A dry scalp can cause dandruff. However, the two conditions are distinct with separate causes and treatments. Lifestyle changes may help prevent dandruff, but more research is necessary.
Dandruff causes the scalp to flake and may cause visible flakes on clothing or in the hair. In some cases, it is due to a fungal or other scalp infection.
Dry scalp, however, occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture.
Understanding the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp can help with finding the right treatment.
This article explains the causes of dry scalp and dandruff. It also goes over symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
While both dandruff and dry scalp may seem similar, they are separate conditions with differing causes.
Dry scalp
A dry scalp occurs when the scalp does not have enough oil for the skin to feel lubricated.
Like other forms of dry skin, this can cause itching, flaking, and irritation. It can also cause the hair to look dry, since oil from the scalp helps condition the hair.
People with dry skin are more prone to dry scalp. This means that many of the things that cause dry skin can also cause a dry scalp including:
- dry air, particularly during the winter months
- excessive washing
- skin conditions, such as eczema
Dandruff
The scalp, like the rest of the skin, sheds dead skin cells. Dandruff occurs when this process speeds up. Dandruff flakes are actually dead skin cells.
The faster the scalp sheds dead skin, the worse dandruff becomes. Some factors can alter the rate at which the skin sheds.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers do not fully understand what causes dandruff. Potential causes of dandruff include:
- fungal infections of the scalp
- oils secreted by the scalp
- sensitivity to substances, such as hair products
These three factors may work together to make some dandruff worse. For example, people with fungal scalp infections may develop worse dandruff if they have sensitive skin or a very oily scalp.
Most people have a fungus called Malassezia living on their scalp that does not cause any problems. However, in people with dandruff, this fungus causes irritation and flakes. This irritation may be due to the way the fungus interacts with other factors.
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People with a dry scalp may notice flakes shedding from their scalp. Unlike true dandruff flakes, however, the flakes associated with dry scalp tend to be smaller and whiter.
Dandruff flakes are larger and may be yellow-tinged or look oily. While both dandruff and dry scalp tend to come and go, dandruff that is due to a fungal infection is unlikely to get better without treatment. Dry scalp, however, may improve with less frequent shampooing.
Both conditions can make the scalp itchy and irritated. If symptoms are severe, people with either condition may scratch their scalp so frequently that it turns red or develops small sores.
Differences between dandruff and dry scalp
Most people find it difficult to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, and it is also possible to have both dandruff and a dry scalp. In general, flakes are more likely to be dandruff:
- if the scalp feels oily
- when there is intense scalp itching even when the scalp does not feel dry
- if the hair looks greasy
Both dandruff and dry scalp can usually be managed at home. However, some scalp conditions can look like dandruff.
Scalp psoriasis, for example, causes redness, flakes, and itching but is due to an autoimmune disorder.
Seborrheic dermatitis, a form of severe dandruff and a chronic type of eczema, can cause intense, painful inflammation.
People should contact a healthcare professional for a flaky scalp:
- if there are other symptoms, such as redness or sores
- if home treatments do not work
- if there are open wounds on the head or face
People with autoimmune disorders and chronic conditions should speak with a healthcare professional before treating dandruff. Symptoms that resemble dandruff may be due to another condition, and a weakened immune system increases the chances of a scalp condition worsening.
Most cases of dandruff can be treated at home. People with dandruff should aim to shampoo their hair with anti-dandruff shampoo regularly. This can treat many underlying causes of dandruff, including minor fungal infections.
Another option to treat dandruff is coal tar shampoo. However, this shampoo may change the color of light hair, so people with blonde or gray hair may prefer another option.
People whose dandruff does not improve with home treatment should speak with a healthcare professional. Identifying the cause of the dandruff — which could be a bacterial or fungal infection — can be helpful. Prescription-strength treatments usually clear up dandruff.
Dry scalp
Treating dry scalp may depend on the cause of the dryness. If it is due to an underlying condition, a healthcare professional may need to provide effective treatment options.
However, a dry scalp due to dry skin may clear with shampooing less and protecting the scalp from cold and dry weather.
The idea that improper hygiene causes dandruff is a myth. However, going long periods of time without shampooing may make dandruff more visible.
As experts do not fully understand what causes dandruff, it is unclear if it is preventable.
Dandruff can be a chronic condition that tends to go away and then come back. While some people believe that lifestyle changes improve their symptoms, there is little research on this topic.
It may be possible to prevent dry scalp by:
- using less irritating shampoos
- switching to a moisturizing shampoo
- shampooing the hair less frequently
- using a humidifier to keep the skin from getting dry
- drinking more fluids and staying hydrated
Dandruff and dry scalp have similar symptoms and appearances. However, they are separate conditions.
A person can have both dry scalp and dandruff.
Dry scalp is generally the result of similar factors to other dry skin issues, such as a lack of moisture and dry conditions.
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, research has shown it is most likely linked to specific types of bacteria on the scalp.
Using dandruff shampoo can help clear dandruff. If this is not effective, a person should speak with a healthcare professional.
Using a moisturizing shampoo, shampooing less frequently, and staying hydrated may help to treat and prevent a dry scalp.