Do you notice white flakes following you everywhere you go, especially after scratching your head? If so, you likely have dandruff. These small bits of dry skin shed from your scalp, causing itchiness and feelings of embarrassment for many. But if you relate to this feeling, know you’re not alone. In fact, approximately 50% of the general adult global population lives with dandruff.
Ready to learn how to get rid of dandruff? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes pieces of dead skin to form in your hair, due to a flaking scalp. If your scalp is itchy at times or you have experienced dry (or greasy) scales on your scalp, you may have dandruff.
Although most people have heard of dandruff, it is not as easy to diagnose as you may think. That’s because this condition overlaps with other skin conditions, including chronic eczema. However, the telltale sign of dandruff is the white flakes that are often seen loose in your hair.
What Causes Dandruff
There are several possible explanations for what causes dandruff, including:
- For those with severe dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis may be to blame. This is a form of eczema that impacts areas that secrete the most oil. If you have oily skin, you’re more prone to dandruff. This is because yeast feeds on scalp oils, which may be perceived as an irritant by your body. To react, your scalp may produce more skin cells, causing dandruff.
- Contact dermatitis may also be the culprit, which is a skin irritation caused by an irritant or allergy. In most cases, contact dermatitis will occur because of certain hair products or hair dyes.
- Dry skin can also quickly lead to dandruff, which is why your symptoms may worsen during the winter months. Your shampooing habits can also make things worse. Washing infrequently can lead to a buildup of oil, worsening your condition.
- Age and sex both affect dandruff production. Common during puberty, dandruff generally peaks around the age of 20 and isn’t overly common once you are 50 and older. Men are also more frequently affected by dandruff, likely because of androgen hormone levels, including testosterone.
Dandruff vs. Scalp Psoriasis
When looking up your symptoms, you may come across a condition known as scalp psoriasis. Understanding the difference between dandruff and scalp psoriasis means you can treat your symptoms accordingly. So, how do you know if you have psoriasis or dandruff?
As discussed above, dandruff is a common skin issue that causes noticeable white flakes to fall from your scalp. It isn’t typically serious and can often be remedied at home. In comparison, psoriasis is a chronic condition that has no cure and often causes a great deal of discomfort. Unlike dandruff, psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease. Patches often surface on your scalp, elbows, knees, and back.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or the severity of your condition, it’s recommended that you seek an expert opinion. This will allow you to get a proper diagnosis so you can seek the best possible treatment plan.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff
When addressing how to get rid of dandruff, you can target symptoms by taking simple steps in the comfort of your home.
The first is to address your lifestyle — mainly your diet. If your diet is high in sugar and processed foods, this can trigger oil production. Instead, consume more nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats.
Next, your shampooing regimen will have a significant effect on your dandruff. Oils and dead skin worsen symptoms of dandruff, so start washing your hair more often. It is recommended that you wash your hair a few times a week at a minimum if you’re prone to dandruff. Also, the shampoo products you use really do matter.
Summer Laboratories offers a range of products designed specifically for various skin conditions, including dry and oily skin — both of which may lead to dandruff. Two of the best products for getting rid of mild to severe dandruff include:
1 | Tarsum Relief Shampoo — This is the only psoriasis shampoo designed to be applied full strength, directly to affected areas before you bathe. This quality shampoo can target seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and severe dandruff, helping you maximize treatment time.
2 | Keralyt-5 Shampoo — This shampoo helps relieve roughness and scaling of the scalp by exfoliating these scales more thoroughly.
Both options are highly beneficial, as you’ll want to be gently exfoliating your scalp on a regular basis anyway. This will allow you to regularly lift the top layer of dead skin, reducing dandruff production. The products that are most effective are those that leverage small amounts of salicylic acid. Keralyt-5 Shampoo, for example, contains 5% salicylic acid.
It’s important to target your dandruff and avoid scratching. Scratching and itching will only increase inflammation and irritation. Instead, apply one of the shampoos listed above, gently massaging your scalp, to get rid of your dandruff.
Lastly, it’s important to manage stress levels. When you are stressed, this affects your overall health. It can trigger a wide range of conditions and may make dandruff worse. This is mainly due to the impact of stress on your immune system. While walks, yoga, and journaling are often recommended to reduce stress, you should focus on whatever helps you relax. Whether that is cooking or doing art, these activities can support your immune system and your quality of life as a whole.
Summers Laboratories Can Help
Summers Laboratories offers skincare solutions for getting rid of dandruff and other conditions. Want to learn more about our collection of skincare products for the entire family? Contact us at 1-800-533-7546 or shop our collection today!
Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dandruff/guide/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
https://www.healthline.com/health/contact-dermatitis
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis-basics#1