Many of us will, from time to time, experience an insatiable urge to scratch our scalp. The first conclusion a lot of people jump to is dandruff, which is caused by the presence of a specific type of fungus and excess oil. More often than not, however, it’s just a case of dry scalp. While they both have the same symptoms – itching and flaking – they require different treatment. So how can you tell them apart? We break it down for you:
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Dandruff
What it is:
The official name for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, and it can occur on other parts of the body, with dandruff referring to the variety on the head. It’s very common, and affects almost half the world’s population. While the exact cause is unknown, experts think it is related to a yeast that is found in our skin’s oil secretions that causes flaking and redness on the scalp. So if your scalp is flaky while also oily at the roots, it’s likely that you have dandruff, but only a diagnosis from a dermatologist can confirm it.
How to treat it:
There are a lot of shampoos on the market that target this specific problem and can be used to alleviate the symptoms.
Related: Five ways to fight dandruff
Dry scalp
What it is:
What makes dry scalp different from dandruff is that instead of being a symptom of too much oil on the scalp, it is a form of dry skin. This is something that many people also suffer from and, as we age, it can get worse. While this can be hereditary, dry skin can also be caused by using the incorrect haircare products, which, in turn, can irritate the skin on your scalp and make it itchy and scaly. So if you have flakes and your scalp feels dry but improves when you use haircare products that moisturise the scalp, you probably just have dry skin.
How to treat it:
Switching to haircare products that have nourishing properties and contain oils can help to keep your skin moisturised and flake-free.
PHOTO: iStock/VladimirFLoyd
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