What Causes Dandruff, its Symptoms, and How To Get Rid of it?

What Does Dandruff Look Like?

Other conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm can cause symptoms similar to those of dandruff. This is why it is important to learn about the symptoms of dandruff to differentiate it from other conditions and get the right treatment plan. The most common symptoms of dandruff are:

• Itchy scalp
• Skin flakes on the scalp or in the hair
• Skin flakes on facial hair, like beards and mustaches, or on the eyebrows

Mild redness on the skin 

• Irritated skin 

Most people think that dandruff can only affect adults. However, the truth is that children can also experience it, and it usually appears as:

• Scaly or crusty scalp (also known as “cradle cap”)
• Itchy skin
• Oily yellow flakes on the scalp, forehead, or eyebrows

If you are now wondering what dandruff flakes look like, here is your answer. Dandruff flakes can be annoying and irritating because they keep falling onto your black dress. But under a microscope, those flakes can be very interesting. Dandruff under microscope, when magnified 20 times, looks like pieces of shredded coconut. 

If the dandruff flakes in the microscope appear thicker and yellowish in color, they are caused by oily dandruff, while thinner, translucent ones are due to dry dandruff. Looking at dandruff flakes under a microscope can help determine which type of dandruff it is or if it is some other scalp condition, like scalp psoriasis.

What Causes Dandruff? 

One of the most common myths about dandruff is that it is caused by dry skin. But the truth is a little different. The researchers believe that it is caused by a combination of factors that all work together to give you those tiny, white flakes. Some common dandruff causes are

Overproduction of Sebum

Scalp oil, also known as sebum and dandruff, has a deep connection. The more oil produced by the scalp, the greater the risk of developing dandruff. There are various factors that can trigger the skin to start producing excess sebum, such as:

• Contact dermatitis
• Reaction to hair products
• Stress and depression
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medical conditions
• Dry skin
• Oily skin and scalp
• Not washing the hair enough or excessive washing
• Extreme weather

However, it is essential to understand that just because you may have an oily scalp, it does not mean you will experience dandruff. There are other factors that contribute to the condition as well.

Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast

An oily scalp or one with excess sebum is the favorite place for Malassezia yeast to grow.  What is Malassezia yeast? Well, it’s a type of fungus that lives naturally on our skin and scalp. 

These microorganisms have various types, and almost all of them help in keeping our scalp healthy. However, when there is more sebum on the scalp, it can cause the yeast to grow at a much faster rate and lead to scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and cradle cap. 

The type of Malassezia that gives you dandruff is known as Malassezia Globosa. Why? Because malassezia yeast thrives and feeds on sebum, more sebum equals more yeast. 

Reaction to Oleic Acid

When the yeast feeds on sebum, it leaves behind a byproduct known as oleic acid. This acid can cause a skin reaction in some people, which causes the skin to start producing new skin cells even faster. 

As a result, the dead ones, instead of falling off, start to clump together on the scalp due to the presence of oil on the scalp and take the form of dandruff flakes. 

So, in conclusion, these factors all work together to give you that itching, flaking, and irritation associated with dandruff. 

Types of Dandruff

Most people don’t know, but there are different types of dandruff. Two of the most common types are greasy or oily dandruff and dry dandruff.  

The difference between oily dandruff vs dry dandruff is that 

Dry Dandruff

Dry dandruff usually appears as small white flakes that look like tiny snowflakes and is believed to be caused by a lack of moisture on the scalp. 

Oily Dandruff

While the flakes that appear when you have oily dandruff are yellow or white, they are a little thick and greasy. Greasy or fungal dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is caused by the overproduction of sebum and Malassezia yeast on the scalp.

What is Baby Dandruff (Cradle Cap)?

Dandruff knows no age. It can happen to anyone, even babies. Dandruff is common in children; however, the type of dandruff that appears in infants and babies is usually known as Cradle Cap.

It appears as thick, greasy scales that look like a honeycomb on the scalp, forehead, and eyebrows; it can also cause redness and irritation behind the ears, in skin folds, and the diaper area. 

It is usually not harmful, nor is it contagious, but the way it looks can be annoying for parents, and they may want to get rid of it as soon as possible.

It is caused by the same Malassezia yeast that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. However, the overproduction of sebum is usually triggered by the maternal hormones present in the baby’s body.

Baby dandruff may look menacing, but it can be managed with the help of a cradle cap shampoo and cradle cap brush. If your baby is dealing with cradle cap, try the Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Bundle and soothe the scaling, flaking, redness, and irritation that can be found with cradle cap fast. 

How to Get Rid of Dandruff?

Those white flakes that make you look like a walking salt shaker may be irritating and frustrating. However, the good news is that managing dandruff and easing its symptoms or even curbing the condition altogether is fairly simple. 

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The best dandruff treatment is to use a medicated anti dandruff shampoo at least 2 to 3 times a week to wash your scalp. If you are experiencing severe dandruff, then the doctor may recommend the use of shampoo once daily to make your condition better. 

Now you might be wondering, which is a good anti dandruff shampoo? A shampoo that contains any of the following active ingredients can help you reduce the flaking associated with dandruff.

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

These ingredients can help eliminate dandruff and do so using different mechanisms of action. In the United States, all of those active ingredients can be found OTC, without a prescription, at a drug store, grocery store or online. 

Unsure what to start with? Happy Cappy Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Body Wash is a great place to begin your dandruff shampoo journey. 

It contains pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient and is free from any of those harsh chemicals that may worsen your condition. 

Brush Away the Flakes

Brushing can help remove those excess loose flakes and scales on the scalp. The best way to brush away the flakes is with the help of a dandruff comb or a cradle cap brush. It is specially developed with soft bristles to help remove the flakes without hurting or irritating the scalp.

The best time to use a cradle cap comb or brush is while shampooing. After applying shampoo to the scalp, brush your hair in a downward motion to remove the flakes. However, make sure not to overbrush your hair to remove the stubborn scales. 

Shampoo According to Your Hair Type

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to shampoo according to your hair type in order to get rid of dandruff flakes. People who have straight hair or oily scalps should use dandruff shampoo twice a week and use a daily shampoo to wash their hair daily. 

People with curly, dry hair should use it once a week and wash their hair only when needed, which is mostly after 1 or 2 days. 

Don’t Scratch

It is essential that you don’t scratch if you want to get rid of those snowflakes (dandruff) on your scalp. Scratching can trigger a never-ending itch-scratch cycle, which will further worsen the condition.

Scratching the scalp can also harm the sensitive skin on the scalp and make it easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate the skin, which can lead to other complications like skin infections and hair loss. 

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

The internet is full of home remedies for dandruff. Typical suggestions include apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lemon juice, olive oil, coconut oil, and others. But the fact is, these remedies can do more harm to the scalp than good.

Here is one example.

A lot of people think that coconut oil for dandruff is very effective. However, the truth is that coconut oil may help in moisturizing your scalp, but it does not help with dandruff. Putting coconut or any other type of oil on your scalp will make it greasy and provide a breeding ground for Malassezia yeast to thrive in, which may make your dandruff even worse. 

This is why it is important that you never leave any type of oil on your scalp. Another issue with these remedies is that they can cause allergic or irritant reactions in some people. So, before using any of these natural remedies, consult a doctor to avoid any further complications. 

Consult a Doctor

If you are experiencing severe dandruff or the symptoms are getting worse even after the use of a shampoo for dandruff, then it is best to consult a doctor.

There is a possibility that you might be experiencing another skin condition like scalp psoriasis, eczema, tinea capitis, or a fungal infection, and confusing it with dandruff. A dermatologist can appropriately evaluate, diagnose and treat whatever they find. 

How to Use a Dandruff Shampoo for Best Results?

Here is how to use a dandruff shampoo to get the most out of it

• Wet your hair and scalp with lukewarm or cool water.
• Apply shampoo to the scalp and gently massage the roots.
• Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes. 
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water.
• Make sure to leave no residue behind.
• Gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel.

Leaving the shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes allows the active ingredient to penetrate into the skin and treat the root cause of dandruff. 

Best Shampoo for Dandruff

The best anti-dandruff shampoo is a medicated shampoo that contains Pyrithione Zinc as an active ingredient. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that have been proven safe and effective in improving the symptoms of flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. 

Most medicated anti-dandruff shampoos on the market contain harsh chemicals that can further irritate the scalp, strip away natural oils, leave the scalp dry, and sometimes even lead to contact dermatitis. 

This is why Dr. Eddie advises using a dermatologist-recommended shampoo for dandruff

like Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash, which is: 

• Fragrance-free
• Dye-free
• Alcohol-free
• Paraben-free
• Sulfate-free
• Phthalate-free
• BPA-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Gluten-free

Choosing the right dandruff shampoo will not only help you get rid of the symptoms of dandruff but can also prevent future scale build-ups. Happy Cappy Shampoo is a pediatrician-developed, dermatologist-tested dandruff shampoo that helps reduce flaking and scaling associated with dandruff. It contains zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient and is safe to be used by adults, teenagers, and children of all ages.

Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Kids

Most of the dandruff shampoos on the market are made for adults. These strong shampoos contain ingredients that might be harmful or uncomfortable for use on the sensitive skin of children and babies.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Eddie wanted to recommend to his young patients an anti dandruff shampoo that would reduce scaling and flaking without irritating the children’s scalps. But there were no options available at that time. 

Which is why he developed Happy Cappy Dandruff Shampoo for Kids. It eliminates the bothersome symptoms associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Recall that cradle cap is the common name for seborrheic dermatitis in children and babies. The formula is fragrance, dye, BPA, paraben, and alcohol-free.

It is a natural baby dandruff shampoo made with 95% natural ingredients such as licorice root extract to soothe redness and apple fruit extract and  provitamin B5 to moisturize hair and skin, combined with the FDA-approved active ingredient pyrithione zinc for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also complies with pediatric dermatologist recommendations for eczema by being a non-soap cleanser that is hypoallergenic.

Can you Get Dandruff in Beard and Eyebrows?

Most of us think that dandruff only appears on the scalp. The fact is, dandruff loves hair. Dandruff on eyebrows, yep, flakes on the patch of hair above the eyes, is very common. 

The reason behind dandruff in beard and eyebrows is the same as it is for your scalp. It is either due to dry skin or to Malassezia yeast. The good news is that those dandruff flakes in your beard that make you look like Santa Claus can be easily managed with the help of a Happy Cappy Medicated Dandruff Shampoo which is also safe to be used as a face wash.

Does Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

One of the most common concerns most people have about dandruff is, can it cause hair loss? Dandruff cannot directly cause hair loss. The hair loss you may be experiencing is usually due to the itching and irritation on the scalp. 

When you scratch your scalp, it can damage the skin and hair, leading to temporary hair loss. Also, the excess oil and greasy flakes can clog the hair follicles and make it difficult for the hair to grow properly, which gives you the illusion that you are losing hair.

And if you are having severe hair loss, then it is best to consult a doctor. There are chances you may be experiencing any other skin issue, such as alopecia, along with dandruff. 

Do Bald People Get Dandruff?

If you are wondering, can bald people get dandruff? Then the answer is yes. While most of us think that you can only get dandruff if you have hair, the truth is that dandruff is caused by everything that is happening on the skin and not your hair.

You can still have excess sebum, overgrowth of malassezia yeast, and skin sensitivity towards oleic acid even if you don’t have hair on your scalp. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Dandruff

Even though dandruff is considered a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, the manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis is quite different from regular dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis usually causes inflamed, red, itchy, irritated skin and appears as 

• Thick, greasy patches of skin
• White or yellow scales and flakes

What makes it different from dandruff is that dandruff mostly appears on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard, while seborrheic dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body. Especially where the skin oil glands are active, such as the face, behind the ears, chest, armpits, eyelids, and in the skin folds of arms and legs.

Dandruff vs Dry Scalp

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, as both cause similar symptoms like itching, dryness, and irritated skin. However, both conditions are different; dandruff is mainly caused by the overproduction of Malassezia yeast and excess sebum, while dry scalp is the result of a lack of moisture on the scalp.

	Dandruff	Dry Scalp
Cause	Excess sebum, overgrowth of malassezia yeast, and reaction to oleic acid	Lack of moisture in the skin
Flakes	Yellow or white, oily, large flakes	Tiny, white, dry flakes
Common Triggers	Genetics, hormonal changes, oily scalp, fungal growth, and sensitivity to hair products	Cold air, dry weather, eczema, over-washing, hard water, and harsh chemicals in hair products
Treatment	Regular use of a medicated dandruff shampoo	Cleansing the scalp with a gentle, sulfate-free Daily Shampoo

Dandruff vs Lice

Lice eggs and dandruff are often confused with each other because they both are whitish in color, stick to the hair, and can cause itching. However, they are both different skin conditions and require different treatment plans. 

The bad news is that head lice can spread from one person to another, especially by sharing belongings, which is why immediate treatment is essential. And this can only be done if you know whether you have lice or dandruff. 

	Dandruff	Lice
Cause	Excess sebum, overgrowth of malassezia yeast, and reaction to oleic acid	Infestation by a small parasite insect (head lice)
Appearance	White or yellow oily flakes	Tiny, grayish, or white tear-drop-shaped eggs
Itching	Mild to moderate	Severe itching with a sensation of crawling
Location	Mostly found on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard	Usually stick to the hair shafts anywhere on the scalp, but can also be found on eyebrows and eyelashes
Contagious	No	Yes
Treatment	Regular use of medicated anti-dandruff shampoo	Use of anti-lice shampoo and nit comb

Dandruff vs Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis and dandruff both can cause flaking, itching, and redness, which is why it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, both conditions are different and require different treatments. 

While dandruff is caused by a combination of factors, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Knowing the differences and identifying the skin condition is the first step towards managing the symptoms. 

Here are the key differences between psoriasis vs dandruff.

	Dandruff	Psoriasis
Cause	Excess sebum, overgrowth of malassezia yeast, and reaction to oleic acid	An autoimmune condition that speeds up the production of skin cells
Flakes	Small, white, or yellow oily flakes	Thick, silvery-white flakes that can form plaques
Associated symptoms	Itching, flaking, and irritation	Itching, burning sensation, and soreness
Treatment	Use of an anti-dandruff shampoo	Use of medicated shampoo, topical corticosteroids, and systemic medications

Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

Dandruff and itchy scalp go hand in hand. The reason behind itching in dandruff is usually the scale and flake buildup. Flakes are an indication of irritated skin, and irritated skin is itchy skin.

Even though itching is a prominent symptom of dandruff, an itchy scalp does not necessarily mean you will have dandruff. There are many other conditions that can cause itchiness, such as 

• Hives
• Allergies
• Head lice
• Scabies
• Ringworm (tinea capitis)
• Scalp Psoriasis
• Skin cancer

So if you’re having an itchy scalp without the flakes, or the itching is not getting better after using a medicated shampoo, then consult a doctor. 

Myths About Dandruff Debunked

Myths	Facts
Dandruff is caused by a dry scalp.	Dandruff is usually caused by Malassezia yeast.
Using oil can help with dandruff	Oils will only worsen your condition by increasing the growth of Malassezia.
Wash your hair less if you have dandruff	Washing is essential to remove the excess scale buildup and debris on the scalp.
Dandruff becomes worse in winter	Even though cold, dry air can worsen dandruff, this is not always the case. Some people may find that their dandruff becomes worse in summer.
Flakes are a sign of dandruff	Flakes are just one symptom of dandruff. Flakes can also be caused by other skin conditions like scalp psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, and contact dermatitis.

Key Takeaways

• Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes flaking, itching, irritation, and redness on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard. 
• Dandruff is believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as excess sebum, overgrowth of malassezia yeast, and oleic acid.
• There are two types of dandruff: dry dandruff, which causes dry, white flakes, and oily dandruff, which causes oily, greasy, thick white or yellow flakes.

Dandruff can be managed by keeping the scalp clean with the help of a medicated shampoo for dandruff.