Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of dandruff are:

• White, oily-looking flakes of dead skin on your scalp, hair, and shoulders
• Itchy, scaly scalp
• Red, greasy patches of skin
• Irritated, dry scalp

Dandruff, the dry flaky scalp that snows down on shoulders, is caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This chronic skin condition leads to itchiness, redness, and irritated skin that sheds white flakes. Dandruff is not just restricted to the scalp. It can also appear on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and ears.

The culprit behind dandruff is thought to be twofold: overactive oil glands and sensitivity to a yeast called Malassezia. Malassezia naturally lives on everyone's skin. But some unlucky folks have skin that overreacts to this yeast, becoming inflamed and shedding skin cells at a faster rate. While dandruff itself is harmless, it can cause social woes for those trying to keep their shoulders snow-free.

Treatment

Since dandruff often recurs, managing it requires both active flare-up treatment and maintenance care for best control. Patients will be taught regimens tailored to their symptoms.

Here are some treatments you can consider:

Medicated shampoos - Anti-fungal and tar-based shampoos can help reduce flaking and itching from flare-ups. Using these regularly keeps symptoms in check.

Steroid scalp treatments - Prescription steroid lotions, used with medicated shampoos, quell inflammation and flakes.

Anti-fungal and steroid creams - For the face and ears, apply these ointments to control redness and flaking in affected areas.

It’s important to use anti-dandruff shampoos consistently as directed, usually 2-3 times a week, to control dandruff. Make sure to really massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Natural remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar can also help improve dandruff by moisturising the scalp and reducing yeast overgrowth.

Improving scalp health through gentle brushing, scalp massages, and reducing stress can prevent dandruff flare-ups as well.

Symptoms

The signs of scalp acne include:

• Small red bumps or pustules on the scalp, sometimes with pus
• Tenderness, pain, and itching of affected area
• Flaking around acne lesions
• Hair loss if acne is severe

Scalp acne may be made worse by excess oil production, product buildup, stress, and hormones.

Treatment

Keeping your hair and scalp very clean is key for treating scalp acne. Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair 2-3 times a week and avoid heavy styling products that can clog pores. An exfoliating scalp scrub used 1-2 times a week can also help clear away dead skin and product residue.

For stubborn scalp acne, your dermatologist may prescribe topical acne medications like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or antibiotics. Oral antibiotics or birth control pills may be recommended for hormonal acne.

Natural remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar rinses, and aloe vera gel can help soothe inflammation and prevent infection of scalp acne lesions. Avoid picking or popping pimples which can lead to further irritation.

Symptoms

Signs of a sensitive scalp include:

• Scalp sensitivity or pain when brushing or touching the head
• Tingling, burning, or itching sensation of the scalp
• Redness and inflammation
• Increased irritation from hair care products
• Scaly or flaky patches

Sensitive scalps can be genetic but may also result from damage to the skin barrier. Harsh shampoos, over-washing, and excessive heat styling can compromise scalp and hair health. Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can also contribute to sensitive scalps.

Treatment

Be gentle with your sensitive scalp. Wash hair infrequently with a soothing, fragrance-free shampoo. Use warm, not hot, water to rinse your hair. Avoid scrubbing or using rough brushes/combs. Minimise the use of potential irritants like hairsprays, dyes, and heated tools.

Try switching to more natural hair products with ingredients like aloe, chamomile, green tea, oatmeal, and jojoba oil. These can calm and hydrate a sensitive scalp.

If your sensitive scalp is very inflamed, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream to use for a short period. This helps relieve irritation and itch.

Symptoms

• Slick, greasy feel of the scalp
• Visible oiliness along the hairline and roots
• Lank, limp hair that appears flat and dirty
• Rapidly developing dandruff and itchiness
• Frequent need to wash hair

Oily scalps affect those with naturally very oily skin. Hormonal changes, humidity, hair products, and habits like head massages can also increase oil production.

Treatment

Manage an oily scalp by washing hair more frequently with a gentle shampoo. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, lemon, charcoal, and tea tree oil specifically formulated for oily scalps.

Using a clarifying apple cider vinegar rinse once a week helps remove excess sebum and product buildup. Just dilute ACV with water and rinse it through your hair after shampooing.

Switch to oil-free, volumizing hair products that won’t contribute to greasiness. Avoid heavy conditioners and styling creams on your hair and regular scalp treatments as well.

Exfoliating and washing your hair and scalp 1-2 times a week with a special scrub helps keep pores clear and prevents excess oil buildup. Using blotting papers or dry shampoo at roots can help absorb oil between washes.

Symptoms

Signs of scalp eczema include:

• Extremely itchy, inflamed areas on the scalp
• Red, rough, scaly patches that may weep and crust over
• Dandruff-like flaking and scaling
• Visible swelling and inflammation
• Hair loss if severe

Eczema flare-ups cause scalp irritation that make hair styling and washing painful. Intense itching and scratching also leads to infection risks.

Treatment

Avoid triggers like harsh soaps, weather changes, and stress that exacerbate scalp eczema. Use a very gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and lukewarm water to wash hair. Comb hair gently with a wide-toothed comb to minimise irritation.

Applying cold compresses can relieve scalp itching and inflammation. Topical corticosteroid creams prescribed by your dermatologist also help control flare-ups.

Keep scalp moisturised by massaging in coconut oil, aloe vera gel, or olive oil. Stay hydrated and minimise scratching to prevent infections.

Oral antihistamines provide relief from eczema itching. For severe cases, immunomodulator medications may be prescribed to reduce overall inflammation.

Symptoms

Signs of scalp psoriasis include:

• Red, itchy patches with thick silver-white scale buildup
• Dandruff-like flaking, sometimes severe
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed if severe
• Scalp tenderness and tightness
• Hair loss in affected areas

Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress, skin injuries, infections, weather changes and certain medications.

Treatment

Using a prescribed medicated shampoo can help soften and remove psoriasis scale from the scalp. Salicylic acid or tar-based shampoos work well for mild cases. Steroid shampoos and scalp solutions are used for more severe scalp psoriasis.

Your doctor may also prescribe systemic medications like oral immunosuppressants, retinoids or biologics to reduce inflammation. Topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and anthralin can help treat stubborn plaques.

Moisturising with aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil soothes itching and prevents cracking. Light therapy and reducing stress levels also help control flare-ups. Avoid picking at scalp lesions.