4 Types of Dandruff and How to Deal With Them Correctly
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4 Types of Dandruff and How to Deal With Them Correctly. Types of dandruff are caused by different causes. In order for dandruff treatment to be accurate for its cause, it is important to recognize the characteristics of the different types of dandruff. If treatment is not suitable, dandruff will be difficult to remove and will cause permanent itching on the scalp.
Dandruff is basically dead skin cells that peel off when the scalp produces excess sebum. Dandruff flakes are usually white or yellowish in color and can be visible on hair, shoulders, and clothing, and can interfere with appearance. The presence of dandruff also causes itching on the scalp.
To get rid of dandruff, the first step to take is to find out what type of dandruff appears. This way, later, you can take the right steps to treat the cause of dandruff according to what you are experiencing.
Different types of dandruff
Dandruff flakes falling off the scalp may look the same at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, you can see some differences in the type of dandruff depending on the cause.
The following are the different types of dandruff and their main causes:
1. Dry dandruff
Dry dandruff occurs due to a scalp that is too dry. A scalp that is too dry can be irritated so that the skin cells on the scalp become peeling. These dandruff flakes are small and white in color. Dandruff due to dry scalp usually does not itch much on the scalp.
The trigger for the appearance of dry dandruff can be many factors, ranging from cold weather, lack of fluids in the body, the habit of washing hair with warm water, to the use of hair care products that remove natural oils from the scalp.
2. Dandruff
In addition to dry dandruff, there are also wet dandruff. This type of dandruff is caused by excessive production of natural oils or sebum on the scalp. Excess oil on the scalp can clump, irritate the scalp, and cause wet dandruff.
In addition to genetic inheritance, excess sebum production in the scalp is usually caused by humid environmental factors, stress, or hormonal changes, such as during puberty
Unlike dry dandruff, wet dandruff is characterized by an oily scalp to the touch. In addition, wet dandruff flakes look larger than dry dandruff and have a yellowish color. The scalp can also be very itchy due to the overproduction of sebaceous glands in the scalp.
3. Dandruff
The fungus called Malassezia is mostly present on human skin. However, in some people, this fungal growth can be excessive and cause dandruff.
In addition to Malassezia fungus, fungal infections of the scalp can also be caused by the growth of Candida fungi. Dandruff due to fungal infections is characterized by the following characteristics:
- Itchy red spots on the scalp
- Scaly or white scalp crust
- Crusts on the scalp that cause hair loss
- Acne pus on the scalp
People with low immunity, suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), eating sugary and starchy foods frequently, or using hair care products with harsh chemicals are more susceptible to this type of fungal dandruff.
In addition, hormonal changes and stress can also lead to excessive fungal growth on the scalp.
4. Dandruff due to skin diseases
Persistent dandruff can also occur due to skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. These various diseases can contribute to excessive scalp peeling. In this condition, the type of dandruff that appears is characterized by red spots that are scaly and feel itchy and oily on the head.
Seborrheic dermatitis and eczema are forms of severe dandruff that are commonly experienced by people with oily skin types, weakened immune systems, or mental disorders such as depression.
Meanwhile, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when skin cells grow too fast, causing the formation of red spots and scales on the skin. In addition to the scalp, psoriasis also usually appears on the knees, elbows, and body area.
How to deal with dandruff by type
Some types of dandruff can generally be treated with home self-care. However, there are also types of dandruff that need to be treated with prescription medications from your doctor, such as fungal dandruff and dandruff due to skin conditions. The following are the different ways to deal with dandruff depending on the type and cause:
The use of anti-dandruff shampoo
Washing your hair 1-2 times a week is the key to maintaining healthy hair without dandruff. Dirty hair does not cause dandruff, but it can lead to a buildup of oil on the scalp and eventually dandruff.
For dry dandruff, use a special anti-dandruff shampoo with natural moisturizing ingredients to moisturize the scalp and soften the hair, such as argan oil, almond oil, or aloe vera.
Meanwhile, for the type of wet dandruff, choose an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid. This ingredient is effective in removing dead skin cells while reducing dandruff and itching on the scalp. In addition to wet dandruff, dandruff due to psoriasis can also be treated with salicylic acid shampoo.
Using antifungal shampoo
If you are faced with this type of fungal dandruff, the most appropriate treatment is to use a special shampoo to remove the fungus. Choose a zinc pyrithione shampoo that can control fungal growth and exfoliation of skin cells on the scalp. This content can also reduce itching due to dandruff.
Zinc pyrithione shampoo can also treat types of dandruff caused by scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
In addition, shampoos containing selenium sulfide can also be used to reduce dandruff and control the overgrowth of mold, especially Malassezia mushrooms.
Applying tea tree oil to the scalp
Tea tree oil can also be used to treat this type of fungal dandruff. According to some studies, applying pure tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil such as virgin coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil is effective in reducing the symptoms of fungal dandruff.
If you want a more practical way, you can also use a shampoo that contains tea tree oil.
In addition to the various methods described above, you should also avoid hair care products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes. Also, don't scratch your head, as this can irritate your scalp and worsen dandruff.
Basically, dandruff treatment is important to minimize the signs of dandruff on the scalp and reduce itching due to dandruff. This way, you will appear more confident.
If the type of dandruff you are dealing with is difficult to overcome on your own, it is best to see a doctor online. Later, your doctor may prescribe a special shampoo to treat the dandruff you are experiencing.
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