Dandruff appears to be a common dermatologist concern that causes white to yellow flakes of dry skin. These flakes of skin can be easily rubbed and fall on your shoulders, creating an embarrassing situation and getting noticed by almost everyone. It is a common issue faced by nearly half of the global adult population. Generally, people focus on the flakes, but constant itching creates a stir and might be the most uncomfortable situation.
This blog will guide you on what your scratchy scalp is trying to tell you, how you can get rid of excess dandruff, and where to get the dandruff treatment in Hyderabad. We have gathered this useful information based on our conversation with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili. So, let’s start by looking over the symptoms of dandruff.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Flakes and itchy scalp are the main symptoms of dandruff. White flakes typically accumulate in your hair and shoulders and worsen during fall and winter when the seasons are dry.
Besides this, additional symptoms of dandruff can include:
- Hair loss
- Dry flakes on the skin or face
- Eyebrow dandruff
- Erythema: red patches on the skin of the scalp and sometimes on the face
- The scalp becomes excessively dry when its natural moisture barrier is broken, leading to rapid dehydration and the drying of natural scalp oils.
What Causes Dandruff?
The most common reasons causing dandruff can be:
- Poor hygiene
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
- Cold season
- Frequent colouring
- Fungal infection of the scalp
- Usage of ordinary shampoo
- No frequent hair washing
- Nutritional deficiencies of niacin, zinc and pyridoxine
Dandruff usually occurs due to the scalp’s environment as the scalp, skin, and hair constantly grow and shed over time. When you get dandruff, the superficial skin layer may shed faster. As shedding the skin cells typically occurs quickly, they get clumped up with the skin’s natural oil (sebum) to create flakes that lead to dandruff.
What Looks Like Dandruff, But Isn’t?
- Scalp Eczema
Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, scalp eczema is a common skin condition that makes your scalp red, itchy, and flaky. It generally happens when the scalp gets irritated or inflamed. Genetics, too much yeast and immune system reactions play a role in causing scalp eczema. Special shampoos, mild soaps, and avoiding stress or harsh hair products are suggested to ease the symptoms.
- Psoriasis
It is a skin condition where skin cells grow too fast, resulting in red patches with scales. These patches can appear on the body, scalp, elbows, or knees. The cause is usually linked to the immune system and is not contagious. Initial-level treatments like creams and light therapy can be used to manage symptoms.
How Can Dandruff Be Treated?
To treat your dandruff, you can follow the home remedies at the initial level, such as:
- Wash your hair regularly with cold water 2–3 times a week without fail.
- Make sure your scalp and hair remain healthy.
- Try some natural remedies for dandruff, like neem, olive oil, aloe vera, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Avoid scratching on the itchy scalp.
- Cover your head with hats, caps or any headgear when going outside.
- Have a healthy diet with limited carbs, sugar and unhealthy fats.
- Follow a good hair routine.
- Avoid stress
- Brush hair from the scalp to the hair tips with firm and steady strokes to disrupt the build-up of skin cells and oils on the scalp and to improve blood circulation.
What Dermatologists Do To Manage Stubborn Dandruff?
- As suggested by the dermatologist, steroid-based creams, lotions, and solutions will be rubbed onto the affected area 1–2 times daily. Cortisone injections are used to get rid of thick plaques on the scalp; cortisone injections may be used on a dermatologist’s prescription.
- Use topical or oral anti-fungal medication to inhibit yeast (Maassezia globosa) growth.
- Apply oil-based medicine to the head, which can be left overnight under a shower cap.
When To Consult A Dermatologist?
Not everyone is proud to have dandruff. However, the good news is that you can treat it with over-the-counter shampoos and other lifestyle changes. However, when your dandruff becomes stubborn and itchy scalp, chances are that you might be dealing with scalp eczema, psoriasis or a true fungal infection. If you get affected by any of these, consult the best dermatologist and prioritize your hair health.
You can consult Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics Clinic. Being the best skin clinic in Hyderabad, this clinic works with the latest technology to make sure everyone can dream of having healthy skin and hair. Besides that, Dr. Ravali Ralamanchili has over ten years of experience and successfully treated thousands of patients with skin and hair challenges. Book your appointment with her visit at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic today!
