Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTreatmentCausesPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Treatment
Causes
Prevention
Dandruffanddry scalpare common conditions with similar symptoms but different causes and treatments. Dandruff and dry scalp can cause itching and flaky skin to come off the scalp.The causes for these two conditions differ, and as a result, they also have different treatments.
This article will cover dry scalp and dandruff symptoms, their causes, and treatment options. It will also discuss how to prevent these conditions from even occurring.
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Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: How Symptoms Look
Dandruff anddry scalpcan look very similar. However, there are a few unique differences to help determine the underlying condition.
A dry scalp can cause small, white skin flakes to come off of the scalp. The skin flakes can be found in the hair or the person’s shoulders and clothes. With dry scalp, the scalp may also feel itchy, and dry skin might be found on other areas of the body.
How to Treat Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp
Dandruff and dry scalp can be treated at home but are treated differently. Before beginning treatment, contact your healthcare provider to make sure you have the correct diagnosis.
Home Remedies
Most research does not support home remedies for dry scalp and dandruff treatment.
Adry scalpis best treated with a gentle, unmedicated shampoo.Use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing.
Shampoos and Prescribed Options
Dandruffcan be treated at home with an OTC medicated shampoo. The active ingredient indandruff shampooscan vary, but these shampoos usually contain one of the following:
Tar-based shampoos can make the scalp sensitive to sunlight and stain light-colored hair.
If there is no improvement after four to six weeks, try a different shampoo with a different active ingredient.Contact a healthcare provider if dandruff does not improve with OTC shampoo.
Dandruff ShampoosWith so many different dandruff shampoos on the market, it can be difficult to know which brand to trust. Here are several product options and their active ingredients:Head & Shoulders:Zinc pyrithioneSelsun Blue:Selenium sulfideT-Gel:Coal tarNizoral 1%: Ketoconazole
Dandruff Shampoos
With so many different dandruff shampoos on the market, it can be difficult to know which brand to trust. Here are several product options and their active ingredients:Head & Shoulders:Zinc pyrithioneSelsun Blue:Selenium sulfideT-Gel:Coal tarNizoral 1%: Ketoconazole
With so many different dandruff shampoos on the market, it can be difficult to know which brand to trust. Here are several product options and their active ingredients:
What Causes Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp is caused when the skin on the scalp loses moisture. This can result from using hair products that remove the oil from the skin and strip it dry or from weather that is dry, cold, or low humidity.
Seborrheic dermatitis can develop anywhere on the body that has oil glands. It’s commonly seen on the scalp but can also occur on the face, armpits, groin, and buttocks. When babies have seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp it is calledcradle cap.
Dandruff Associated ConditionsWhile seborrheic dermatitis is the primary cause of scalp flaking, there are other causes. They include:Ringworm(tinea capitis)EczemaContact dermatitisPsoriasis
Dandruff Associated Conditions
While seborrheic dermatitis is the primary cause of scalp flaking, there are other causes. They include:Ringworm(tinea capitis)EczemaContact dermatitisPsoriasis
While seborrheic dermatitis is the primary cause of scalp flaking, there are other causes. They include:
How to Prevent Flaking From Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp
To prevent flaking from a dry scalp, it’s important to keep the skin moisturized. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and add moisture to the hair and skin.
Dandruff cannot always be prevented, but you may be able to reduce its frequency if you can avoid its triggers. Some triggers for dandruff are:
If a dandruff flare-up starts, treating it promptly with medicated shampoo can help reduce the symptoms and duration.
Summary
OTC treatments are generally effective. But if the condition does not resolve, contact a healthcare provider for further guidance.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is your dry scalp something more serious?Nemours Kids Health.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.National Health Service.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: self-care.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is your dry scalp something more serious?Nemours Kids Health.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.National Health Service.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: self-care.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is your dry scalp something more serious?Nemours Kids Health.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.National Health Service.Dandruff.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: self-care.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is your dry scalp something more serious?
Nemours Kids Health.Dandruff.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: signs and symptoms.
National Health Service.Dandruff.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: self-care.
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