If you have dry and exfoliated scalp, you may naturally suspect dandruff. But we also want to remind you that there are other signs of dry scalp. Dandruff and dry scalp have almost the same symptoms; flaky skin that is shed and an itchy skin surface. However, we would like to underline that the two are completely different from each other. In dry scalp, skin becomes irritated and exfoliation occurs. Bran in this case, too much oil accumulates in the scalp. This excess fat accumulation clogs the skin cells and then the shedding occurs. Knowing which of these two different skin problems you have will get you the right treatment. So, how to understand the cause of the abnormal condition on your scalp? Is the cause of the spills dandruff or dry scalp? Come and see the details together.
SYMPTOMS
When the skin has very little moisture, the problem of dry scalp is inevitable. As a result, the skin on your scalp becomes irritated. Immediately after, the skin begins to exfoliate because it is deformed. We can list some of the factors that trigger dry scalp as follows: cold and dry air, shampoo, styling gel, hair spray and some discomfort that triggers it.
Experts, as the main cause of dandruff; it shows “seboreic dermatit”i, a condition that makes the skin oily, red and scaly. This condition causes dandruff by exfoliating white or yellow on the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis can be seen wherever you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin, armpits, and the sides of your nose.
These spills often trigger a fungus bran called “malassezia”. The factors that cause the growth of the fungus can be listed as age, hormones and stress. Dirty hair does not cause dandruff, but if you do not wash your hair often enough, the oil that accumulates on the skin can prepare the ground for the formation of dandruff.
How is it distinguished?
Another way to distinguish between dry scalp and dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes look bigger and greasy. Dry scalp does not lead to an oily appearance. Moreover, both dryness and dandruff can scratch your scalp. On the other hand, if the dryness in your scalp continues in other parts of your body, it is possible to talk about dry scalp discomfort.
Treatment
You can treat the dandruff problem largely by yourself with an accurate shampoo that is sold without a prescription. Most dandruff shampoos contain drugs that kill the fungus on your scalp or destroy the flaky skin. Examples of this include: pawn zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid and coal tar.
Whichever dandruff shampoo you try, we recommend that you carefully read the instructions on the bottle. If you are not sure which shampoo to choose or how often to use it, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Because you may need to try a few brands before you find a brand that completely removes your dandruff problem. When your dandruff problem improves, you can reduce the number of days you use the shampoo. But if you have a more stubborn dandruff problem, your doctor may prescribe a stronger shampoo or steroid lotion.
But if you have tried dandruff shampoo for at least a month and your dandruff does not subside, or if the skin on your scalp seems red or swollen, you should definitely make an appointment with a dermatologist. A specialist in skin treatment will help you at this point. Because contrary to the appearance, you may have another skin condition that needs to be treated. Your doctor will look at your scalp and hair to determine if you have dandruff.
On the other hand, if you have a dry scalp, wash it with a mild shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner. One way to figure out if your scalp is dry or dandruff is to apply a gentle moisturizer to your scalp before bed. If the cause of the symptoms you experience is dry scalp, the scales will disappear when you shower the next morning.
Shampoos containing tea tree oil are also an alternative solution for dandruff. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with anti-fungal properties. However, some people may be allergic to tea tree oil. Therefore, consult your doctor before trying. If you experience side effects such as redness or swelling, stop using the product.
Dandruff cannot be treated in some cases. Most people can manage their symptoms in the long run. Usually, these stubborn stamps come and go occasionally. Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage the condition. In this way, itching and flaking will greatly decrease.
Prevention
To prevent dandruff and dry scalp, we have a few tips. If you have dandruff problems, we recommend that you wash your hair often with an anti-dandruff shampoo. But let us remind you that there are some points to be considered in the use of shampoo. First, make sure you rinse all the shampoo you apply to your hair. Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals such as bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can seriously dry out your scalp. Also avoid oily hair products that may accumulate on your scalp. Try to spend a few minutes in the sun each day. There are some studies that show that exposure to ultraviolet light can help control dandruff. Skin problems that happen on your scalp can be annoying. However, you can control these symptoms with the right treatment methods and measures taken beforehand.
