatments that may include topical steroid creams and coal tar soap preparations. Some medications can cause hair to become more brittle and sensitive to sun exposure, so be sure to follow instructions closely.[10]
Dandruff can be cured with a prescription-strength shampoo or a topical steroid medication. However, it’s not unusual for people to need repeated treatment sessions to get their dandruff under control.
Prevention
Dandruff is a common scalp problem that affects many people. Fortunately, you can prevent it from developing with the right products and lifestyle changes.
The best thing you can do is to make sure your hair is brushed regularly and that you’re washing it properly with shampoos specifically designed for dandruff. These treatments can help to keep your hair healthy and reduce dandruff symptoms, according to Dr. Hope Mitchell, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.[11]
There are also plenty of home remedies for dandruff that can be tried on your own, including using a scalp mask before shampooing. These masks are formulated to remove toxins and dead skin that can cause dandruff.
Another way to prevent dandruff is to keep your skin moisturized. This is the easiest way to avoid itching and flaking, says Dr. Green.
If your dandruff is due to the presence of a fungus on your scalp, you’ll need to treat it by using a topical antifungal treatment. These are usually available over the counter and can be applied directly to your scalp.[12]
Besides using anti-fungals, you can also try changing your diet or reducing stress. Studies have shown that getting some fresh air can improve dandruff symptoms.
Treatment options
Dandruff is a common skin problem that can be frustrating to deal with. But there are several treatments for it, including over-the-counter and prescription products that will help reduce flakes and prevent them from coming back.
The best way to treat dandruff is to find the right product for you. Look for shampoos with pyrithione zinc, salycilic acid, coal tar, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole to help keep the dandruff under control.[13]
Another great option is coconut oil. It’s a great natural moisturizer and can reduce flaking by nourishing the scalp. But it can make your hair greasy, so use it only as a last resort if your dandruff is especially severe.
It’s also important to avoid chemicals in hair dyes and other hair care products that may cause your dandruff. Excessive washing can also lead to dandruff because it strips your scalp of its natural oils.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your dandruff, talk to your doctor about it. She’ll help you figure out what’s going on and develop a treatment plan for you.[14]
If you have dandruff that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies, your doctor can prescribe a prescription-strength shampoo or topical steroid for itching and redness. The doctor might also order blood tests to look for other health conditions that could be affecting your scalp, like psoriasis or eczema.[15]
