When it’s not DANDRUFF
JUST about everyone would have experienced what they believe to be dandruff at some point in their lives. However, not every flaky scalp condition is in fact dandruff.
Dandruff is an itchy and persistent skin disorder that results in dry, flaky skin accumulating on the scalp. It is a problem that affects both males and females at any age.
The fungus malassezia has been cited as the main cause of dandruff development, while hormones have also been said to contribute to its growth.
Dermatologist Dr Neil Persadsingh said dandruff is asymptomatic. However, he noted that scaling, flakes and itching usually occur as it gets worse.
Conditions that mimic dandruff include scalp eczema, dry scalp, scalp ringworm and psoriasis vulgaris.
So how do you know whether the condition you have is dandruff?
Dermatologist Dr Heather Brown said the most common condition that masquerades as dandruff is scalp ringworm, found mainly in children.
Making a distinction between plain dandruff, scalp eczema, dry scalp, scalp ringworm and psoriasis can be tricky, but what really helps to distinguish the conditions are the degree and kind of flaking.
Scalp eczema
This condition presents with symptoms of irritation, redness, and itchy skin on the scalp that causes the flakes. This condition may take vigorous treatment in order to bring it under control. The most common type of scalp eczema is known as seborrheic dermatitis, and its most unwelcome symptoms are itching, scalp discolouration, crusting and flaking. Other symptoms are greasy or waxy flakes, blisters, and flakes on other parts of the body like the ears and eyebrows.
Seborrheic dermatitis is said to be caused by an overproduction of sebum, the natural oils secreted by sebaceous glands in the scalp. This then causes the overgrowth of a normal skin fungus called mallasezia. It is believed that changes in the weather, stress, and family history can all play a role.
Scalp ringworm
The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp may vary, but it usually appears as itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Ringworm of the scalp is a highly contagious infection that is most common in toddlers and school-age children up to 12 years old. Most cases of scalp ringworm are transmitted from person to person through touching, sharing of combs, brushes towels, etc.
Dry scalp
One commonly mistaken dandruff lookalike is dry scalp. This condition is said to be caused by the use of products like shampoos or soaps that may be too harsh for the scalp. Sulfate-based products usually cause dryness. Chemical treatments like relaxers, texturizers, or hair colouring tend to irritate and dry the scalp which results in flaky scalp. Blow-drying also as a similar effect.
Psoriasis vulgaris
This is a non-contagious disease characterised by inflamed lesions covered with silvery-white scabs of dead skin. Normal skin cells mature and replace dead skin every 28-30 days. Psoriasis causes skin cells to mature in less than a week. Because the body is not able to shed old skin as rapidly as new cells are rising to the surface, raised patches of dead skin develop on the scalp as well as other parts of the body. At least 50 in every 100 people who have psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis and have to deal with scale-capped plaques on the surface of the skull. Itchy scales on the scalp can be particularly embarrassing, as flaky plaque in the hair tends to surface and show itself as a severe case of dandruff.
