An itchy scalp with white flakes can be extremely annoying and distracting. If you constantly feel the urge to scratch your head and have noticed the appearance of white flakes, you may be suffering from dandruff --- large, white flakes that litter your hair and cling to your clothes can make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately however, you can take steps to help relieve your itchy scalp and keep those embarrassing white flakes under control.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common skin condition that can affect infants, children, teens and adults. While dandruff may cause discomfort and embarrassment, it is not considered to be a dangerous condition. Dandruff occurs when dead skin cells shed excessively, causing a continuous flow of white flakes to fall from your scalp, according to MayoClinic.com. These flakes then become trapped in the strands of your hair. The white flakes will also settle on your shoulders, where they become very noticeable. An itchy scalp is also typically associated with dandruff.
Risk Factors
Those who have a dry scalp tend to be more susceptible to dandruff because dry skin is more likely to flake and shed. Infrequent washing of hair allows oils, dead skin cells and hair product residues to smother your scalp. This can cause irritation, itching and flaking. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis also make you more likely to get dandruff. According to MayoClinic.com, one of the most common causes of dandruff is irritation caused by the excessive growth of a fungus called malassezia. This fungus lives on your scalp and consumes the oils that your hair follicles continuously secrete.
Treatment
Over-the-counter medicated dandruff shampoos are typically effective in clearing up mild cases of dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com. Most dandruff shampoos contain compounds that possess antifungal or antibacterial properties. These include zinc pyrithione, coal tar, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid and ketoconazole. Other dandruff shampoos contain compounds that scrub away excess skin cells. For a more severe case of dandruff that do not respond to over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, your doctor or dermatologist can give you a prescription-strength medicated shampoo or a steroid lotion.
Prevention
There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent your scalp from itching or to stop dandruff from forming. However, there are things you can do to help prevent your itchy scalp and white flakes from getting out of control. Be sure to keep your hair clean by washing it regularly. Also limit your use of heavy, oil-based hair products that can leave irritating residues on your scalp. Using a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing will help stop your scalp from becoming dry.
Warning
Dandruff flakes are typically white and dry in appearance and form primarily only on the scalp. According to MedlinePlus.com, if you have flakes on your face or on other areas of your body, you may have a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that is closely related to dandruff. Unlike dandruff however, seborrheic dermatitis produces flakes that are red in color and oily in appearance.
