Is It Dandruff or Dry Scalp? Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Dry scalp causes

You can get dry scalp when your skin has too little moisture, so the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. If your scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of your body, such as your arms and legs, could be dry too.

Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors such as:

• cold, dry air
• contact dermatitis (caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, such as shampoo, styling gel, and hairspray)
• older age
• the use of products that strip the natural oils from your skin

Dandruff causes

The skin cells on your scalp and body normally multiply when you need more of them. Then they die and shed off. During this process, your skin cells turn over on a regular basis or turn over faster in response to inflammation.

When you have dandruff, skin cells on your scalp shed more quickly than usual.

The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns your skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow scales flake off, creating dandruff.

You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin, armpits, chest, upper back, ears, and along the sides of your nose. In babies it’s called cradle cap.

Often, a fungus called Malassezia triggers dandruff. This fungus normally lives on your scalp — but if you have too much of it, the skin cells multiply rapidly, causing flaking.

Factors that can make Malassezia multiply include:

• age
• hormones
• stress
• underlying medical conditions

Dirty hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but if you don’t wash your hair often enough, the oily buildup can contribute to flakes.

Dandruff vs. dry scalp

One way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes are bigger and look oily. In babies with cradle cap, their scalp looks scaly or crusty.

Dry skin flakes are smaller and drier. Your scalp may feel itchy, but it won’t be inflamed like it may be with dandruff.

Symptoms of dandruff vs. dry scalp

The following is a comparison of the main symptoms of each condition:

Seeing a doctor

You can treat most dandruff yourself with an over-the-counter (OTC) dandruff shampoo.

If you’ve tried one for at least a month and your flakes haven’t improved or are getting worse, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist. You might have another skin condition that needs to be treated.

A doctor or healthcare professional will determine whether you have dandruff by looking at your scalp and hair. They can rule out conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can also cause flaky skin on your scalp.

Treatment

If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner.

One way to tell whether you have dry scalp or dandruff is to apply a light moisturizer to your scalp before you go to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning.

Some hair stylists can also perform a scalp treatment that uses steam to deliver more moisture to your scalp. If you have dry skin on your scalp, you can ask about this at your next hair appointment.

Dandruff shampoo

For mild dandruff, wash your hair every day with a gentle shampoo to reduce the amount of oil on your scalp. If your dandruff is more severe or a regular shampoo doesn’t work, try a dandruff shampoo.

Most dandruff shampoos contain medication that kills the fungus on your scalp or removes flaky skin. Here are some examples:

• Pyrithione zinc (Head and Sholders): This is an antifungal drug that kills the fungus on your scalp that causes flaking. Pyrithione zinc shampoos are gentle enough to be used every day. Examples include Head and Shoulders.
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue): This lowers the amount of fungus and prevents too many skin cells from dying off. If you have blond or gray hair or dye your hair, ask a healthcare professional before trying it, as it can change your hair color.
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral): This kills the fungus that causes dandruff. You can buy it in either OTC or prescription strength.
• Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal): This removes extra scales from your scalp before it can flake. However, salicylic acid can dry out your skin and cause more flaking.
• Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel): This slows the growth and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. Tar-based shampoos can also change your hair color if you have blond or gray hair.

Tea tree oil for dandruff

Shampoos containing tea tree oil are an alternative remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with antifungal properties that some studies show treat dandruff.

However, some people are allergic to tea tree oil, so speak with a doctor before you try it. Stop using the product if you have any redness or swelling.

No matter which dandruff shampoo you try, read the instructions on the bottle and follow them carefully. If you’re unsure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. You might have to try a few brands before you find one that relieves your dandruff.

Once your dandruff improves, you might be able to reduce the number of days that you use the shampoo. For more stubborn dandruff, a doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo, a topical steroid, or topical antifungal.

Prevention

If you have dandruff, wash your hair often with an antidandruff shampoo. Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo.

Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out your scalp. Avoid oily hair products that can build up on your scalp.

Spend a few minutes out in the sun every day. There’s some evidence that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can help control dandruff. You don’t want to get too much sun exposure, though, because it can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Managing your stress may also help. You can start out with meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

The bottom line

Dandruff isn’t curable, and most people will have to manage symptoms over the long term. Flakes will come and go.

Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage your condition and prevent itching and flakiness. If you’re having difficulty managing it, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.