Dandruff vs Dry Scalp – How do you treat Scalp Problems?

Dandruff and dry scalp are two of the most common scalp problems but they are not the same. Both are different in terms of symptoms and the way they are treated. Let’s take a closer look into them in the following sections now, shall we!?

Dandruff

Does the shoulder area of your dinner jacket is filled with small white flakes? Does your hair feel a bit oily? Does your scalp feel itchy all the time!? Well, in that case, you have dandruff!

Dandruff is the dry/oily, dead, topmost layer of skin of your scalp that is shedding from the same. The exact reason that triggers this event is unknown but some dermatologists are of the opinion that it might be the result of a form of skin fungus.

Treatment

Well, there is no cure for dandruff but you can control the issue by simply washing your hair with shampoos that contain any of the following ingredients:

• Coal tar
• Zinc pyrithione
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide
• Ketoconazole

You may or may not need to use at least two to three anti-dandruff products before you start seeing visible signs of improvement. If weeks pass by and still your dandruff problem is not solved, it would be best that you consult with a doctor.

Dry scalp

When you have dry scalp, the uppermost layer of your scalp’s skin loses moisture and begins to shed thereby causing a lot of irritation to you.

There are several factors that cause dry scalp. Some of them are as follows:

• Dry cold air
• It can also be the result of contact dermatitis – a situation that arises when you apply certain products on your scalp like shampoo that contains harmful chemicals, hair styling products like gels, waxes, etc. and hairspray.
• The onset of old age – dry scalp could also be the result of your age. As the human body ages, its skin begins to lose its ability to regenerate its uppermost layer and keep the same from becoming dry. The inability of an old individual’s skin to hold on to its moisture content could also result in the drying up of their scalp.

Treatment

Dry scalp can be easily treated by using conditioner every time you wash your hair with shampoo. You can also use a light scalp moisturizer at night before you go to sleep. You can also consult with your hairstylist and subject your scalp to steam treatment. This is also a great way to restore the moisture content of your scalp.

Conclusion

In case you have dandruff, it is best that you wash your hair with an antidandruff shampoo often (at least twice a week that is!) In case you are reeling from the irritation of dry scalp, it is best that you avoid using hair cleaning and styling products that contain chemicals and artificial preservatives. To be on the safe side of things, be sure that you are switched to natural hair-care and cleaning products that contain organically grown natural ingredients like tea tree oil.