If not oily hair, ladies are inclined to complain loads about dandruff and dry scalp. These are widespread pores and skin issues that many ladies have. Whereas dry scalp and dandruff could seem comparable, they’re totally different issues due to the best way they appear and feel. So how will you know the distinction between them? Learn on to search out out the distinction between dandruff and dry scalp.

What causes dry scalp

When there’s a lack of moisture, typically on account of harsh climate circumstances corresponding to chilly and dry air, your scalp can get dry, shares Dr Vijay Singhal, Senior dermatologist, Sri Balaji Motion Medical Institute, Delhi.

Listed below are some extra causes:

• Extreme washing with scorching water and robust shampoos can strip the scalp of its pure oils, resulting in dryness.
• Pores and skin circumstances corresponding to eczema and psoriasis might also contribute to a dry scalp, as they disrupt the pores and skin’s pure barrier perform.
• A poor food regimen missing important vitamins can play a task in dry scalp improvement.

What causes dandruff?

Dry scalp is extra of a hydration challenge whereas dandruff is primarily on account of an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia on the scalp. This overgrowth may result from an oily scalp, which offers a great atmosphere for Malassezia to thrive, explains the knowledgeable.

Different components that may contribute to dandruff embrace:

• Sensitivity to hair care merchandise
• Rare shampooing
• Pores and skin circumstances like seborrheic dermatitis.

Dry scalp vs dandruff

To determine you probably have a dry scalp or dandruff, you possibly can search for the next:

1. Scalp flakes

Study the flakes intently, and in the event that they grow to be small, white and dry, they’re possible dandruff. If the flakes are bigger and look extra like dry pores and skin, it might be a dry scalp challenge.

2. Scalp moisture

Contact the scalp and see the way it feels. A dry scalp typically feels tight and lacks moisture, whereas dandruff is related to extra oiliness and greasiness, says Dr Singhal.

3. Itchiness

Do you end up scratching your head or feeling itchy on the scalp? Persistent itching is usually a symptom of dandruff, whereas a dry scalp could or could not itch.

4. Flake adherence

Examine how nicely the flakes adhere to the scalp. Dandruff flakes have a tendency to stay to the hair shafts, whereas dry scalp flakes are extra loosely hooked up and simply fall off.

When doubtful, seek the advice of a dermatologist who can look at the scalp and inform you if it’s dry scalp or dandruff.

deal with dandruff and dry scalp?

Treating dry scalp and dandruff additionally require totally different approaches. For dry scalp, concentrate on rising moisture. Use a light, moisturising shampoo and conditioner, keep away from scorching water, and scale back shampoo frequency. So, in the event you wash your hair every single day, you must cease doing that. Making use of pure oils like coconut or jojoba to the scalp also can assist to hydrate it. In case you have pores and skin circumstances like eczema and psoriasis, you must work in direction of their therapy to keep away from dry scalp as nicely.

As for dandruff, it may be managed with medicated shampoos containing substances like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or salicylic acid. These sort of shampoos can assist in controlling the overgrowth of Malassezia. Common shampooing, however not every single day, and sustaining good scalp hygiene are additionally important.

The widespread factor in each instances is that you must observe a balanced food regimen that’s wealthy in nutritional vitamins and minerals.