Dandruff vs Dry Scalp
Our hair is one of our most distinguishing features. It is also the one area of the body that is universally acceptable to alter to reflect your personality. Therefore it is very desirable to have clean and healthy hair. The occurrence of dandruff or dry scalp can not only be irritating but also embarrassing. While it can be easy to confuse the two, they come from different causes and have to be treated in different ways.
Symptoms of Dandruff and Dry Scalp
Dandruff ‘“ makes your scalp itch. You hair and scalp is oily, but large, visible flakes of skin are still coming off. They can sometimes be as large as a quarter inch and are white or gray and have an oily feel to them. Your scalp may also display signs of redness or irritation that doesn’t go away after a simple washing.
Dry Scalp ‘“ also leads to an itchy scalp. Both your hair and your scalp are dry and the skin of your scalp flakes off in small, white pieces. You might find that your dry scalp is accompanied by dryness on the rest of your body.
Causes of Dandruff and Dry Scalp
Dandruff ‘“ is caused by a combination of factors that can shift in severity from person to person or in one person over a period of time. If you have a very oily scalp and have been exposed to a specific type of yeast or fungus the resultant infection can lead to dandruff.
Dry Scalp ‘“ is usually caused by an alternation in temperature or humidity. For instance, in the winter when the heat is turned on, your scalp is suddenly exposed to a drier environment and reacts by peeling and flaking.
Treatment of Dandruff and Dry Scalp
Dandruff ‘“ can be treated by the topical application of anti-dandruff shampoos. There are a number of over the counter varieties that contain salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione. The former ingredient chemically exfoliates your scalp to get rid of built up dead skin cells, while the latter eradicated your yeast infection.
Dry Scalp ‘“ can be treated by re-hydrating your scalp. You should start by drinking lots of water. You may also want to avoid washing your hair as regularly so your natural oils can regenerate. You could try a leave in conditioning treatment or hair oil. However, after a few weeks, your body should adjust to the new level of humidity and your scalp will return to normal.
Summary:
1.Dry scalp and dandruff both make your scalp itch.
2.Dandruff is caused by an oily scalp and a yeast infection whereas dry scalp is a reaction to a change in your body’s overall moisture level.
3.Dandruff should be treated with medicated shampoo and dry scalp should be treated by rehydration.