It's called “dandruff” (pityriasis capitis) when it's on a teenager's or adult's scalp, and “cradle cap” when it's on a baby's. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body.
brushing regularly to prevent tangled hair and help break apart buildup. using an exfoliator on the scalp to break up the buildup. selecting a shampoo and conditioner that work for the person's hair type. washing the hair regularly — typically daily for oily hair and every few days for drier hair.
Little White Flakes
Those are the telltale signs of dandruff. Dandruff flakes are dead skin cells that fall off your scalp. When you have dandruff, your scalp may look scaly or red and feel itchy or raw. Scratching or rubbing your head loosens the flakes.
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.
Hair casts or pseudonits are 2-7 mm long, discrete, firm, shiny, white, freely movable tubular accretions that encircle the hair shafts of the scalp. [1] Even though they are not unusual, there is scarce literature on them and underdiagnosis is common.
Dandruff is caused when your body has an inflammatory response to an overabundance of yeast production on the scalp. It can be caused by a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or by a fungus called malassezia.
Many of us, especially in cold and dry weather, may see white flakes falling from our hair and assume they are dandruff. Flakes from dry scalp are far more common than true dandruff. Dandruff is caused by overgrowth of a yeast (malassezia) present on most normal skin. Less washed hair can result in a more oily scalp.
Here's how to spot the difference. Dandruff involves large, oily flakes of skin. Dry scalp causes small, dry flakes of skin. Product buildup can make your hair feel greasy, dull, or stiff.
Scratching your scalp with your nails can cause even MORE flaking and inflammation, and may result in small tears and scabs. Your scalp skin actually has more hair follicles and oil glands than any other part of your body, making it a lot more sensitive and susceptible to skin issues.
Sebum buildup appears as white or yellowish oily residue on the scalp. It sometimes produces flakes on the scalp and may be mistaken for dandruff, scalp eczema, or psoriasis.
If there's white-ish stuff showing up on your hair brush or comb, it's probably buildup. This kind of white stuff is different from dandruff - it won't be flakey, nor will it be oily like sebum. Product buildup typically resembles teeny tiny strands of white hair, and it sticks to the hairbrush quite stubbornly.
The frequency of shampooing necessary to control dandruff varies from person to person. Some need to shampoo twice a week, others more frequently, even daily.
Dr Anjali Mahto, from the British Association of Dermatologists, tells BBC Three: “I would recommend people avoid scraping and picking at their scalp, it can be painful and you risk inflammation and infection.
The role of fungus in dandruff
One of the strongest contributing factors, however, is the level of a fungus called Malassezia. Multiple studies have found a link between Malassezia and scalp health, with dandruff scalps consistently showing a marked increase in the abundance of Malassezia.
So what is this small white particle? In fact, the white small particles in the roots of the hair are fat particles composed of sebum and oil.
The primary culprit is believed to be the yeast Malassezia. Sebum buildup, however, is caused by a variety of factors. This includes the use of store-bought shampoos and hair products, as well as contact with pollutants and ineffective scalp cleansing.
Key takeaways: Formication is the sensation that bugs are crawling on or under your skin when they don't really exist. Causes include mental health conditions such as depression, medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, certain prescription medications, or drug use.
While a mild case of buildup can typically be cleared up with a solid shampoo and rinse, too much of it can cause dandruff and inflammation, which may require more care.
Regularly exfoliating your scalp is one of the most important ways to keep both your scalp and hair looking and feeling its best. Neglecting to exfoliate and cleanse your scalp can lead to dry scalp, itchy and flaky scalp, dull hair, clogged hair follicles, and more.
Exfoliates Your Skin
The brush's bristles act as a mechanical exfoliant, sloughing off old, dull layers of skin cells. Exfoliated skin looks better and feels healthier. Plus, when you exfoliate your scalp, your follicles will be better enabled to produce stronger, longer hair.
It helps with dandruff.
Holden also points out that "dandruff in particular can be helped by exfoliating regularly, not only by removing the loose flakes of skin, but also by reducing the itchiness that can come with it."