Dandruff can occur due to dry scalp which can cause itchy and flaky scalp. Medicated shampoo is available for treating dry scalp. Flakes of dead cells of the skin can fall from your scalp due to intense dryness and dandruff. Change in weather condition and certain medical conditions can cause dry scalp. Dry scalp can become chronic problem if not treated.
In this article, you will get to know how dry scalp is caused, its symptoms, and treatment and home remedies. It is possible to completely cure dry scalp with simple home remedies instead of spending money on medical treatment.
Causes Of Dry Scalp :
1. Cold Weather – Lack of humidity can trigger dryness of skin causing dry scalp and dandruff. If there is not enough moisture present in the skin it can cause dryness leading to flaking of skin cells and itching.
2. Hot Shower – Hot bath is actually comfortable and good to boost your mood but taking hot shower many times can make conditions worse than good. Scalp can get damaged due to hot showers breaking down the lipid molecules of the skin leading to dry scalp.
3. UV Radiation – Harsh ultraviolet radiation of the sun can cause intense damage to your skin. Hence you need to cover your head and face while going out. Exposure to sunlight can trigger dryness of skin causing dry scalp. Similarly, if your body is exposed to centralized air conditioner or heating device it can reduce the moisture leading to dry scalp and itchy skin.
4. Harsh Soaps and Shampoos – Using coarse soaps and shampoos for your skin can largely affect the skin texture leading to dry scalp. Lipids tend to fall away from the scalp by using harsh soaps, thus dehydrating your skin. This condition can cause dry scalp and dandruff.
5. Dermatitis – Dandruff is the most common problem of the skin wherein inflammation of the skin occurs. Symptoms would be waxing and waning regularly causing scaling of skin and in severe cases it can cause oozy eruption. Often seborrheic dermatitis affects your scalp, eyebrows and ears and sometimes on the chest and back. What exactly causes dermatitis is not known, but people with oily skin are at increased risk of dermatitis. People affected with seborrheic dermatitis would have abnormal growth of yeast in their skin.
6. Psoriasis – Plaque is a common type of psoriasis causing white or red colored scales. This condition can cause intense itchy scalp and sometimes bleeding of skin.
7. Folliculitis – It is fungal infection wherein the fungus consumes the oil of the skin leaving it dry and itchy.
8. Lack Of Hygiene – People who are not following clean habits are prone to develop dry scalp and skin infections often. Aging can also cause this problem due to lack of moisture in the skin. Shedding of skin cells happen in faster pace than normal leading to dandruff and dry scalp. Not washing your hair properly leads to accumulation of dirt building flakes in the scalp.
9. Stress – If you are in a state of increased stress, it can trigger dryness of skin, irritation and dry scalp.
Symptoms :
- Itchy scalp
- Small dry flakes on the hair
These are the main symptoms of dry scalp. In case of dandruff, it can cause white or yellow colored flakes of dead cells of skin.
Dry Scalp Treatment :
Often no diagnosis and treatment is required for dry scalp. You can see your skin doctor if the condition of your hair is not improved even after using dandruff shampoo for several weeks. Your doctor may diagnose if there is any other medical condition like psoriasis or eczema.
- Use a gentle shampoo on your scalp and after rinsing it make use of a conditioner. Flakes of the skin (dead cells) would disappear if you regularly use light moisturizer on your hair before bedtime.
- You can visit your hair stylist for taking the best scalp treatment available.
- Medicated shampoos that contain selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, and ketoconazole can be used for treating dandruff and dry scalp. These are effective in treating fungal infections that causes dry scalp.
- OTC shampoos and gels that contain salicylic acid and coal tar are recommended for dry scalp condition.
- Do not wash your hair often since it can make your problem worse. And remember to choose the right shampoo that matches your skin condition. The shampoo should include oils and emollients and no other harsh chemicals. Instead of hot water use lukewarm water for washing your hair.
- Moisturizing oils like olive oil or coconut oil can be used for dryness since it helps to open up the pores fighting dry scalp. Use conditioner whenever you are shampooing your hair to keep it dry-free. Avoid using chemical enriched hair gels and hair products and limit use of blow dryers.
- Extreme weather conditions (both hot and cold) can damage your hair and skin. Remember to wear a hat while going out in drastic weather.
- Gently massage your scalp using warm oil at least once a week. This can prevent dryness in due course.
- Avoid eating too much of sweets and spicy foods. Drink plenty of water and fresh fruits.
- Dryness can increase if the vitamin levels are insufficient in your body. So include lot of fresh veggies and whole grain foods in your daily diet. It is very much necessary to retain moisture in your skin and hair.
Top 21 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dry Scalp :