Dandruff is a very common scalp condition that causes flaking and itching. While it may seem like a single issue, there are actually several types of dandruff, each with different causes and treatment approaches. Understanding the type you have is essential for choosing the right shampoo or medical treatment.
Types of Dandruff Explained
Below we break down the most common types of dandruff and how they differ:
1. Dry Scalp Dandruff
This type is caused by a lack of moisture in the scalp. Flakes are usually small, white, and dry. It is often worse during winter due to cold weather and indoor heating. Harsh shampoos can also strip natural oils, making the scalp dry and flaky.
2. Oily Scalp Dandruff (Seborrheic Dandruff)
This occurs when excess sebum (oil) mixes with dead skin cells, creating larger, yellowish flakes. The scalp may feel greasy or itchy. This is the most common form of dandruff, often linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis.
3. Fungal Dandruff (Malassezia-related)
A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia lives naturally on the scalp. However, when it grows excessively, it can cause irritation, redness, and increased shedding of skin cells. This results in noticeable flakes and itching. Anti-fungal shampoos (e.g., containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide) are often recommended.
4. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
A more severe form of dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis causes inflamed, red, and scaly patches on the scalp and sometimes on other oily areas like the eyebrows and sides of the nose. Flakes are typically yellow and greasy. This condition often requires medicated treatment.
5. Psoriasis-related Dandruff
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that can affect the scalp, producing thick, silvery scales that resemble dandruff. Unlike simple dandruff, psoriasis often extends beyond the hairline and requires prescription treatment.
6. Product Build-Up Dandruff
Overuse of hair products such as gels, sprays, and conditioners can cause build-up on the scalp. This traps oil and dead skin, leading to flaking that looks like dandruff. Switching to gentle, clarifying shampoos can often resolve this.
7. Contact Dermatitis
Some shampoos, hair dyes, and styling products contain ingredients that can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions. This can result in itching, redness, and flaking similar to dandruff.
What Type of Dandruff Do I Have?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell which type of dandruff you have, since symptoms overlap. Here are some clues:
- White, small flakes: Likely dry scalp dandruff.
- Yellow, greasy flakes: Oily dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Red, itchy patches beyond the scalp: Possible psoriasis or dermatitis.
- Flakes after new product use: Contact dermatitis or product build-up.
Common Questions About Types of Dandruff
Is all dandruff caused by fungus?
No. While fungal overgrowth of Malassezia is a common trigger, dry scalp, product build-up, and skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can also cause flaking.
Which type of dandruff is most common?
The most common type is oily scalp dandruff caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis and fungal imbalance.
Can dandruff go away on its own?
Mild dandruff may improve with better scalp care and hydration. However, chronic dandruff often requires medicated shampoos to control symptoms.
Can children get different types of dandruff?
Yes. Infants often develop cradle cap, a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Teenagers and adults are more likely to experience fungal and oily dandruff due to hormonal changes increasing oil production.
Treatments for Different Types of Dandruff
The treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Dry scalp: Use moisturising shampoos, avoid hot water, and reduce harsh products.
- Oily dandruff: Medicated shampoos with prioctone olamine, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid.
- Fungal dandruff: Antifungal shampoos containing piroctone olamine, ketoconazole.
- Psoriasis: Coal tar shampoos, gentle piroctone olamine shampoos, salicylic acid, or dermatologist-prescribed treatments.
- Product build-up: Clarifying shampoos and avoiding heavy styling products.
Some further reading
- NHS UK – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/
- British Association of Dermatologists – https://www.bad.org.uk/
- DermNet NZ – https://dermnetnz.org/
- PubMed – The Role of Malassezia in Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
- PubMed – Comparative efficacy of antifungal shampoos in dandruff