Ready to dress to the nines, you throw on the sassy black shirt you ordered for the memorable occasion. Of course, it looks fabulous.
But then you notice something you didn’t bargain for. Flakes. All over your shoulders.
Hello, dandruff. What a nightmare!
Dandruff is something none of us wants to deal with. In truth, frustrating flakes are one of life’s most embarrassing and noticeable mishaps. They make you feel, well, icky.
Here’s the thing: flakes can be caused by a number of different factors. Check out these six factors that can cause those unsightly scalp flakes.
1. Dry Skin
True dandruff is often caused by one simple culprit: dry skin. You can generally distinguish this type of dandruff from other scalp issues because the flakes are white and small. In addition, they’re not oily.
Dry skin flakes may also be seen on other parts of the body at the same time scalp flakes are present. For example, they may appear in areas like the arms and legs.
If you’re noticing dryness of the scalp, consider using a specialized dandruff shampoo. Just make sure to choose an option that is color-friendly if you’ve had your hair color treated. Your stylist can recommend shampoos that will be a safe bet for your hair.
And if you don’t see results from this option, see a dermatologist to rule out other causes. You may have psoriasis or melassezia. In such cases, you might need shampoos designed for these particular issues.
2. Melassezia
Gross as this sounds, melassezia is an extremely common yeast-like fungus that can be found living in the scalps of many individuals. But here’s the real kicker… melassezia is only an irritant to some people. Others have no issues at all. And doctors aren’t sure just why this is.
Malassezia is an issue of numbers in that it causes skin cells to multiply. According to the Mayo Clinic, when malassezia irritates the scalp, more skin cells are created. These cells then “pass away” and fall off the scalp. When this happens, they look white and flaky.
If you suspect this condition is the culprit of your flakes, see a dermatologist stat. Antifungal shampoos can help control this problem.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common scalp condition. An inflammatory issue, seborrheic dermatitis can be seen in the form of flaky scales that are white or yellow in color. In addition, these scales appear in oily areas, which makes your scalp a prime target. And at times, the skin in the areas affected may also turn red.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that it is not known exactly why seborrheic dermatitis occurs. That said, there may be a number of reasons why a person would develop this condition. These include combination hormone levels, a weakened immune system, nutrient deficiencies, and issues with the nervous system. In addition, malassezia can be a cause of seborrheic dermatitis.
It is also important to know that there are risk factors that can lead to this condition. For starters, it can be hereditary. So if it runs in your family, your risk may increase. Further, exhaustion or stress, harsh weather, improper hygiene, lotions that contain alcohol, oily skin, being overweight, and certain immune and neurological conditions may elevate your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.
The good news is that this issue can often be treated with products that can be purchased at drugstores. The NIH suggests identifying products that specifically treat seborrheic dermatitis (as opposed to simple dandruff shampoos). These products may include the following ingredients: salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, and/or selenium sulfide.
If these products aren't effective, see a dermatologist or trusted doctor. You may need prescription formulas developed for severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis. And be aware that this condition may come back. It is thought to be a chronic condition in that it can recur at any time.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can appear on the scalp. Though psoriasis is not dandruff, it can be confused with dandruff because it causes the skin to peel in white or silver flakes. In addition to flakes, psoriasis may also cause bleeding, red patches, soreness, and temporary hair loss.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “psoriasis develops when a person’s immune system has faulty signals that tell skin cells to grow too quickly. New skin cells form in days rather than weeks. The body does not shed these excess skin cells. The skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, causing patches of psoriasis to appear.”
Sunlight often helps psoriasis. In addition, you can purchase medicated shampoos that have been developed to treat this condition. If over-the-counter solutions do not help, see a doctor. Your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger shampoos and other medications.
5. Haircare Products
If you have an allergic reaction to a particular haircare product, it can cause flaking of the scalp. In addition, products that dry out the scalp can cause flakes to appear.
If you do suspect a reaction to a haircare product, change products to see if symptoms subside. Further, it can be helpful to consult with your hair stylist about products that work well with sensitive skin. He or she can recommend alternative options.
6. Not Washing Your Hair Enough
We often hear that washing our hair too much is a bad thing. But this isn’t always true. When it comes to dandruff, washing your hair more often is actually a good thing.
“Not shampooing enough will only make your dandruff worse — it causes more oil and dead skin cells to accumulate on your scalp, which the yeast and fungi just continue to feed on,” says Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D, in an article in Everyday Health.
In addition to regular hair washing, Kaplan says to consider using a dandruff shampoo. This strips the scalp of dandruff. She reveals that shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc, or selenium sulfide can be beneficial in this process.
So if dandruff has left you feeling frustrated, dust yourself off with these six effective treatments for fighting the flake.