Individuals affected with dry, itchy, flaky scalp may find it hard to differentiate between dry scalp and dandruff. Dandruff, also known as pityriasis, affects 45 to 50 percent of the world population while dry scalp is actually considered rare. There are a few indicators to tell the difference between these two unpleasant scalp conditions. A person suffering from either condition can treat, as well as take certain precautions to lower the occurrence and severity of the symptoms.
Instructions
1. Consider origins of both conditions. The scalp usually renews its cells, like any other skin cell, every month or so by producing new cells under the old ones, and then slowly sloughing the old ones off to uncover the new ones. Dandruff is a result of a fungus, which is present on all scalps, becoming overactive and triggering the accelerated production of these new skin cells, not giving the old ones time to slough off undetected. The fungus sucks up the fatty acids in the scalp's sebum, drying it up and produces acid on the scalp which leads to the itchiness. Dry scalp is usually caused by a person drying out the scalp from over processing, use of drying hair products, weather changes or improper diet.
2. Observe the size of the flakes. Dry scalp sheds small flakes because the skin is sloughing the dry cells slowly. Dandruff sufferers shed large flakes because of the overproduction of cells that is forcing large clumps of cells off the scalp.
3. Look at color of the flakes. Dry scalp sheds transparent flakes you can hardly see since it is just dry, sloughed off skin cells. Dandruff produces white or yellow flakes because of the overactive fungus on the scalp.
4. Consider consistency of the flakes. Dry scalp produces dry flakes. Dandruff produces greasy flakes and is usually accompanied by an odor because it is a result of a fungal infection.
Tips Warnings
If there is extreme redness, itchiness, bleeding or oozing from scratching, consult your doctor.
Treat dry scalp with deep conditioning treatments, moisturize and massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow and oxygen to the area, wrap head with warm, moist towels or use products that are specifically for dry scalp and dandruff.
Treat dandruff with medicated shampoos, making sure to rinse them thoroughly, and only use when the symptoms are present to prevent further irritation. Reduce hair processing and alcohol based styling products if possible. Never share hair styling utensils to avoid bacteria and germs, especially since dandruff is contagious. Eat fresh fruit to help lower gastric fermentation that may worsen the condition, as well as green vegetables and steamed potatoes daily to lower acid in diet. Intake vitamins A, E, C and selenium to help as well. Dissolve 100 mg of aspirin (salicylic acid) in water and apply to scalp. This will help detach dandruff from scalp and soothes the itchiness. A few drops of cider vinegar on hair after shampooing will help to cleanse and eliminate limestone in water. Avoid shampoos that strip or energize hair which will only exasperate the condition.
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