Most people know dandruff as a scalp condition where the skin flakes and falls off. However, dandruff meaning can differ, depending on the cause. Therefore, several types of dandruff exist, although their flakes may look the same. Also, various skin conditions can cause different types of dandruff. Hence, knowing the kind that’s affecting your scalp can help you identify the most effective dandruff solution.
Introduction
What is the reason for dandruff? Knowing the cause of dandruff can help you identify the type affecting your scalp. This step is crucial because every case is unique. Some types are treatable with changes to the haircare routine or home remedies. However, some require a professional prescription from a dermatologist. This blog post looks at different dandruff types . It also explains its prevention or treatment.
Did you know that dandruff can have more than one type or cause? Changing your shampoo or hair care regimen can help get rid of those white flakes, but occasionally the problem goes deeper and requires prescription medicine. Here, we’ll discuss the typical causes of dandruff and how to get hair free of flake buildup.
Different Types of Dandruff
Skin cells multiply during their life cycle and die off, leading to scalp shedding. However, people with dandruff have an accelerated skin cell cycle. Hence, more dead cells collect on their scalp, making it itchy and dry. Also, the dead cells flake off more often. This section explores various types of dandruff, depending on the causes of dandruff in hair.
1. Fungus-Related Dandruff
Dandruff fungus or yeast is a prevalent cause of this condition. Malassezia is the fungus that causes dandruff. It’s naturally present in the skin and keeps other microorganisms in check to prevent infection. However, excess sebum production proliferates it since it grows in this natural skin oil. Also, this yeast produces a by-product that makes the skin cells clump together, forming white flakes or dandruff.
2. Dry Skin-Related Dandruff
Skin dehydration is a primary reason for dandruff in hair. It mainly occurs during winter due to dry, cold weather. Also, it can happen because of taking a hot shower. Hot water can dry the scalp, causing flakes.
3. Oil-Related Dandruff
Sebum buildup on the scalp is also why dandruff occurs. Sebum overproduction by hair follicles causes dead skin cells to build up on the scalp. When dead skin cells clump together, they form oily, itchy dandruff flakes that are yellowish.
4. Disease-Related Dandruff
Some skin conditions can cause skin flaking. For example, seborrheic dermatitis can cause severe dandruff. This condition causes intense itching, redness, scaly patches, and scalp inflammation. Seborrheic dermatitis has visible inflammation signs, but dandruff causes mildly red skin. This illness is prevalent in people with oily skin, especially in areas with sebaceous glands. Other skin conditions that can cause dandruff include the following:
- Sebopsoriasis
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
A professional healthcare provider or dermatologist can diagnose and treat the skin condition causing dandruff. Nevertheless, knowing how is dandruff formed can help you identify your type and its most effective treatment.
What Can You Do to Treat Different Types of Dandruff?
Knowing the stages of dandruff can help you treat or prevent different types of dandruff and its formation. Here are effective ways to prevent or treat dandruff.
1. Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
In market there are Some best shampoos to treat dandruff and prevent flaking. Nevertheless, read the manufacturer’s instructions to use the product correctly since some are for daily use while others require less frequent use. Also, pay attention to your skin’s reaction to the shampoo. Please stop using shampoo if it causes adverse effects, such as irritation, redness, or a rash.
2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Some people have healthy hair and scalp, yet they get dandruff. So, why do we get dandruff? Some lifestyle habits can cause dandruff. For instance, stress and poor diets can cause dandruff. Therefore, managing stress and eating healthy foods can help with dandruff. High-stress levels exacerbate skin conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Some foods that can help with dandruff include B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and zinc.
3. Stick to a Healthy Haircare Routine
Why does dandruff form in people caring for their hair and scalp? That’s a question some people ask when dealing with dandruff. Changing your haircare routine can treat or prevent dandruff. You can also have dandruff due to practices like excessive hair styling, washing hair and scalp with hot water, and using some shampoos. Therefore, limiting hairstyling products, avoiding hot water, and using gentle anti-dandruff shampoos can treat or prevent dandruff.
You might also like: Scalp Problems: Dandruff, Lice, Psoriasis, Ringworm, & More
Conclusion
At this juncture, you’re not asking why does dandruff occur. You know its causes and ways to prevent or treat dandruff. Over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos, healthy haircare routines, and lifestyle changes can also contain or treat this condition. Nevertheless, see a professional dermatologist if a condition like psoriasis or eczema is the underlying cause of your dandruff.
