Scalp imbalances are a common hair issue in many people. Many scalp conditions lead to hair loss and skin rashes.
An itchy scalp can leave you embarrassed and stressed. Regularly using good quality hair care products like Vichy anti dandruff shampoo is an ideal solution for scalp problems.
In this article, you will understand the different kinds of scalp problems like dandruff and flaky scalp conditions and how to treat them.
Table of Contents
Different Types of Scalp Conditions
A recent survey by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that Chinese students had comparatively healthier scalp (75 percent male, 92.5 percent female) without dandruff compared to Malay and Indian students.
Here are some common scalp problems seen in adults and teenagers.
Scalp Psoriasis
Here, patches of skin on the head turn violet or purple. The auto-immune condition can be painful and irritable.
Dandruff
Dandruff can be of two types, oily and dry. Excess production of waxy fluid called sebum increases causes oily dandruff. It will result in yellow flakes on the scalp.
A yeast infection can cause dry dandruff, and the scalp gets sore and itchy.
Folliculitis
Hair follicles swell up and cause skin inflammation. It results in acne and reddish bumps on the scalp.
Excessive sweating can cause acne filled with pus.
Dermatitis
A severe case of dandruff can cause the scalp to become greasy and itchy. It can also be seen in babies known as cradle caps.
Difference Between Dry Scalp and Dandruff
There is a misconception that a dry scalp is always a form of dandruff. It is not valid in every case.
Dandruff can cause an oily, red, and itchy scalp.
Dry flakes are not hydrated. The flakes are also not prominent in many people.
The leading causes of dry scalp are excessive washing, irritation from hair products, and sunburn.
A dry scalp will block the oxygen supply to the hair roots and cause hair loss in many individuals. It will also cause dry skin on other parts of the body.
An infection caused by a fungus called Malassezia grows naturally on the scalp and causes the skin to multiply quickly.
Three main symptoms can help to differentiate between dry scalp and dandruff.
Check the scalp condition, and if it is oily, it is dandruff. If it has dry flakes, it will be a dry scalp. The flakes’ size, shape, and color can also help tell the difference between dry scalp and dandruff.
Prevention and Treatment for Dandruff
According to Forbes, dandruff results from the overgrowth of a naturally found yeast on the scalp. It affects almost 75 percent of people worldwide.
Here are the best ways to prevent or treat dandruff problems.
- You can use medicated shampoos available in nearby drug stores. The common ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, among others. One such product is Vichy anti-dandruff shampoo.
- If these shampoos do not start working within some days, it is essential to consult a dermatologist to find a better solution.
- You can take oral medication like Omega 3 to regulate oil production in the scalp. It will reduce the fungal growth and dandruff production on the scalp.
- Taking vitamin D supplements can treat severe dandruff conditions like psoriasis.
- Emotional stress levels can also cause flaking in the scalp. Regular exercising and maintaining a healthy diet can help control hair problems.
Prevention and Treatment for Dry Scalp
Here are some tried and tested ways to handle dry scalp problems.
Following a specific hair care routine can help to solve many dry scalp problems. You can use a pre-shampoo scalp treatment scrub before shampooing your hair. It helps to restore moisture and keep your hair follicles healthy.
Dry scalp can also be a side-effect of chemically harmful shampoo and conditioner. You must start using a mild hair care product to keep your scalp cleaner.
You must try and avoid alcohol-based shampoos, which can cause more harm to the hair follicles. Frequent washing can drain off the natural oils from the head and make the skin dry and flaky.
Dry hair is a common problem in icy conditions. You can use a humidifier in your homes to keep the weather warm and increase moisture in the air.
Final Words
You can also try some home remedies to cure dandruff and dry scalp issues. You can use coconut oil with lemon, apply fenugreek seed paste, or a hair mask like curd.
Using a clean hairbrush to comb your hair can help prevent dandruff growth.
Some food allergies like gluten intolerance or side effects of dairy products can trigger dandruff growth in many. Incorporating food items like almonds and salmon-rich in protein and fatty acids can help in treating hair-related problems.
