What Your Hair Wants You To Know

Even today, the debate continues whether dandruff is treated like a disease or a disorder. 

If your scalp is itchy or your shoulders are covered with white flakes, you would probably ponder whether it is dandruff or scalp psoriasis. If you have an itchy scalp, you might reach out to use the best dandruff shampoo. Dandruff and scalp psoriasis can look very similar; however, there are significant differences found by several certified dermatologists with prompt diagnoses to identify and treat these conditions. 

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the immune and musculoskeletal systems. It occurs as thick, red spots and plaques. Dandruff is not a severe chronic problem, unlike psoriasis. It may be present on the scalp, like white flakes falling on the shoulders or clothes. 

• Around 45-56% of psoriatic patients have high chances of occurring scalp psoriasis. 
• Approximately 50 per cent of the adult population worldwide has dandruff.  

However, we suggest you understand the several myths or misconceptions about these two conditions and get the best advice from the experts. Unfortunately, more than 50 per cent of the adult population worldwide is affected due to dandruff. Several attempts have been made to understand the pathogenesis of psoriasis and dandruff. Let us unravel several misconceptions regarding dandruff and psoriasis, which are as follows: 

• Psoriasis is not contagious. It is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding psoriasis. It may occur due to certain genes triggering the immune system. Remember those days in school when you kept your distance from those potted with dandruff issues. One of the biggest myths is that it is infectious or contagious. However, it can cause flaky and irritated scalp, which several methods can cure. 
• There have been people who freak out during winter seasons to get rid of dandruff. This problem can occur in your hair during any season. If so, you are mistaken, as the risk can strike anyone anytime. 
• One of the biggest misconceptions is that dandruff and psoriasis occur only on the scalp. Dandruff can happen with those white flakes behind ears and eyebrows. In the case of psoriasis, there are around five types which don’t look the same and require medical attention. Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp and appear behind the forehead or neck. 
• A major misconception related to dandruff is it causes hair loss. A swollen or itchy scalp can cause breaking in your hair, and the major symptoms of hair fall or hair loss are extremely distinct. Scalp psoriasis can cause temporary hair loss; however, it will regrow once psoriasis clears. 

Is it dandruff or scalp psoriasis? 

The following pointers will help you identify or determine which condition is cursing several problems. 

• • Dandruff is a condition marked by dry skin or white flakes that can cause an itchy scalp. The white flakes are usually small and are found around the scalp with several dry skin conditions. 
  • Another condition named seborrheic dermatitis can be caused, which may lead you to think you have scalp psoriasis. It is a common skin condition that affects your scalp and has stubborn dandruff. It causes scaly patches and red spots around the scalp. It is characterized by leaving red or oily patches, causing yellow flakes on the skin. 
  • However, psoriasis can take several forms. It can occur on the scalp, elbows or back. It usually affects the scalp’s skin cell production and causes unhealthy or abnormal skin growth, leading to dry, flaky patches on the scalp.
  • Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include constant irritation with flakes developing on the skin; It can cause scalp bleeding due to dry patches occurring along the hairline. 

Scalp psoriasis is completely a different animal from dandruff. It is due to the over-proliferation of the epidermis, which forms the top layers of our skin. Our experienced dermatologist provides one-stop solutions for your scalp problems and determines what condition you have. Our certified trichologists help you identify several causes, symptoms and treatments of these two conditions, which will help you enhance your hair care. 

If you have been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned above, you can visit our Richfeel clinic. It is the country’s first and biggest chain of trichology centers, with certified trichologists offering one-stop solutions for hair and scalp-related conditions. 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF DANDRUFF

Dandruff can occur for several reasons, which are discussed briefly. People with oily skin are more prone to dandruff. Reason being the formation of yeast: Malassezia globosa feeds on the scalp. In certain cases, the scalp of certain people reacts to this formation which leads to the renewing of skin cells, causing dandruff. It is involved in the pathogenesis of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. 

1. Contact dermatitis: It is usually caused due to skin irritation or an itchy rash. It is caused by an allergen or irritant, resulting in painful inflammation. The symptoms include leathery patches and dry, cracked or scaly skin. It is caused due to exposure to a substance and triggers an allergic reaction.

PRO TIP: Use mild fragrance soap to wash your skin. Identify the causes of your rash, and avoid the irritants or allergens. Regularly apply moisturizers or lotion that keeps your uppermost layer of skin restored. 

2. Dry skin: With a dry scalp, your skin gets irritated, causing white flakes. It is one of the common causes of dandruff found among adults. These dandruff flakes are usually dead skin cells that fall from the scalp. It is generally caused due to oily skin causing excess dead cells to cause white flakes.

PRO TIP: Consult your dermatologist for the best recommendations for your scalp problems. A gentle scalp massage or a good rinse with suggested health shampoos can help prevent dandruff.

3. Shampooing Habits: It is one of the most common causes of dandruff. For those who already have dandruff, washing infrequently can worsen the situation. Using harsh shampoos can cause dandruff, leading to worse conditions. Our trichologists suggest you not use harsh shampoos with chemicals causing dandruff.

PRO TIP: Choose a mild herbal shampoo that helps maintain your PH balance and enhance the roots of your hair. 

4. Skin disorders: Having eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or acne can worsen the dandruff condition. It can trigger seborrheic dermatitis. If you have naturally oily skin, you’re at a higher risk of seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff issues.

PRO TIP: Visit our Richfeel clinic and get diagnosed by our certified trichologists that offer the best solutions for your skincare. Avoid using styling tools too often as it can trigger irritation and accelerate your dandruff growth.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF SCALP PSORIASIS

• 1. Family history: Having a family member with this disease can increase your risk of having scalp psoriasis. If both of your parents have scalp psoriasis, you have 50%chances of developing scalp psoriasis. 

PRO TIP: Consult our best health providers when it causes immense discomfort or pain. It would be best if you visited our trichologists when it becomes severe and widespread.

2. Obesity: People who are obese have high chances of psoriasis. A recent study suggests that obesity and increased abdominal fat can cause psoriasis. It can make you worry about how others look at you. You may experience stress, anxiety or health disorders.

PRO TIP: Avoid having alcohol, processed foods and refined sugars. It is vital to keep track of your food intake with the help of a food journal. 

3. Viral and bacterial infections: People with bacterial or fungal infections have high chances of developing scalp psoriasis. Skin injuries, and alcohol addiction, can trigger psoriasis. High-stress levels are linked with psoriasis. 

PRO TIP: Include plenty of B vitamins in your food diet along with garlic, which helps fight dandruff.

SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

• Skin flakes on the shoulders, forehead or hair and eyebrows are the common signs of dandruff. 
• Itchy scalp. It is one of the primary and concerning reasons to remove dandruff. It causes the formation of a serious condition named seborrheic dermatitis and is equivalent to the formation of stubborn dandruff. 
• The increased flaking scalp is one of the common symptoms of dandruff. It is due to the formation of dead skin cells and can later form eczema and scalp psoriasis. 
• Increased hair fall and acne outbreak can lead to dandruff formation. An irritated or oily scalp is a major symptom of dandruff. It is due to the yeast-like fungus that feeds on the oils on the scalps of hair. 
• Exposure to harsh chemicals and bad weather conditions increases the scalp to get affected due to the UV radiation inviting dandruff due to a dry and itchy scalp. 

SYMPTOMS OF SCALP PSORIASIS

Here we present some common signs and symptoms of scalp psoriasis that will help you go ahead with the right diagnosis from our experienced trichologists.

• Excessive scalp flaking with constant irritation, burning sensation, or soreness. The scalp can feel extremely sore or itchy. 
• Bleeding. It is one of the common symptoms that appear in most cases. Scratching of the scalp can worsen psoriasis. 
• A dry, itchy scalp, along with rough patches appearing on the hairline, is one of the common signs of scalp psoriasis. Dry scalp, along with skin cracks or bleeds, is the common symptoms. 
• Exposure to the sun or acute autoimmune disorders in families is the common risk factors that can cause scalp psoriasis.  

RICHFEEL TREATMENT

 1. SCALP PSORIASIS

• The first step performed at our health clinic is Capillloscopy. It is a non-invasive technique performed with desired magnification to analyze the dry or oily scalp. The embellishment enhances the images of the hair, detecting the scalp and hair shift in the follicles. 
• It is one of the primary tools used to diagnose several hair and scalp problems. Our certified trichologists advise stopping oiling from avoiding aggregation of the formation of dead skin cells or red patches. 
• A range of optical devices is used with dedicated equipment that ensures high scalp transparency and visibility. 
•  Our experts perform this physical examination to get first-hand information about our patients’ hair problems. 
• Capilloscopic examination offers valuable insights by giving a magnified view of the hair and scalp that helps make the right diagnostic treatment. 
• Specific amino acids and therapeutic doses are given if needed during the treatment. Our trichologists examine several conditions related to the scalp and offer the right line of treatment.  

2. ANTI-DANDRUFF TREATMENT

• Our trichologist performs the anti-dandruff treatment and suggests you come for regular follow-up visits. 
• We perform two physical examinations: Capilloscopy examination and routine physical examination. It will help to ascertain the type and severity of dandruff. 
• As per the assessment of the severity of dandruff, shampooing advice with specific ingredients will be recommended by our trichologist. 
• Some patients may experience hair fall, so we suggest they focus on treating hair fall after analyzing the severity of dandruff. 
• Certain cream applications will be recommended to enhance the routine hair care regime. A prescribed diet enriched with minerals will be recommended. 
• Oiling has to be regularly performed as per the advice of the trichologist. We recommend the right shampoos to be used to enhance hair nutrition. 

If you are looking for permanent hair treatment for dandruff and scalp psoriasis, then RichFeel’s treatment is your best choice. Get in touch for more details to treat several hair and scalp problems. We prescribe the best hair treatments that help enhance and replenish your hair holistically.