A dry and itchy scalp is irritating and often uncomfortable. Scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and dry scalp are common problems, there are lots of reasons and several solutions.
Anyone can get dry scalp or dandruff; The key is to pay attention to what is causing the scalp condition. Often, these are not isolated scalp conditions. You can have a combination of both dandruff and a dry scalp. Plus, you can also have skin issues linked to the scalp condition. Seeking professional advice from a dermatologist or your GP can help with diagnosing the problem.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is considered a chronic form of eczema. It usually appears on the body where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands — like on the upper back, forehead, nose, and scalp. It can also appear around the folds of the nose and on the eyebrows.
An inflammatory reaction to excess malassezia, a fungus naturally found on the skin's surface, is usually the cause of seborrheic dermatitis. The malassezia overgrows, and the immune system overreacts to it, leading to an inflammatory response that results in skin changes and scaly patches.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis and is restricted to the scalp. Dandruff typically lacks visible inflammation. Chances are, if you've ever scratched your scalp and noticed white flakes on the collar of your shirt, you've probably experienced dandruff.
Dandruff is caused by malassezia found on the scalp, it feeds on the oils, breaking them down and leaving oleic acid in its place. Sensitivity to oleic acid is what can cause dandruff. If you are sensitive to oleic acid, your body will respond by attempting to shed the irritant by quickening skin cell renewal. The skin cells renew faster than usual, which causes dead skin cells to accumulate as flakes and shed more quickly, which results in dandruff. The faster the scalp sheds, the worse dandruff becomes. This is why some people shampoo their hair and in three days, they notice dandruff again.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp presents similar symptoms to dandruff, including irritation, itching, flaking, and in some cases, inflammation. A dry scalp stems from lack of moisture in the scalp and presents as itchy red skin and possibly skin flakes. The scalp will feel dry when you run your fingers through it, this is typically caused by dry skin and sometimes irritants on the scalp.
Dandruff is often caused by too much oil on the scalp, the flakes tend to be larger pieces of skin that are oily in nature. When the scalp is dry, the flakes are usually fine, very dry, and much smaller in size. Dandruff flakes are usually white or yellowish, while flakes associated with dry scalp tend to be smaller and are typically white.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually presents itself as scaly yellow or red patches with associated itching. This condition can also lead to swelling and inflammation of the skin.
What Causes Dry Scalp?
- A dry scalp is often combined with dry skin in other areas of the body. There are many reasons why the scalp may not produce or hold enough moisture, including:
- WeatherCold weather dries out the skin all over your body, including the scalp. And while we all tend to blast the heat when it's cold, this can have a drying effect on the skin.
- Haircare - Processes such as blow-drying on a high heat, colouring, chemical straightening, or haircare products can cause the scalp to become dry. Using a shampoo that has a very high pH level can cause the pH level of the scalp to become imbalanced.
- Stress - Stress increases the production of certain hormones and releases pro-inflammatory chemicals that can compromise the scalp's barrier function. This means it's easier for moisture to escape, potentially leaving the hair and scalp drier.
- Nutritional Deficiencies - Vitamins provide nutrients that help maintain a healthy scalp. Not getting enough of some of the key vitamins in your diet can cause dry scalp. Vitamins B6, B12, and essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, are a lubricant for our body and can help to keep the scalp hydrated and healthy.
- Dehydration - Staying well hydrated can help prevent dry scalp. If you're dehydrated, your body will direct much-needed moisture to more critical functions, leaving your scalp and hair to fend for itself. Water is the main source of energy for hair cells, it hydrates the scalp, the hair strands, and generates new hair growth. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture from the inside and can cause flaking, itching, and irritation of the scalp.
What Causes Dandruff?
Pinpointing the exact cause of dandruff is a bit more complex than dry scalp. However, there are a few common culprits, these include:
An excess amount of oil in the skin and an inflammatory response to an overproduction of malassezia are considered the most common causes of seborrheic dermatitis.
Other factors include.
Many people experience scalp irregularities, understanding the causes and knowing about the solutions are the first steps towards improving and stabilising the condition.
To Treat Dandruff
Itching and flaking caused by dandruff often respond well to over-the-counter shampoos and treatments. The pH of the skin ranges from 4.2 to 6.5 Use shampoos within this range so the pH of the scalp is balanced.
Using a scalp treatment before you shampoo can also help to control dandruff. Scalp treatments help to lift dandruff and control bacteria overgrowth. Detoxifying mask,like Dead Sea Magik scalp Mask. These masks are designed to break down flakes and help keep dandruff more controlled. Combine with Dead sea magik shampoo and conditioner. This is an inexpensive line that is very effective when used regularly.
Look for ingredients like pyrithione zinc, exfoliants such as salicylic acid, and antifungals such as ketoconazole can help with the fungus and inflammation caused by dandruff.
Pay attention to the foods you are eating as certain foods can make dandruff worse. Start by removing added sugars, dairy, bad fats, and processed foods, to see if dandruff improves. Seek advice of a skillied Nutritional Therapist to advise on a healthy diet and lifestyle. https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/pages/serenity-day-spa-bookings
To Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Oil on the scalp can create an ideal environment for malassezia to overgrow, so washing the hair more frequently, in some cases daily, can be helpful. Avoid hair care products with heavy oils that can be food for the yeast. Periodically using a mediated shampoo that includes ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione, can also be helpful for prevention.
To Treat Dry Scalp
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, this helps to balance the moisture in the scalp. Eat more plant-based foods, and foods rich in antioxidants, including, strawberries, blueberries, artichoke, goji berries, spinach, raspberries, ginger, garlic, turmeric, dark chocolate, avocado, salmon, sardines, green tea. These foods help to reduce inflammation, which will help combat itching. Tea tree shampoos can also be cooling on the scalp.
A dry scalp stems from lack of moisture in the scalp skin, the treatment for dry scalp is to replenish that moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients in shampoos and conditioners, such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin, panthenol, etc.
Pinpointing the exact cause of dandruff is a bit more complex than dry scalp. However, there are a few common culprits, these include:
- Malassezia Globosa - This fungus is a major dandruff culprit. It is naturally found on everyone's scalp, and in 50% of people, it doesn't cause a problem. While sebum [a natural, waxy oil produced by the scalp] is essential to keep the scalp's moisture balance normal, excess sebum triggers growth of malassezia globose. When the fungus grows too rapidly the normal renewal of skin cells is altered and dead skin cells shed faster than normal, resulting in dandruff.
- Infrequent Shampooing - Infrequent shampoo days can promote dandruff as excess dead skin cells are given the opportunity to accumulate and sit on the scalp. When dead skin cells overgrow, they become flaky and irritated, which leads to shedding and itching.
- Diet - Reduce bad fats, added sugar, processed food, and dairy products in your diet. These foods can promote excess oil production on the skin and scalp. Fungus' that cause dandruff, such as malassezia globosa and candida, feast on the saturated fatty acid produced, making dandruff worse.
- Weather - Dandruff can occur at any time of the year and is not exclusive to cold, winter months. Humid, summer weather means excessive sweating, which creates the perfect environment for malassezia globosa to thrive and cause a dandruff flare-up. Emmanuel adds that cold weather can be a problem too, as the drying forces of cold winter air and overheated indoor spaces can upset moisture balances in the skin. This fluctuation in temperatures dries out the scalp, leading to flaking.
- Stress and Hormonal Fluctuations - Hormonal changes, like puberty and pregnancy, can cause dandruff in people who don't usually experience it. Stress can also cause hormonal fluctuations as cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone) tend to spike, which increases oil production on the scalp. Stress hormones can disrupt the skin's barrier function, and trigger skin irritation and inflammation. This is why you may find that your scalp gets itchy, flaky, and overly sensitive and greasy when you are going through a stressful period.
- Candida Overgrowth - Candida albicans is a fungus that normally lives within the body in small amounts. An infection called candidiasis can occur when there is an overgrowth of candida albicans, this can cause problems such as dandruff. If you have a persistent case of dandruff that is not clearing up with normal treatments, a trichologist or dermatologist will usually check if candida overgrowth is the cause. Candida thrives in warm and moist areas but can also develop if the skin has become unbalanced due to medical conditions, stress, medication, harsh chemicals in haircare products, or an unhealthy diet. A diet high in added sugar, dairy, fried foods, and processed foods will increase candida that lives on your skin.
An excess amount of oil in the skin and an inflammatory response to an overproduction of malassezia are considered the most common causes of seborrheic dermatitis.
Other factors include.
- Stress - Seborrheic dermatitis tends to be more common in people who are experiencing depression or emotional stress due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Immunosuppression - A compromised immune system can increase the risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis. Individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing the condition.
- Increased Oil Production - Increased sebaceous activity in the skin is linked to seborrheic dermatitis. The sebaceous glands are at their peak activity right after birth and again throughout adolescence. Males are more likely to get seborrheic dermatitis because they tend to produce more sebum than females.
Many people experience scalp irregularities, understanding the causes and knowing about the solutions are the first steps towards improving and stabilising the condition.
To Treat Dandruff
Itching and flaking caused by dandruff often respond well to over-the-counter shampoos and treatments. The pH of the skin ranges from 4.2 to 6.5 Use shampoos within this range so the pH of the scalp is balanced.
Using a scalp treatment before you shampoo can also help to control dandruff. Scalp treatments help to lift dandruff and control bacteria overgrowth. Detoxifying mask,like Dead Sea Magik scalp Mask. These masks are designed to break down flakes and help keep dandruff more controlled. Combine with Dead sea magik shampoo and conditioner. This is an inexpensive line that is very effective when used regularly.
Look for ingredients like pyrithione zinc, exfoliants such as salicylic acid, and antifungals such as ketoconazole can help with the fungus and inflammation caused by dandruff.
Pay attention to the foods you are eating as certain foods can make dandruff worse. Start by removing added sugars, dairy, bad fats, and processed foods, to see if dandruff improves. Seek advice of a skillied Nutritional Therapist to advise on a healthy diet and lifestyle. https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/pages/serenity-day-spa-bookings
To Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Oil on the scalp can create an ideal environment for malassezia to overgrow, so washing the hair more frequently, in some cases daily, can be helpful. Avoid hair care products with heavy oils that can be food for the yeast. Periodically using a mediated shampoo that includes ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione, can also be helpful for prevention.
To Treat Dry Scalp
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, this helps to balance the moisture in the scalp. Eat more plant-based foods, and foods rich in antioxidants, including, strawberries, blueberries, artichoke, goji berries, spinach, raspberries, ginger, garlic, turmeric, dark chocolate, avocado, salmon, sardines, green tea. These foods help to reduce inflammation, which will help combat itching. Tea tree shampoos can also be cooling on the scalp.
A dry scalp stems from lack of moisture in the scalp skin, the treatment for dry scalp is to replenish that moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients in shampoos and conditioners, such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin, panthenol, etc.
